After being accepted into the Cambridge MBA programme, I was honoured to receive the Boustany Foundation MBA scholarship and was even more thrilled to learn that I was the first Chinese woman to receive this award. This recognition was both exciting and humbling, motivating me to make the most of this transformative opportunity.
Before my summer internship in Monaco began, as part of the Boustany Foundation award, I worked hard to showcase a collection of sustainable gowns, co-created with other Chinese designers, at the Fitzwilliam Museum, the largest fine art museum in Cambridge. This project aimed to promote the fusion of Eastern and Western cultural heritage through fashion while emphasising the importance of sustainable materials.
However, after nearly a year of growth through learning from professors, friends and guest speakers at Cambridge Judge Business School, I wanted to expand the impact of my work. During my internship at the Boustany Foundation, I focused on organising an inaugural art exhibition, “We Share the Same World.” This initiative not only celebrated global diversity but also fostered meaningful conversations around cultural understanding and inclusivity. I took on the responsibility of planning the event from the ground up, managing logistics, collaborating with international artists, and ensuring that the project aligned with the Foundation’s mission. Regular updates to Mr. Fadi Boustany, Ms. Alison Pitt, and other leaders within the Foundation, were always met with patient and thoughtful guidance, which extended beyond just work-related matters. Mr. Boustany’s personal advice deeply resonated with me, prompting me to reflect on whether my career aspirations had strayed from my original intentions.
In Monaco, I also connected with fellow Foundation scholarship recipients, including a Cambridge Astronomy PHD student and a Harvard MBA student, and I engaged in insightful exchanges on entrepreneurship and life. On weekends, I explored the beauty of the Côte d’Azur, including southern France and Italy. Additionally, I was fortunate to watch the Olympic qualifiers, as the 2024 Olympic games were being held in France, which left a lasting impression on me. The pace of life here is much slower than what I have been used to, giving me the opportunity to slow down and reflect on my future, and to consider how I can become a more meaningful contributor to society.
My experiences on the Cambridge MBA and during this summer internship have given me a clear sense of purpose and confidence to take bold steps in my career. In fact, before graduating from Cambridge Judge, I founded the Cambridge China Business Forum. It seeks to promote equitable dialogue and deepen collaborative exchanges between both nations in the realms of international trade, technological innovation, and investment. The forum event, held in August, has already garnered coverage from over 30 major media outlets and reached more than a million viewers. Beyond the dedicated efforts of the team behind this success, I am deeply grateful to the Cambridge MBA and the Boustany Foundation for their invaluable support and guidance throughout this journey.
Pembroke College, with its vibrant community and academic opportunities, added great depth to my Cambridge experience. Being a member of this historic and supportive community provided a sense of belonging and access to numerous academic and networking opportunities. Through various social activities, I made friends from different fields and ages, such as Jiten Dhandha, the Boustany Astronomy Scholarship recipient, who guided me through the the Institute of Astronomy, where he shared his knowledge of astronomy and allowed me to view the stars through the telescope. This was a truly inspiring experience. I also joined the Pembroke tennis and rowing clubs, which provided a more relaxed environment to meet new friends and strengthen existing bonds.
Looking ahead, I am eager to apply the skills and insights gained through my MBA at Cambridge and my internship with the Boustany Foundation to my future career, with a focus on contributing to human society and making a global impact.