Alma Mater

I was in Hong Kong for about 24 hours on a quick trip. After addressing a critical issue, I managed to carve out a couple of hours to visit my alma mater.

The campus has changed significantly, with new annexes seamlessly integrated alongside the original buildings. The blending was done so well that I could hardly recognize where I once took my algorithms classes. That said, many of the legacy buildings remain intact, preserving the character of the campus.

I walked around almost like a visitor, reflecting on my undergraduate years. I still remember the curriculum clearly—it was one of the strongest I’ve encountered, though certainly demanding. In our first year, instead of easing into foundational courses, we were immediately immersed in solid-state physics and electromagnetics, alongside more engaging classes like introductory programming and computer architecture. There was no real warm-up; it was a full dive into rigorous coursework. At the time, the university program was only three years long. Along the way, I also studied software engineering and data structures, which I found especially enjoyable.

Back then, the school followed a British-style system with a strong emphasis on residential life. Many professors were trained in the UK and were deeply committed to teaching. I learned a great deal from one professor who had graduated from the UK—particularly in communications, not in the sense of writing or speaking, but in wireless communications.

At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much my alma mater was equipping me with the skills needed for graduate studies and, eventually, for a career in industry. Looking back now, that preparation is very clear.