Candidates for the UG Representative

Candidate Name: KESKINOGLU Elbek J

Personal Statement:

I'm Elbek J. Keskinoglu, a third-year Physics student who spends time doing research with people in the ECE department. Some people remember me as "Jesus" from Halloween, some call me the long-haired guy, and some just nod when they pass me on campus. I'm basically a simple person: I like what I do, I take things seriously, but I don't make life more complicated than it needs to be.

I didn't plan to run for the University Senate. To be honest, I wasn't looking for the spotlight. But friends, classmates, and people I've worked with on projects kept telling me I should run — that I'm the kind of person who listens and actually tries things that help. They backed me, and that support means a lot. That's why I'm here: to repay that trust and to try to make small, practical improvements people notice.

I'm not aiming to promise grand, impossible changes. I'm not going to tell you I'll get us to Mars. What I want to do is much simpler: spot the little things that get in the way of student life and get them unstuck. Whether it's an academic pain — confusing prerequisites, unclear course expectations, or slow, opaque grading — or social stuff — no nearby places to eat during late lab nights, clunky funding routes for small student events, or limited weekend transport options — these things pile up and make campus life harder than it should be.

My research experience taught me a practical approach: observe what's actually happening, test small fixes, and scale what works. I'll bring that same mindset to the Senate. I'll listen first, talk with staff and students, run pilots for obvious low-risk fixes, and follow up so problems don't just get "noted" and forgotten. I want to be the person who removes obstacles so people can enjoy life here more — academically and socially.

I'm easy to reach. I'll hold regular listening hours, and I'll push for clearer channels where students can raise issues and see what's being done. I'll push for faster, simpler solutions when they make sense, and I'll push back when bureaucracy gets in the way without reason.

If you've ever chatted with me — about a lab problem, a course complaint, or even a Halloween costume — you know I care. That's the whole point. People believed I could do this job, and I want to honor that belief by getting practical stuff done. So if you give me your trust, I'll do my best to make campus a little easier, friendlier, and more fun to live in.

I like to keep things real: drop by for a coffee, corner me after lecture, or DM me — I'll listen. I want to make the Senate a practical team that fixes small things fast. I'm not perfect, but I'm dependable. With your support we'll make steady, visible improvements that actually make campus life better together.

As long as you believe in me, we can do better!

 


Candidate Name: NG Yuet Hin Kevin

Personal Statement:

Dear Members of the HKUST,

My name is Ng Yuet Hin, a Year 2 student from the School of Business and Management (SBM). I am writing to express my sincere interest in representing the undergraduate student body as a member of the University Senate for the upcoming academic year.

The University Senate plays a vital role in shaping academic policies, reviewing teaching and research standards, and upholding the core values of our institution. As a passionate and engaged student, I firmly believe that the student voice is indispensable to these conversations. If elected, I will work diligently to ensure that the perspectives, concerns, and aspirations of undergraduate students are not only heard but actively considered in Senate decisions.

Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a deep appreciation for the importance of academic excellence, inclusivity, and student well-being. I see the Senate's responsibilities — such as planning and reviewing academic programmes, regulating examinations, and advising on student welfare — as directly linked to our daily experience as students. I aim to be a strong advocate for fairness in assessment, transparency in academic regulations, and the continuous enhancement of our learning environment.

As an SBM student, I benefit from a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes analytical thinking,leadership, and ethical decision-making — all of which I will bring to the Senate. I have also actively participated in student-led activities and peer collaboration, which helped me understand the diverse challenges students face across faculties. I am particularly passionate about strengthening academic advising, promoting mental health awareness, and ensuring that policies are equitable and student-centered.

I am ready to collaborate with faculty members, administrators, and fellow Senate members to propose constructive changes and offer feedback on academic issues referred to the Senate by the Council. I also hope to contribute to discussions on how we can better support interdisciplinary learning, research innovation, and global engagement opportunities for students. Furthermore, I will strive to improve communication between the Senate and the wider student body, so that decisions are made transparently and with accountability.

This opportunity is not only about representing students — it is a chance to serve the university community and contribute to its long-term growth. I am committed, responsible,and ready to take on the duties of a Senate member with dedication and a solution-focused mindset.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I would be honored to receive your support and to represent your voice in the University Senate.

Sincerely,
Ng Yuet Hin
Year 2 Student, School of Business and Management

 


Candidate Name: TONG Zhe

Personal Statement:

Greetings, my fellow HKUST students. I am TONG Zhe, a Year 4 undergraduate in Computer Engineering (CPEG). Over the past years, my journey in HKUST has been defined by connection, collaboration, and the pursuit of mutual growth.

As a former captain of the RoboMaster Team, I've experienced first-hand the importance of communication and teamwork — whether exchanging ideas with university departments or bringing together diverse talents to achieve a shared goal. My role as head of publicity for the Mainland Student and Scholars Society allowed me to organize campus activities and interact closely with students from various backgrounds, deepening my understanding of their aspirations and concerns.

Through participating in UROP, I gained valuable insight into undergraduate research opportunities and realized the importance of bridging information gaps: making sure every student is aware of, and can access, resources and possibilities offered by the university.

If elected to the Senate, my priority is to serve as an effective link between students and the university — to amplify student voices, foster transparent communication, and reduce the disconnect that can arise between policies and student needs. I believe every student should have equitable access to opportunities, and I will strive to ensure our university's resources are made visible and truly reach those who need them most. By listening, sharing, and advocating, I hope to help more students engage deeply in campus life, from academics to extracurriculars.

Let's work together to build a campus environment where information is shared openly, opportunities are accessible to all, and every student's journey is supported by meaningful communication and collaboration. Thank you for your trust.

 


Candidates for the PG Representative

Candidate Name: STEER Cameron Thomas

Personal Statement:

Hi everyone,

I'm Cameron, a first-year PhD student previously at Imperial College London. I'm running for Senate to strengthen student participation and confidence in the Senate by learning, listening, and putting student matters first.

I'll keep this simple with just my key priorities:

  • Prioritising student concerns,
  • Open communication between students and academic leadership,
  • Transparency in university decision-making.

I joined HKUST to experience a newer university in rapid growth with a strong interdisciplinary research environment, but my favourite aspect is the student-focused nature of the university. I hope to preserve this focus with my enthusiastic participation in the Senate. I'm driven by a genuine curiosity in the university's systems and will bring a fresh perspective alongside my experiences from different (much older) universities.

At the same time, I want to promote transparency in these processes, making them accessible and understandable to all students. This is essential for clear communication of our needs and views as students, again promoting student concerns as the most important matters. As an international student, I also hope to connect the different communities of local and non-local students to ensure everyone can share their thoughts on academic policy.

I could write pages, but I'll keep this statement brief. Please reach out to discuss more!

Thank you for your consideration!

Cameron Steer - Year 1 ENVR PhD(AES) Student

 


Candidate Name: ZHOU Hanqin

Personal Statement:

Dear Members of the Academic Community,

I am Zhou Hanqin, a third-year PhD student in Electronic and Computer Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and I am honored to present myself as a candidate for the PG Senate seat.

Incorporating studies from my undergraduate from Imperial College London to my master's degree from the university of Manchester, I can say that I've made strides in my academic coursework, social works, and the world of music. These are aspects that have influenced my creative endeavors and in turn shaped my perspective which I will be bringing to our university.

As the Mainland Students and Scholars Society (MSSS) president for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic year, I have had the opportunity to lead several initiatives aimed at bridging the divide in the community. I have attempted to help shape the community over the years, whether it was by planning orientation events, visiting for welcoming ceremonies, or collaborating with various student organizations.

I have made it a point to extend my concern for the student experience among departments interacting with students like the Student Support & Activities office, Sports Development Office, Career Center, Entrepreneurship Center, DSTO, URAO, Provost Office and President's Office through student training, student workshops and collaborative projects with local and international institutions.

Moreover, the activities which include building networks between students and the society such as social organizations, businesses and the government institutions are collaborations that make sense. These activities have included things such as going to the Hong Kong Police Station and military camps, getting new students discounts when opening banking/credit card/phone card accounts, and arranging social and sports activities with other universities in Hong Kong.

Being a PG student, I know the unique requirements of TPG and RPG students. TPG students are often easily satisfied when their needs concerning employment and work are met. In contrast, RPG students' expectations involve being engaged in active research streams and having support for commercialization initiatives. The ongoing integration project of Clearwater Bay, Guangzhou and Macau region has been a subject of discussion and aspiration for PG students but the ability to raise such issues in our organization is difficult.

In the event the position of PG student representative for the 2025-26 session is offered to me, I will ensure the participation of students by reaching out to the university management. Based on my academic, research and student engagement background, I will perform my duties and responsibilities in the interest of our community and enhance the wellbeing of our university as an institution for the benefit of all.

I humbly ask for your support and the opportunity to represent the voices and aspirations of PG students on the Senate.

Thank you for considering my candidacy.

Warm regards,
Zhou Hanqin