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. 

Susan Xu, graduated in 2022, will begin her PhD journey in January 2024 under the supervision of Dr Hu Bei.

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.

Eddie Kuan, graduated in 2022 with a double major in English Language and Literature and Translation, working as a research assistant on a Peak Performance project

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.

Jenna Yiu, graduated in 2018, working in Hong Kong Museum of Education

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.

Pilot Tse, graduated in 2010, working as Official Languages Officer I

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. 

Cody Cheung, graduated in 2023

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.

Natalie Fok, graduated in 2018, working in Marketing and Communications

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。

Zhang Xi, graduated in 2013, working at Australian Embassy in China