【Alumni Hall of Records】Sam Wong (QFIN 2016): A Go-getter who Never Rests on his Top Scorer Laurel
With rigorous admission standards, CUHK Business School enrolls a significant number of freshmen who achieve outstanding results in public examinations every year. In this “Alumni Hall of Records” feature, we talked to Sam Wong (QFIN 2016), one of the top scorers in the inaugural HKDSE examination with six 5** grades. Currently the Vice President, Greater China Financials at Jefferies LLC, Sam remains dedicated to continuous self-improvement and he firmly believes that opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared.
Q: Why did you choose the Quantitative Finance (QFIN) programme at CUHK Business School?
A: Although I studied science in secondary school, I was interested in finance for its strong connection to all industries. I reckoned that studying finance would broaden my horizons.
Q: You are among the first HKDSE exam sitters. Was it stressful? Did you ever think you would become a top scorer?
A: Honestly, being a first-year DSE candidate was challenging and stressful, but in the end, DSE was just another examination. I never aimed to be a top scorer. I just put in my effort and tried to do my best. I guess I was lucky.
Sam (second from left) participated in business case competitions at university
Q: How do you like the HKDSE “top scorer” title?
A: After entering CUHK, being an elite student doesn’t really set you apart; it simply means that you might have received some additional scholarships. In the QFIN class, I met quite many outstanding minds, each with their unique strengths. Some excelled in interpersonal communication, which humbled me and reminded me to remain open to learning. While I graduated with First Class Honours, I wasn’t the top scorer in terms of GPA – there is always someone who outperforms you, and there are always greater heights to achieve.
Q: Could you share with us some of your memorable moments at CUHK?
A: There are three off the top of my head. Firstly, I had the opportunity to study at Oxford University in the UK as a visiting student. The focus was not entirely finance related. I spent quite a bit of time on philosophy and political economy, which complements well with the finance training at CUHK. The learning experience at Oxford was very refreshing because they placed a strong emphasis on the humanity side of things and the historical context. On the other hand, CUHK placed more emphasis on practical applications and understanding market dynamics. Secondly, I cherish the connections I made with like-minded classmates in the QFIN programme. Being passionate about finance, we would often exchange investment insights and ideas. Lastly, living in the student hostels was a significant part of my university life. Since I resided in Cheung Chau, I was eligible for hostel accommodation for four-straight years, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Sam (first to the left) believes that studying finance can broaden his horizons
Sam (left) is grateful to Prof Chow Ying Foon (right), the then QFIN Programme Director, for his mentorship
Q: Does your experience at CUHK Business School benefit your career development?
A: During my time at CUHK, in addition to studying, I participated in various business case competitions. Each competition involved teaming up with people across various programs and departments, allowing me to learn from the strengths of them. The collaborative experience played a critical part at different points of my career.
I also interned at HSBC and Citigroup, and after graduation, I successfully joined Citigroup as a global markets analyst. A year and a half ago, I made a career transition to Jefferies LLC, where I work as a lead financial and real estate sector analyst. In the finance industry, I naturally came across many CUHK Business School alumni, some of whom hold executive positions. I’d talk to them to find out what talents they are looking for in jobseekers and their evaluation criteria, and enhance my own competitiveness accordingly.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: I don’t typically set specific plans for myself. In our line of work, we understand that change is the only constant. The world is filled with uncertain factors that can significantly influence our paths, many of which are beyond our control. Instead, I have always believed in the philosophy of doing my best and being adaptable to whatever comes my way. When I was a student, I always contemplated my mistakes so as to improve myself. Similarly, in the professional world, I believe in giving my best effort, being prepared, constantly learning, and striving for personal growth. By doing so, I believe that I will be ready to seize opportunities that come my way.
CUHK Business School has a proud network of over 40,000 alumni in 49 countries. To explore our inspiring alumni stories, please click here.