【Alumni Hall of Records】Christine Xu (IBBA 2002): One of the first mainland Chinese elite students to embrace new challenges

Since the handover of Hong Kong, local universities have played a supportive role in helping ambitious mainland students achieve great heights. Among these institutions, CUHK stands out as one of the first Hong Kong universities to directly recruit undergraduate students from mainland China. Christine Xu (IBBA 2002) was among the first 28 mainland students to pursue undergraduate education at CUHK. She is currently a partner at the internationally renowned law firm Clifford Chance LLP. Reflecting upon her experience, Christine recalled how her time at CUHK broadened her horizons and set the stage for a life journey deeply intertwined with Hong Kong and CUHK.

Despite securing admission to one of mainland China’s top universities, Fudan University, Christine, who hails from Shanghai, made the bold decision to study in Hong Kong. “At that time, the internet wasn’t as prevalent, and there wasn’t much information available about CUHK. However, I wanted to give it a try,” says Christine.

Shortly after enrolling, Christine noticed the stark differences in the learning styles and cultures between mainland universities and CUHK. For instance, while mainland universities adhere to the classroom model commonly found in Chinese high schools, CUHK treats students as independent adults, encouraging them to express their opinions. Moreover, both faculty and students at CUHK were very supportive, making it easier for newcomers to integrate. “Local classmates welcomed us warmly, and even the vice chancellor invited us, the newly recruited mainland students, to casual tea sessions after our arrival.”

As an active participant in extracurricular activities, Christine cherished her opportunity to represent CUHK Business School in a business case competition among global universities in 2001. It marked the first time the competition invited both Hong Kong and mainland universities to participate, and Christine’s team surpassed all 15 other teams in Greater China and claimed the championship — a title that holds great significance for her to this day.

 

CUHK admitted its first batch of mainland Chinese students in 1998, including Christine (third from the left, second row). [Image courtesy: The Chinese University of Hong Kong Mainland Alumni Association (CUMA)]

For the first group of mainland students, studying in Hong Kong posed numerous challenges. CUHK, too, had to tackle various operational details, such as obtaining work visas for internships and navigating scholarship eligibility criteria that typically favoured local permanent residents. “Many professors and fellow students at CUHK were proactive in advocating for us with the relevant authorities. I am grateful for their support, as it ensured that we had equal opportunities. It paved the way for future students.” Christine adds.

She recalls that it was through the assistance of professors and coordinated efforts between the university and the Immigration Department that she secured internships at leading investment banks such as Morgan Stanley. These experiences broadened her international perspective and ultimately led to an opportunity to work at Boston Consulting Group after graduation. She then pursued legal studies at Oxford University in the UK with full scholarship before returning to Hong Kong to embark on her career as a practising solicitor.

 

Christine (second from the left) and her fellow classmates represented CUHK Business School for the first time in a business case competition, where they surpassed all 15 other university teams in Greater China and clinched the championship. [Image courtesy: The Chinese University of Hong Kong Mainland Alumni Association (CUMA)]

Christine’s four years of immersion in CUHK’s culture and her active participation in numerous group projects enhanced her teamwork and communication skills, which have proven invaluable to her career as a lawyer. “Law is often seen as a solitary profession, which can make many lawyers complacent. However, my training at CUHK Business School allowed me to empathise with others. I believe it’s important to communicate with my clients in a simple and straightforward manner, using their language,” she remarks.

She describes herself as someone who embraces uncertainty and “remains poised and intrepid”. These qualities form the basis of her advice for juniors at CUHK Business School. “Being poised means maintaining inner peace, and being intrepid means not fearing failure, and having the courage to pursue every opportunity for endless possibilities,” concludes Christine.

 

Special thanks to The Chinese University of Hong Kong Mainland Alumni Association (CUMA) for providing the photos.

 

CUHK Business School has a proud network of over 45,000 alumni in 50 countries. To explore our inspiring alumni stories, please click HERE.