Belt and Road students build their future at PolyU | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Belt and Road students build their future at PolyU | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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Dora Saylikoglu (left) from Turkey and Christelle Natalie Chua (right) from Indonesia explore endless opportunities of learning and personal growth within PolyU’s community.
At PolyU, diversity is more than a number – it’s part of everyday life on campus. In the 2025/26 academic year, around 1,100 new non-local students have joined the University, with over 30% coming from countries and regions along the Belt and Road Initiative, reflecting PolyU’s strong commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration. Through scholarships such as the “Belt and Road Scholarship” offered by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region, together with donor contributions that established the “Tan Siu Lin Foundation Belt-and-Road Entry Scholarship” and “China Merchants Belt and Road Scholarship”, the University empowers students to pursue their studies and build lasting cultural connections.
Two scholarship recipients, Dora Saylikoglu from Turkey and Christelle Natalie Chua from Indonesia, are each discovering their own paths to learn, grow, and give back through the rich array of opportunities PolyU offers.
Aspiring rocket scientist driven by innovation
Thoughtful, analytical, and deeply curious, Dora is a second-year student from Turkey who applies the same disciplined mindset to his academic choices as he does to his studies. Majoring in Applied Physics and taking on a secondary major in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (AIDA), he carefully considered his choices before selecting PolyU. “I created a pros and cons list to assess what I could gain most,” he explains.
What captivated him about PolyU was its unique integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the physics programme. He recalls, “When I discovered this programme, I realised almost no other institution could match it, and I thought, ‘Why wouldn’t I take advantage of that?’” Receiving a full scholarship meant he could focus on his studies without financial worries. “When PolyU granted me the scholarship, I was determined to make the most of the opportunity,” he reflects.
Dora’s passion for AI-driven innovation also shapes his pursuits across fields like AI in the fashion business, mechanical engineering, and rocket science. “AI has a solidified place in our lives,” he believes, aspiring to pioneer AI advances in physics – a perfect match to PolyU’s multidisciplinary focus through initiatives like the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), which harnesses the University’s cross-disciplinary strengths to foster global collaboration and position Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area as a leading AI hub.
With a keen interest in rocket science, Dora found inspiration at PolyU’s Aerospace Innovation Research Summit. There, he discovered the University’s contributions to China’s space exploration, such as the Surface Sampling and Packing System, developed jointly with the China Academy of Space Technology, for the Chang’e 5 and 6 missions to collect surface samples on the lunar front side and far aside respectively. He met a student from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering building a rocket engine in a Shenzhen laboratory – also a site Dora visited for first-hand insights. As an overseas student, he values PolyU’s efforts, especially since Hong Kong is not widely known for space research. “Space is going to be the next huge thing; anyone could play a role in it,” he says, eyeing a career in rocket science.
Life outside the classroom is equally enriching. At The Threads of Unity: Belt and Road Fashion Show, a highlight of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival last year, he represented Laos in a traditional costume that felt unfamiliar at first. “It was new to me, but it was a great experience,” he recalls. As a PolyU student ambassador, he shares a useful tip to prospective students from Central and East Asia: “Hang out with locals and stay open to new experiences.” These moments truly represent the vibrant, global journey that defines PolyU.
Crafting impactful design futures
For Christelle, a first-year student at the School of Design, studying abroad was a meaningful step towards personal growth and cultural immersion. Hailing from Surabaya, Indonesia, Christelle longed to broaden her worldview and engage with a diverse community. “I wanted to experience a different lifestyle, meet people from various cultures, and develop my soft skills,” she shares.
This aspiration naturally aligned with her passion for design – a field she believes can create meaningful change. “I aspire to be a designer because I see that design goes beyond aesthetics; it involves a deeper thought process,” Christelle explains. Her commitment to user-centred design and sustainability reflects her empathetic nature and desire to impact society positively. In her view, designers should address real-world problems and enhance functionality for users.
Choosing PolyU was thus an unquestionable decision for Christelle, drawn by its strong reputation in design and emphasis on professional, industry-relevant skills. “I chose PolyU for exactly that,” she states. This excellence is reflected in PolyU’s Art and Design disciplines, ranked among the world’s top 22 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. What truly resonates with her, however, is the University’s focus on societal impact, especially through innovative Design Clusters like Environment Design and Service Design. “These programmes align perfectly with my values, equipping us to make a real difference as designers,” she adds.
Christelle’s experience at PolyU has fully met her expectations. The University’s curriculum offers a common design foundation in year one and a design cluster in the following year, giving students the freedom to explore various fields before specialising. “This structure really helps us find our passions,” she notes.
Beyond her studies, Christelle stays engaged in campus life. As a committee member of the Indonesian Student Association, she recently participated in the Indonesian Cultural Night, showcasing her culture with fellow participants through performances. “It was a fruitful experience that boosted my confidence and enhanced my interpersonal skills,” she reflects.
Living in Hong Kong has also been a highlight for Christelle. The beautiful harbour is her favourite retreat, offering a place to unwind and enjoy breathtaking views. “The accessibility of the harbour makes it easy to relax and socialise with friends,” she says. To her fellow Indonesians considering studying abroad, Christelle has a clear message: “Studying in Hong Kong, especially at PolyU, has broadened my horizons and equipped me with the skillsets to make a real difference.”
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