HKPFS Awardee
From Ethiopia to Hong Kong, Pursuing Economic Excellence at CUHK
When Metaket Dagne Abe left his position at Ethiopia's Central Bank to pursue a PhD at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, he was following more than just academic ambition. His journey to CUHK represented the culmination of years of professional experience and a desire to contribute to the understanding of African economic development on a global scale.
Choosing CUHK
The decision to study at CUHK came through an unexpected connection. “A friend and former co-worker who had studied in China told me how vibrant and international Hong Kong is,” Metaket recalls. “He also told me that the universities here are world-class and highly ranked.” The combination of CUHK's international faculty and diverse specialisations in economics proved irresistible for someone with Metaket's global perspective.
His path to Hong Kong was anything but direct. After his undergraduate studies, Metaket dove into the world of economic and financial policy at Ethiopia's Central Bank. Recognising the need to expand his expertise, he completed a master's degree in his home country before crossing the Atlantic for another master's at Columbia University. Each step built upon the last, leading him to his current research at CUHK.
Now, his work focuses on a crucial intersection of global economics. “I actually completed a project on the dynamics of international trade from Africa to the US and to China,” Metaket explains. His research examines how African countries' international trade patterns have evolved over the past two decades.
Building a Home Away from Home
For international students, adapting to life in a new country can be challenging, but CUHK has created a comprehensive support system. “CUHK has different schemes to create adaptability for these international students,” Metaket notes. From Cantonese language courses for beginners to cultural immersion activities, the University ensures students can thrive both academically and personally.
“Another one is the different visiting programmes that take students to various historical places of Hong Kong and offer opportunities to interact with society there,” he adds, highlighting how these initiatives help students connect with their new home.
Within the Department of Economics, Metaket found more than just academic guidance. “The coursework provided by the Department is advanced, and they prepare you to tackle the real-world problems,” he explains. The mentorship from his supervisor has proven particularly valuable: “The supervisor shares his experience and offers guidance on how to proceed with your future career goals.”
Regular career updates and encouragement to pursue internships complement the Department's academic focus, creating a holistic approach to professional development. For Metaket, this combination of rigorous academic training and personal mentorship has been transformative.
Transformative Support through Fellowship
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) has been more than just financial assistance for Metaket—it's been a gateway to global academic opportunities. The comprehensive scholarship, covering both living expenses and tuition, has allowed him to fully immerse himself in his research at CUHK. This support has taken him from presenting at the Canadian Economic Association Conference to conducting fieldwork in Ethiopia.
“The fund basically covers your overseas transportation and accommodation expenses so that you can attend important academic events without worrying the financial constraints during the process,” Metaket explains. This freedom to focus entirely on academic pursuits has been crucial to his development as a researcher.
A Guide for Future Scholars
Drawing from his experience as an African student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Metaket offers thoughtful guidance to others considering a similar path. “To thrive in your PhD studies, you should have a supportive supervisor who knows what your deficits are and what you need,” he emphasises. His advice reflects the importance of finding the right academic match, particularly given the diverse specialisations available within CUHK's Department of Economics.
When reflecting on what makes CUHK special, Metaket points to three key elements: “The supervisors, the quality of education, and also the cooperative and supportive environment are the three main things that I can mention regarding CUHK.” These factors have combined to create an environment where international students can thrive both academically and personally.
Indeed, Metaket's journey at CUHK exemplifies how the University's commitment to academic excellence, coupled with its supportive atmosphere and global perspective, can shape a scholar's trajectory. Through rigorous coursework, mentorship, and abundant resources, CUHK has provided him with the foundation needed to make meaningful contributions to economic research and policy.
