Editor’s note

Welcome to Gen Z Weekly, our new column dedicated to showcasing the voices and experiences of Generation Z in Shenzhen and beyond. We’ve created this space to share authentic, youth-driven narratives that reflect the energy and perspectives of today’s young people. Through Gen Z Weekly, expect to hear directly from international students and Chinese youth about their campus lives, personal journeys, and thoughtful insights.

AS the bachelor’s degree graduation ceremony reached its peak, Zoe Emmanuel Halim strode across a striking purple stage amid a rousing reception to collect one of CUHK-Shenzhen’s highest honors: the 2025 Presidential Award for Outstanding Students.

Halim, one of just 18 recipients, was the only international student to receive the recognition, which celebrates not only academic excellence but also leadership and campus service.

The award, presented annually, honors the university’s most well-rounded graduates. For Halim, a data science student, the accolade carries lasting significance — his name will be displayed on the Merit Wall in the University Library, a permanent mark of his achievements.

Reflecting on his four years at CUHK-Shenzhen, Halim described the experience as transformative. “I’ve grown stronger, mentally and physically,” he said. “I learned how to cook, got into a workout routine, became more independent — but just as importantly, I made some incredible friendships.”

At the heart of Halim’s journey is a belief in balance. “There’s a time to be alone and a time to be with others,” he said. “Independence is important, but so is knowing when to reach out. Finding that balance is what leads to real happiness.”

The journey to CUHK-Shenzhen

Halim’s journey to CUHK-Shenzhen felt almost destined. While growing up in Indonesia, Halim had always envisioned attending a domestic university. That changed when a close friend introduced him to CUHK-Shenzhen’s growing reputation and unique blend of Western academic rigor and Eastern innovation.

“The CUHK heritage, global perspectives, strong Indonesian student community, and the opportunities it offered all made it an ideal choice,” Halim said. “I consider myself very lucky to have seized this opportunity.”

Excelling in data

science

As a major in data science and big data technology, Halim quickly found his stride in a program that blends rigorous research with real-world applications. He credits CUHK-Shenzhen’s world-class faculty and Shenzhen’s booming tech ecosystem — home to giants like Tencent and Huawei — for giving him a competitive edge.

“The professors here are leaders in their fields, especially in data science and optimization,” he explained. “And being in Shenzhen opens doors you just don’t get anywhere else — internships, networking, exposure to innovation at its peak.”

Despite the pressure of one of the most demanding majors on campus, Halim consistently ranked at the top of his class. However, he is quick to downplay his solo achievements, pointing to the power of collaboration.

“My secret was simple: studying with friends,” he said. “The debates, the late-night review sessions, the shared insights — those are what turned lectures into lasting knowledge.”

Halim also gave back to his community by serving as an undergraduate teaching fellow, helping other students master statistics through biweekly tutorial sessions.

Life beyond the books

While his academic record is impressive, some of Halim’s most cherished memories took place far from the classroom. He traveled extensively across China with friends, visiting destinations like Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Changsha, Jiuzhaigou, and Harbin.

Of all the places he visited, Jiuzhaigou and Harbin left the deepest impressions. The lush, otherworldly landscapes of the Jiuzhaigou Valley struck him with their natural beauty, while the icy winterscapes of Harbin offered a dramatic contrast to the tropical warmth of his native Indonesia.

Looking forward

Now that graduation is behind him, Halim is setting his sights on the future. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in business analytics in Singapore, where he hopes to further bridge the gap between data and real-world decision-making.

Longer term, entrepreneurship is on the horizon. “I’ve already got a few personal projects in the works,” he said with a smile. “You never know — maybe one day they’ll turn into something bigger.” (Wang Jingli)

(The International Writing Team of CUHK-Shenzhen’s Office of Academic Links)