By Darren Goh

It’s crazy to think how quickly this semester has gone by. Even more astonishing is the fact that it was each exchange student’s choice to pin this place on a map and call it home for the next three months. Though stepping into a new country is daunting, the longer you embrace it, the more certain the rewards become. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Hong Kong, and it has profoundly changed me in ways I never expected.

The biggest highlight of my exchange is definitely the people. I’ve been so fortunate to meet so many people from different backgrounds and walks of life. The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s hillside campus is massive, with nine constituent colleges, each with its own numerous affiliated halls. Several halls totalling well over a dozen, and still growing! Unfortunately, I realise there will be heaps of people I will not get to meet. However, it’s about cherishing the quality time with those you have. Even a simple campus meal with a new friend becomes a distinct memory. With over 30 eateries to choose from, it’s safe to say we are spoilt for choice. Hong Kong begs you to say yes to adventure, from hikes and food missions to island hops. Each ‘yes’ sparks new connections, turning a plan for two into a journey shared by many.

By far the biggest challenge has been academics. Being back in Asia has made me realise how much importance is placed on it. Even though I took four courses, two of which were economics courses that were similar to Waikato, they were not as straightforward, and I had to put in the hours to be certain that I would pass. There is also a huge emphasis on exams here, and two of my courses consisted of a midterm and final that were worth 40% and 60%, respectively. Through this experience, I’ve learned to be more diligent and to get on top of things earlier. Even the small steps, like spending the extra 10 minutes to write brief notes after class, knowing that I’m still making progress, were hugely beneficial in easing anxiety and burnout during the exam period.

To say that I’ve grown from this exchange would be an understatement. The deepest learning happened when I was pushed to rely on myself, and from that challenge, I have grown both mentally and emotionally. Learning to navigate campus/places quickly, university systems, transportation, cooking for yourself, and understanding when to prioritise your own needs is a huge part of growing up. Another lesson: there is peace in admitting, ‘I don’t know.’ Every journey is different, and each story holds its own truth. What makes each of us unique isn’t where we come from, but the personal journey we share—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s about embracing your unique journey and trusting that it will resonate with those who truly care to listen. Everyone is blessed with their own strengths, and there’s no single right way to grow.

Quietly reflecting on my future, I realise being one of the very few Kiwis at CUHK has allowed me to spark meaningful conversations and inspired me to become a better ambassador—both to internationals and locals. This experience deepened my appreciation of home, in both New Zealand and Singapore. Meeting fellow Asian diaspora has made me proud to embrace my Kiwiporean identity. Because identity isn’t about choosing a side but embracing every part of your story. I’ve found genuine joy in connecting deeply with people from all backgrounds and ethnicities; this is my strength, and I intend to wholeheartedly carry it forward.