From Pakistan to the global stage: how Seemi’s ‘Seek Discomfort’ philosophy led to Distinguished Student honours
Be brave, be curious, just say yes to opportunities!
Seemi (left) receives the prestigious “Lingnan Education Organization Ambassador Programme - The Most Distinguished Student of the University Award” for 2025-26, becoming the sole recipient of this honour.
When Seemi Nisar, a recent Economics graduate, received both the Lingnan Education Organisation Ambassador Programme – Most Distinguished Student of the University Award and the Excellent Social Sciences Student Award for 2025-26, it marked the culmination of an extraordinary four-year journey.
As a Pakistani international student arriving in the Hong Kong SAR for the first time, she knew exactly what she wanted from her undergraduate experience. “I wanted an intimate learning environment with direct, active engagement with professors,” she says. Four years later, her choice of Lingnan University is a remarkable success story of global liberal arts education.
A launchpad for opportunities around the world
At Lingnan, Seemi made the most of a multitude of international opportunities, starting with an academic exchange to Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. “That experience was one of the most memorable and profound of my life,” she says. “It really pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to experience things that were completely unfamiliar.”
Seemi then channelled her interests into impactful service-learning projects, beginning with a Humanitarian Technology Summer Research Project in collaboration with the University of Toronto. She and her team studied the traditional rainwater harvesting practices of Indigenous communities in Mexico and First Nations communities in Canada to find sustainable solutions for regions facing water shortages.
“We drew up a report to help transfer that knowledge and implement similar projects in local communities,” Seemi explains, “and that research is currently being used by Lingnan’s Office of Service-Learning for projects in other countries.”
Seemi (fourth right) conducts fieldwork at the Nipissing First Nation community.
Seemi (second right) visits an electricity-generating station in Canada at Nipissing.
Seemi’s reach expanded further during a trip to the Philippines for the Joint Humanitarian Entrepreneurship Summer Academy. Leading an international team through sweltering summer conditions, she helped develop sustainable solutions for local farmers, and her team’s crowning achievement came when local government units adopted their plan. Seemi says, “This project showed me that you don’t have to graduate to make a difference. What we achieved was incredibly worthwhile, and it will contribute to the community in the long run.”
Embracing growth through discomfort
Reflecting on her own metamorphosis, Seemi notes, “My journey at Lingnan can be summarised in three words: growth, connection, and purpose. I arrived here knowing very little about the world, but now I am much more aware, and better equipped with the skills to overcome challenges, build meaningful connections, and contribute to everyday issues.”
This growth stems from her motto: Seek Discomfort—a philosophy she believes has provided her greatest life lessons. “It is when you gain new experiences in unfamiliar environments, and you seek discomfort, that’s when you grow, mature, and prepare yourself for reality.”
“My advice would be to say yes to any opportunity that comes your way,” she urges her fellow Lingnanians. “Lingnan provides ample opportunities that initially might not seem to interest you, but saying yes allows you to experience new things that may eventually become a passion. The University provides a safe environment where you can explore and experiment, and if you fail, they are there to help you rise again, while if you succeed, they are there to celebrate with you.”
Seemi’s inspiring journey perfectly reflects Lingnan’s commitment to nurturing international talent. Her final message to students is both encouraging and empowering: “Be brave, be curious, and make the absolute most of your four years at Lingnan.”
Seemi (left) wins the prize for Best Impromptu Speaker in the university category at the China Daily 21st Century Cup National English Speaking Competition (Hong Kong Region) in 2026.