My APAN60-HK Fellowship Journey

Being selected as a fellow for APAN60-Hong Kong was more than just an academic opportunity — it was a moment where science, collaboration, and personal growth converged.

From the very first day, I was immersed in an environment buzzing with innovation. As part of the Medical Working Group, I had the privilege to present my research, sharing insights on the potential of organoid-based models in neurological disease research. The discussion that followed was rich and multi-layered — experts from across Asia-Pacific weighed in, offering new perspectives that broadened my own approach.

The highlight came when my work was chosen for a Lightning Talk session — a fast-paced, high-impact format where every word and every slide counts. Standing in front of a diverse, international audience, I distilled years of research into a concise, compelling narrative. In those few minutes, I felt the collective curiosity of the room, the spark of ideas igniting across disciplines.

Beyond the formal sessions, the fellowship was about connections — speaking with researchers from remote corners of the Asia-Pacific region, learning about their challenges, and exploring ways our work could intersect. It reinforced my belief that science thrives when we share not just our findings, but our passion and purpose.

As I left Hong Kong, I carried with me not only the honor of being part of APAN60-HK, but also a renewed sense of responsibility — to use my research and networks to contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community.