Our Graduates
With a translation degree in hand, you are well-equipped for a whole variety of jobs: translation and interpreting of all kinds, of course, but beyond that, almost anything that demands an advanced proficiency in bilingual communication and expert intercultural competence. Our graduates have found jobs as court interpreters, government translators, public relations managers and news reporters. Others have gone into fields such as arts management, magazine journalism, bilingual editing, foreign diplomacy, and even marketing. The BA Translation Programme gives you a gateway to all these and many more.
Alumni showcase will be also availble on our Linkedin
We present to you Kelly Luo of Class 2024. Here is her story:
My name is Kelly Luo, and I graduated this year from Hong Kong Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts in Translation and a minor in French. On November, I had the honor to receive both the Scholastic Award and the Outstanding Student Award (Photos 1 and 2). I am a non-local student from the city of Bauru in Brazil and have been living in China for ten years, during which I have learned both Chinese and English. At university, I undertook the challenge of studying translation alongside local and mainland students. This experience was one of the most challenging yet intellectually stimulating of my life. I took a variety of courses, including theoretical classes where I learned about the history of the discipline, translation strategies and criticism. Additionally, I participated in practical courses such as the Translation Workshop, where I had the opportunity to craft articles for the magazine TransFeed (Photo 3) and provide translations for the Hong Kong Neuro-Muscular Disease Association. I also produced a Portuguese version of the comic book Untold Stories of Hong Kong during the course Translation, Publishing, and Global Circulation, which highlights marginalized voices in Hong Kong. Furthermore, I was able to explore my interests that intersect with translation, such as in the fields of museums and literature.
During the past four years, I have reconnected with my own culture. At the university, I met Brazilian students who taught me more about our country. Together, we organized booths for the Cultural Night hosted by the International Association to showcase our culture, introduce our language, and share local food (Photos 4 and 5). Additionally, we participated in Cultural Exchange Parties organized by the Language Centre, where we prepared an annual presentation about our country and answered any questions that students might have had (Photo 6). Throughout various courses, I also took the opportunity to explore issues related to Brazil. All these activities made me feel closer to home, even though I am almost a thirty-hour flight away. This journey culminated in my final year project.
For my final-year project, I translated two chapters from the book Longe do Ninho by Daniela Arbex. With the continuous support and encouragement of Dr. Marija Todorova (Photo 7), as well as the author herself, who reposted my Instagram stories celebrating the completion of my translation (Photo 8), I produced work that I am truly proud of. I had often heard that the honors project was merely the final obstacle to graduation, but it turned out to be an opportunity for activism for me in the end. This year, when Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, won a Latin Grammy Award, he stated, “There are ways to show patriotism and defend our land – we chose music.” In my case, I chose to do that through academia. I chose to focus my final year project on translating stories from my country that often go unheard. Specifically, I translated the stories of ten teenage football players who tragically lost their lives in a dormitory fire at their club. Even though their dreams were interrupted, by translating their stories, I hope to keep their memories alive.
Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s in Translation at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where I am exploring the multiple possibilities and career paths that this discipline can offer.
We present to you Clare, Chin Wing Tung of Class 2022. Here is her story:
We are often told that we may end up in a job irrelevant to our studies. Is that true? To some extent, and I am a typical example. After graduating from TIIS in 2022 with a first-class honors degree, I became a Management Trainee (MT) of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group.
During the 2-year programme, I enjoy rotating in front-store and back-office departments in Hong Kong and Mainland China. A year has passed, and there have been countless highlights, such as being the Emcee of the Mid-year Townhall, organizing team-building activities in Disneyland, and joining the company volunteer team. However, my proudest moment was receiving the Best Presentation Award during the first MT sharing. It recognises my storytelling and presentation skills, and my hard work in the front store and the e-Commerce Centre.
Were the years of studies and overseas exchange a complete waste of time and money? Quite the opposite! The articulation and confidence acquired during interpretation guarantee high performance in public speaking settings; the intersemiotic and intralingual translation skills allow me to decode and convert thoughts or implied meanings into actions or messages; and the tendency to question current concepts trained my sensitivity to detect gaps.
My student years at TIIS have also given me precious memories. Once, as a student who took research topics for granted, I had to identify a theory gap worth discussing and develop an essay. The number of articles I read that month was more than at any other time during my university education. Though I could not be prouder after completing the essay, due to hesitation and timidity, I missed the opportunity to ask for the professor’s feedback. The mixed feelings of struggle, satisfaction, and regret make it one of my most treasured lessons in HKBU.
All in all, you may not work in the same field as you studied, but the experiences and skills you gained will not abandon or disappoint you. Do treasure every chance to improve and learn because you never know how it may surprise you someday.
常言道：「你修讀的專業不一定是將來從事的行業。」事實又是否如此？某程度上是的，我正是一個典型的例子。即使２０２２年從浸大翻譯、傳譯及跨文化研究系以一級榮譽畢業，我也沒有投身翻譯一行，亦未進修成為學者，反而進入珠寶零售業，成為 Chow Tai Fook 周大福珠寶集團 的一位管理培訓生（ＭＴ）。
在為期兩年的培訓計劃裏，我有幸可在香港及內地的前舖和各後勤部門交替實習，公司亦為我們每位MT配對了經理級別的ＭＴ師兄師姐作導師。一年過去，我已有無數精彩經歷，如擔任半年會的司儀、在迪士尼樂園舉辦團隊訓練活動、加入公司義工隊派發福袋等等。但要數最自豪的一刻，卻是在第一次ＭＴ實習分享時獲得最佳演講獎，因為這不僅認可了我的說故事和演講技巧，更肯定了我在前舖和電子商務中心實習時的努力。
然而，這是否代表四年寒窗苦讀和一年海外交流是無用之功，白白浪費光陰和金錢呢？當然不是！恰恰相反，傳譯課給予我伶牙俐齒和自信，確保我能在公開演講場合如會議或峰會上發揮穏定而出色；符際翻譯和語內翻譯技巧助我解讀他人的想法和意圖，再化之為行動或信息；翻譯理論課則教會我對現有概念保持懷疑，令我可迅速發現機遇和潛在問題。
TIIS亦為我的學生時代留下美好寶貴的回憶。其中最難忘的是需要寫一篇論文，探討翻譯理論中未被討論過並值得探討的空缺。習慣了有教授派發論文方向和題目，要自行訂立論題可謂一個巨大挑戰。我寫了又刪，刪了又再寫，那個月我讀的文章和書籍加起來比我整個大學生涯還要多，稍一回想彷彿又能感受到當時壓在心頭的焦慮。最終，我還是完成了，多麼令人滿足和驕傲！但不完美的結局和遺憾卻更令我難以忘懷。我只得到A-，在猶豫和怯縮間，我錯過了詢問評語和請教的時機。糾結、滿足、悵然等情緒交雜，為我上了在TIIS 最可貴的一課。
結論是，你讀的真的未必是你未來從事的，但你所經歷和學會的一切都不會讓你失望，更不會離你而去。請珍惜每一個進步和學習的機會，某一天，可能你會有意想不到的收穫。
Introducing Tiancong XU, a standout alumna from the Class of 2022. She graduated with First Honours in BA in Translation from the Hong Kong Baptist University, Department of Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies. Her exceptional performance led her to receive the prestigious Prof. Jane Lai Award for the best Honours project.
However, her academic journey didn't end there. Tiancong's Honours Research Project, supervised by Dr Marija Todorova, sparked a passion for academia that she continues to pursue. Her project even led to a successful publication in the highly impactful academic journal New Voices in Translation Studies. Post-graduation, Tiancong took her skills to the international stage. She earned an MA in Translation from University College London, where she deepened her understanding of community translation. Working directly with Chinese immigrants in the UK, she gained insights into their unique translation needs. Using this knowledge, Tiancong designed a PhD proposal focusing on Community Translation, securing her a spot at the National University of Singapore. TIIS proved to be a great recommendation for Miss XU, who will begin her PhD journey in January 2024 under the supervision of Dr Hu Bei.
Reflecting on her time at HKBU TIIS, Tiancong credits Dr Neather’s course on Research Methods for Translation Studies as a key influencer in shaping her academic trajectory. The course provided her with a solid foundation in identifying high quality references and selecting appropriate methodological approaches.
We are immensely proud to see our students like Tiancong XU excel and make a significant impact in the field of Translation Studies. Follow her journey as she continues to rise.
Eddie Kuan is not only an alumnus of our university but also a manager at Enter-Link, a company founded by TIIS graduates and led by Dr. Janice Pan. Enter-Link provides translation and interpreting services through an online platform that combines AI-facilitated tools with human translators and interpreters. Enter-Link is open for all TIIS graduates to sign in and become part-time interpreters and translators.
Eddie graduated in 2022 with a double major in English Language and Literature and Translation. He quickly realized his interest in English language was to foster communication between people from different backgrounds. Despite the added workload from pursuing two degrees, Eddie enjoyed exchanging ideas with peers from different backgrounds and perspectives on language use. Eddie recommends this combination of degrees as they complement each other, and learning English can help improve one's ability to express themselves in translation.
One of the most memorable courses Eddie took was Dr. Pan's Community Interpreting course. During this course, he not only interpreted but also organized events and collaborated with others. One of the most memorable events was with Mr. Huang Bin, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Although the interpreting was challenging as it incorporated Chinese spirit, Eddie found it satisfying. He also served as the interpreter for the Intellectual Property Forum, which brought new and challenging language. Eddie also remembers fondly Dr. Cynthia Tsui's course, which laid the foundation for what translation is and how to use proper expressions.
Currently, Eddie is also working as Dr. Pan's research assistant on a Peak Performance project. In this role, he has had the opportunity to work with famous people and talents, including Mr. Wong Kam Po, one of the best cyclists in Hong Kong, who won the Rainbow Jersey. The project has allowed him to hear inspiring behind-the-scenes stories and learn how these individuals think and bring new ideas. In the future, Eddie's plans to obtain a PgDE degree and become an English Language teacher, nurturing the love of language and communication among young students.
You may have heard of the Hong Kong Museum of Education because of their current exhibition “Beyond the Classroom: Extra-curricular Activities”. The exhibition explores the development and evolution of extra-curricular activities in Hong Kong schools over the last century. But did you know that our graduate, Miss Yiu Yee-tung (Jenna), has recently joined the team of this museum as an Assistant Curator? This is our first story in a series of introducing our alumni and their achievements.
Jenna obtained her BA degree in Translation in 2018. She got introduced to museum studies from the translation examples provided during a class with Dr Robert Neather, one of the leading experts on the intersection of translation and museum studies. Under Dr Neather’s supervision, she completed her honours project on a research topic focusing on the relationship between a museum exhibition and translation.
After graduation, Jenna was hired as a part-time Research Assistant to Dr Robert Neather. This experience further encouraged her to enroll for an MA in Museum Studies at the University of Leicester. She obtained her degree with a specialism module in heritage in 2020. The following year, Jenna joined the Department of History at HKBU to work on a history gallery renovation project, creating a brand new look for the gallery showcasing the history of HKBU.
Studying translation allowed Jenna to develop the ability to generate texts in both Chinese and English. It also helped her sharpen her skill to choose what to say in different contexts and use language precisely.
From her other university courses, Jenna also fondly remembers the last class presentation for the Translation Criticism course with Dr Jessica Yeung, when she was reading and discussing the English translation of Yan Lianke’s Dream of Ding Village.
Jenna is currently working on the Hong Kong Education Museum’s publication series about schools in various districts of Hong Kong. She is focused on narrating school histories through personal stories, which is very similar to what we are trying to do here.
The Translation Programme has placed equal importance on both theoretical and practical components. In addition to developing our translation skills and knowledge, the Programme provided us with plenty of opportunities to participate in various translation projects, such as providing simultaneous interpretation for the Children’s Council Meeting in the Legislative Council Building, which allowed us to gain valuable practical experience outside the classroom.
I have worked as a translation officer in the Government since graduation. When posted to different departments, I have to translate different kinds of documents, including witness statements, minutes of meeting and speeches. Yet I can always put the translation skills I learned into practice, thus enabling me to complete my everyday work smoothly and confidently.
Not only has this programme equipped me with the essential tools for my future academic and career path, but it has also broadened my perspective on the world and my place in it. I am now more adventurous and willing to explore the unknown. The freedom to pursue various academic areas has been invaluable, and I have been inspired by the supportive people I have met here. I strongly recommend this programme to anyone who has an open mind and is ready to be transformed by the experience.
The HKBU Translation Programme achieves a perfect balance between theory and practice. The variety of courses available allowed me to gain translation expertise across multiple fields -- interpreting, media, cultural, just to name a few, thus building a solid academic foundation. As the Programme attaches equal importance to practice, I also enjoyed wonderful hands-on experience of managing the Translation Workshop, participating in an interpreting contest, interpreting at conferences and so on. These involvements have taken the learning process to the next level, providing me with exposure that I would otherwise struggle to find in theoretical training.
In addition, internship opportunities lined up by the Programme paved the way for me to explore possible career paths. Thanks to the internship which sparked my interest in Marketing and Communications, I have set out to pursue a career in the industry after graduation.
在浸会大学翻译系的大学生活是一段充实且充满启发的旅程。学系丰富的学术资源、博学包容的老师、理论和实务均衡结合的跨学科课程设置，让我能灵活而扎实地吸收知识养分、提高实践能力。此外，在学生翻译社“译坊”的社会实践经验、去欧洲交流、在香港艺术节实习、参加模拟联合国大会等活动，使我成为视野更开阔、思想更多元的人。
很高兴我如今仍从事口笔译和跨文化交流，像上学时一样，每天都会遇到令人激动的新挑战。我由衷感激在翻译系学习生活的几年所注入我生命的价值、态度、方法和知识，它们是指引我在生活和工作中积极前行的能量。