Engineering Better Hearts through CUHK Research
When Mathias Billy Muljadi first arrived at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, he brought more than just his passion for biomedical engineering—he carried a vision of developing innovative treatments for heart disease. His choice of CUHK would prove to be the catalyst for groundbreaking research in nanoparticle-based medicine.
Finding Home Away from Home
Unlike many international students, Billy's transition to Hong Kong came naturally. “The transition was not that difficult, because I actually come from a Chinese-Indonesian family background,” he explains. This cultural bridge, combined with CUHK's robust support system, helped him quickly find his footing in Hong Kong.
The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at CUHK played a particularly meaningful role in building a supportive student community. “OSA has an event in which Indonesian students at CUHK are invited to host the events by ourselves. So we have our chance to meet other Indonesian students, plan the events, and put our ideas into practice,” Billy shares, describing how these initiatives helped strengthened connections among fellow Indonesian students, creating a sense of belonging far from home.
Pioneering Research in Nanomedicine
Billy's scientific journey began with an ambitious undergraduate project: developing folic receptor-targeted nanoparticles to combat atherosclerosis. “Atherosclerosis is a cause of coronary artery disease,” he explains. “The goal of this project was to find a drug using gold nanoparticles to reduce plaque built up in our blood vessels.”
Now, his research has evolved to focus on revolutionary treatments for heart attack victims. “I'm trying to create nanoparticles to cure people who suffer from heart attack by restoring their heart function,” he elaborates, describing his current work at CUHK's cutting-edge facilities.
Working at the Frontier of Medical Innovation
As a member of Professor Jonathan Choi's laboratory—Hong Kong's first nanoparticle-based drug delivery lab—Billy finds himself at the forefront of medical innovation. “It's full of fun and at the same time intriguing, the people and the lab itself always broaden my perspective. There is always a unique experience and through our research, we are always discovering something new,” he shares.
The mentorship he receives extends beyond traditional academic guidance. Billy particularly values Professor Choi's approach to leadership, noting how he balances his roles as supervisor, mentor, and sometimes friend. The Department of Biomedical Engineering enhances this experience through practical training and real-world exposure.
“They always offer practical courses for students. During my undergraduate studies, we had a summer programme where we were sent to the hospital and engaged in hands-on training to learn how to operate medical devices,” Billy explains, highlighting the experiential nature of CUHK's educational approach.
Building Research Excellence at CUHK
The path to becoming a successful researcher requires more than just lab work, as Billy discovered through CUHK's comprehensive PhD programme. “In the first one-and-a-half years, we had to join courses and participated in trainings. These guided us in writing our proposals, crafting our thesis, and securing fundings in our PhD journey,” he explains. This structured approach to research training creates a foundation for academic success.
Beyond individual development, the department fosters a vibrant research community through annual presentations and conferences, connecting students with researchers and international experts in the field.
When reflecting on what makes The Chinese University of Hong Kong special, Billy points to three key elements: its people, environment, and academic excellence. “People here are very nice and supportive. Everyone is treated equally and with respect.” he shares.
CUHK’s unique setting offers something rare in Hong Kong—a peaceful campus environment that enables focused research while remaining connected to the city's energy. This balance, combined with rigorous academic standards, creates an ideal setting for scholarly pursuit.
Shaping the Future of Medical Technology
Billy's vision extends beyond his immediate research. His goal is to develop drug delivery solutions that are both effective and accessible. “Hopefully at the end of the day, if the research goes successfully, it can be translated into something really useful,” he explains, highlighting his commitment to practical applications of his work.
To those considering following in his footsteps, particularly Indonesian and international students interested in biomedical engineering at CUHK, Billy offers encouraging words: “Whenever you see an opportunity, always give it a shot. And always try your best, because you will never know what the future holds for you.”
His story at CUHK demonstrates how the right combination of academic rigour, supportive community, and research opportunities can shape a scientist's journey. Through comprehensive training, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and professional development opportunities, CUHK has helped transform Billy from a curious student into an emerging leader in biomedical research.
