First cohort of the Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class seeks fresh international horizons
As part of the inaugural Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class (CCT Class), three freshmen from vastly different walks of life — brought together by the Hong Kong SAR’s vibrant, cosmopolitan charm and Lingnan University’s small-class liberal arts education — are now forging their own paths of growth at Lingnan, seeing the world through a fresh, youthful lens.
Inaugural member of the CCT Class:
Subats Nepal (Economics, Year 1)
Prior to joining Lingnan, Subats Nepal considered his options globally, including the US and Europe. Yet the Hong Kong SAR offered something more compelling: an open international hub paired with a full scholarship. Crucially, Lingnan’s liberal arts model features small-class teaching, complemented by the CCT Class’s dedicated mentorship. “I wanted close discussion with professors, and Lingnan supports that idea,” he explains.
Subats brings a thoughtful, analytical perspective to Lingnan’s forward-looking artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. He appreciates the University’s vision, and points out how human critical evaluation complements AI capability: “AI is built on preexisting data, but economic decisions depend on constantly evolving factors,” an insight that underscores his maturity.
His passion for economics was sparked in Model United Nations forums, where he observed that every global crisis — human rights, humanitarian aid, and even conflict — ultimately hinges on resource allocation. “Economics combines the fruits of all other fields and distributes them to the people,” he reflects. “I want to understand that power, and perhaps use it to make this world a better place.”
At Lingnan, Subats’ horizons have broadened in ways he had never imagined. “In my homeland of Nepal, I rarely met foreigners. Here, I have met people from the Americas, Europe, and Central Asia.” He has joined the Toastmasters Club, Lingnan University, and plans to establish a new student society.
From his mentor, Prof Larry Qiu Dongxiao, Sydney S. W. Leong Chair Professor of Economics and Head of the Department of Economics, Subats has learned a vital lesson about balance: “You have to achieve a balance between life and work, because life is not all about work, research, and studying.”
Subats seizes every opportunity to learn. During the CCT Class leadership training day camp, he and his teammates had a strict time limit to build a structural tower. “We failed at first because we did not think deeply before acting,” he reflects.
He looks forward to his journey of self-discovery with quiet confidence, and his ultimate ambition is to pursue a master’s degree followed by international policy advisory work on the global stage.
His motto summarises his personal philosophy and shows resilience: “Failure is behind me. Look at the next goal. Keep being optimistic — eventually I shall succeed.”
Inaugural member of the CCT Class:
Jannat Zahra Jabeen (Animation and Digital Arts, Year 1)
Since childhood, Jannat Zahra Jabeen has been captivated by the way objects come to life on the screen — the way artists express specific ideas that are impossible to see in live-action movies. Even now, she finds watching smoothly flowing animation deeply satisfying. That childhood fascination has now grown into a sense of purpose, inspiring her to study animation and the digital arts.
Before joining Lingnan, Jannat completed her IB and IGCSE diplomas at an international school in the Hong Kong SAR, where her involvement in creative and service-based experiences developed the foundational skills that would shape her aesthetic vision.
Her expectations for the CCT Class centre on achieving personal growth. She hopes to challenge her creative skills and professionalism, particularly through AI training workshops and opportunities for collaboration.
As an arts student, she finds the common core course on Generative AI (GenAI) particularly important, and sees GenAI helping with designing, brainstorming, and increasing efficiency in production — freeing animators to focus on the creative and emotional depth only human experts can provide. This is precisely the kind of integration Lingnan’s AI initiative hopes to foster: not replacement, but augmentation.
Her mentor, Prof Ken Tso Hung-kit, Assistant Professor of Teaching of the Department of Digital Arts and Creative Industries and Programme Director of the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Animation and Digital Arts Programme, has an extensive background in 3D and game design. What Jannat values most is his versatility — he not only works in animation, but also carves wood and obsidian. “In this way, I can take a break from being overwhelmed by animation and look at other intriguing art forms.”
University life so far has been stimulating and rewarding, and Jannat’s goals are clear: she is most excited about exchanges abroad and research opportunities, and plans to make the most of her four years of learning at Lingnan, ensuring they leave a lasting impression: “I want people to know who I am and what I like to do.”
Her motto is simple but powerful: “Do it scared.” She explains, “When I hesitate to try new things outside my comfort zone, I remind myself of this — so that I can try, make mistakes, learn, and gain a new experience.”
Inaugural member of the CCT Class:
Jeremy Liu Zichun (Finance, Year 1)
“I believe broadening our horizons and experiencing diverse cultures are just as important in university as academic performance,” says Jeremy Liu Zichun from Xi’an, China. He joined summer overseas programmes in high school, which widened his perspective and confirmed his desire to study in an international environment — which ultimately led him to the Hong Kong SAR.
He chose to major in Finance, because it offers valuable insights into how society and economies function. “I like to understand the essence of things,” he explains. “The operation of every industry is inseparable from finance.” Exploring how businesses run, wielding financial tools, and witnessing finance’s growing integration with cutting-edge technology interest him, and mirror his passions for geography and urban dynamics.
Valuing experience above all, Jeremy sees the CCT Class as the ideal vehicle, as its unique resources and dedicated mentorship foster individualised and all-round development.
As a research-focused liberal arts university comprehensive in arts and sciences in the digital age, Lingnan emphasises whole-person education, small-class teaching, and a genuine dedication to every student, fostering a culturally diverse environment. This diversity shines through campus activities and creates opportunities to connect with students from all walks of life.
Jeremy’s mentor, Prof Wei Lai, Professor and Head of the Department of Finance, has already made a strong impression on him. Drawing on her own university experiences, she has offered constructive advice on how to plan the next four years based on Jeremy’s future aspirations. “What moved me most was that her suggestions were not just empty talk. She teaches by example, which is far more powerful than mere preaching.”
University life so far has been fulfilling and enjoyable, and Jeremy wishes to pursue an overseas exchange in order to immerse himself in a Western cultural environment in Europe or America. Professionally, he leans toward entering the industry after obtaining a master’s degree, and believes emerging fields like ESG offer a perfect combination of his interests.
His motto is: “Keep love and curiosity for life,” and he values pursuits that broaden his horizons and connect him with different cultures. “It is this curiosity and love for life that brought me to Lingnan and will keep pushing me forward,” he concludes.