Dr Marco Y C Pang

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Exchange to La Trobe University, Australia

The Endeavour Cheung Kong Research Fellowship allowed me to spend 4 months in Melbourne, Australia. The purpose of the visit was to develop collaborative research projects with scholars at La Trobe University, as well as the National Stroke Research Institute. The time in Australia was one of the most fruitful and amazing experiences in my life. Professionally, I had opportunities to meet with many high-calibre researchers in the fields of neuroscience and rehabilitation, and get to know their current research programmes. It was truly an eye-opener. Most importantly, I had successfully established ongoing research collaboration with some of the researchers there.

I was absolutely impressed by Aussie hospitality. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. They were always willing to give a helping hand when I needed it. Without their support, I would not have settled in so quickly. Through working with the people there, I was reminded of the importance of the collaborative spirit and mutual respect. My Aussie experience also brought back some fond memories of my time as a student in Canada, where I could see the blue sky and breathe fresh air almost every day, which is, sadly, becoming a rarity in Hong Kong. Aussie BBQ, of course, was also one of the highlights of my time there.

Australians know how to live life. Unlike the hectic lifestyle in Hong Kong, no matter how busy it is during the course of the week, people that I worked with in Melbourne always found a way to set aside some quality time with their families or friends and do something fun. I also took the opportunity to explore the vast and beautiful country of Australia, from the renowned Ayers Rock in the desert area, to the rugged coastline along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, and the majestic Cradle Mountains in Tasmania. I was truly stunned by what I saw, which was so diverse and spectacular. I could not stop but ponder about the power of nature and my own insignificance.

I had gained much more from this 4-month stay in Australia than I originally expected. At the end, it was not only a professional activity, but also an enriching cultural and life experience. I would like to thank the Australian Government and the Cheung Kong Group for granting me the Award to make all this happen.

© Copyright 2018 CK Group. All rights reserved.