Encounters with Alumni from Greater China
Cheng Qifeng (St Hugh’s 2008) holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from Tsinghua University in Beijing, where he lived for six years before obtaining a K.C. Wong Education Foundation scholarship to study for a DPhil in Engineering from Oxford. While at Oxford he was also president of the Oxford Chinese Students and Scholars Association (OXCSSA), one of the biggest social organizations in Oxford with over 1700 members. He is now an academic in Liaoning Technical University, where he is focusing on his research and also trying his best to spark interest in the younger students, in the same way that he was inspired during his college life.
Describe your typical day at Oxford.
Looking back the three years I spent at Oxford, I have very fond memories of Oxford. I enjoyed discussing research with my supervisors, attending the Oxford Union debates, having formal dinners at different colleges, playing badminton with friends, taking part in interesting seminars, making friends with people from different countries. My life at Oxford was quite normal but intensive, where I could find reason to be cheerful every day. I am very grateful to the K.C. Wong Education Foundation for supporting me. Without their funds, I could not imagine being able to spend over three happy and fruitful years at magical Oxford, which is deservedly the 'Centre for Excellence in Education and Research.'
What advice could you give Chinese students about adapting to the unique environment at Oxford?
Indeed, Oxford is a unique place: both old and young. On the one hand, it has traditions and historic architecture, on the other hand, it has cutting-edge ideas and is tolerant of diversities and its students are full of vigour. Personally, I integrated myself into Oxford through participating in various kinds of activities, both social and academic. Oxford provides many opportunities for interaction between students and academics. One gets the chance to meet and also talk to high-profile personalities. Oxford also encourages debates at all levels. To truly benefit from this environment, my advice is: Be part of Oxford. Don’t stay within a fixed group or even isolate yourself. Don’t be afraid to try anything. There may be many happy surprises in Oxford in store for you, something exciting beyond your imagination.
Tell us about the OXCSSA publication, 'Oxford people, Oxford words: Chinese Scholars' Lectures in Oxford'.
In October 2008, the OXCSSA launched the weekly ‘Mandarin Table’ Forum, through which they invited top Chinese scholars to give seminars at Oxford. These visiting scholars, from leading universities in China, talked on a wide range of subjects including history, politics, agriculture, religion, art, archaeology and technology. The OXCSSA selected 22 of these seminars and transcribed them into articles. It is indeed the first book depicting Chinese scholars’ interaction and contribution. It is published by Beijing Daily Publishing Group, one of the most prestigious publishers in China.
The book has taken us nearly one year to compile and all the editors were full-time students or scholars at Oxford. It was not easy! But we are delighted with it. We believe it will give the wider Chinese public a general idea about what an active academic community there is at Oxford.
What are your personal insights about the job application experience?
When you apply for a job, the most important thing is to be clear about what you really want. Following your own heart will always lead to a wise decision. Regarding the preparation, I believe it's vital to enrich your life while at Oxford, as employers value your Oxford experience. If you get involved in any activities that is relevant to your chosen career, it will be very helpful. Networking is also important. It provides the opportunity to find out more about a job or even available job postiions. Why not spend some time doing it?
Tell us about Lianoning, where you are now.
I am not yet very familiar with the province, which is the industrial centre of China. I am at the Liaoning Technical University, which has two campuses, one in the centre of Fuxin city, the other in Huludao City, which is close to the sea. I work in Fuxin city, a mid-sized city with fresh air and no traffic jams! The university has a good reputation in many subjects, including mechanical, mining and safety engineering and even management. As the university budget is growing every year, I believe it will become increasingly competitive. I would welcome Oxford alumni to come to Fuxin or Huludao, both good places to work and live.
--- Interviewed in March 2012 ---
Describe your typical day at Oxford.
Looking back the three years I spent at Oxford, I have very fond memories of Oxford. I enjoyed discussing research with my supervisors, attending the Oxford Union debates, having formal dinners at different colleges, playing badminton with friends, taking part in interesting seminars, making friends with people from different countries. My life at Oxford was quite normal but intensive, where I could find reason to be cheerful every day. I am very grateful to the K.C. Wong Education Foundation for supporting me. Without their funds, I could not imagine being able to spend over three happy and fruitful years at magical Oxford, which is deservedly the 'Centre for Excellence in Education and Research.'
What advice could you give Chinese students about adapting to the unique environment at Oxford?
Indeed, Oxford is a unique place: both old and young. On the one hand, it has traditions and historic architecture, on the other hand, it has cutting-edge ideas and is tolerant of diversities and its students are full of vigour. Personally, I integrated myself into Oxford through participating in various kinds of activities, both social and academic. Oxford provides many opportunities for interaction between students and academics. One gets the chance to meet and also talk to high-profile personalities. Oxford also encourages debates at all levels. To truly benefit from this environment, my advice is: Be part of Oxford. Don’t stay within a fixed group or even isolate yourself. Don’t be afraid to try anything. There may be many happy surprises in Oxford in store for you, something exciting beyond your imagination.
Tell us about the OXCSSA publication, 'Oxford people, Oxford words: Chinese Scholars' Lectures in Oxford'.
In October 2008, the OXCSSA launched the weekly ‘Mandarin Table’ Forum, through which they invited top Chinese scholars to give seminars at Oxford. These visiting scholars, from leading universities in China, talked on a wide range of subjects including history, politics, agriculture, religion, art, archaeology and technology. The OXCSSA selected 22 of these seminars and transcribed them into articles. It is indeed the first book depicting Chinese scholars’ interaction and contribution. It is published by Beijing Daily Publishing Group, one of the most prestigious publishers in China.
The book has taken us nearly one year to compile and all the editors were full-time students or scholars at Oxford. It was not easy! But we are delighted with it. We believe it will give the wider Chinese public a general idea about what an active academic community there is at Oxford.
What are your personal insights about the job application experience?
When you apply for a job, the most important thing is to be clear about what you really want. Following your own heart will always lead to a wise decision. Regarding the preparation, I believe it's vital to enrich your life while at Oxford, as employers value your Oxford experience. If you get involved in any activities that is relevant to your chosen career, it will be very helpful. Networking is also important. It provides the opportunity to find out more about a job or even available job postiions. Why not spend some time doing it?
Tell us about Lianoning, where you are now.
I am not yet very familiar with the province, which is the industrial centre of China. I am at the Liaoning Technical University, which has two campuses, one in the centre of Fuxin city, the other in Huludao City, which is close to the sea. I work in Fuxin city, a mid-sized city with fresh air and no traffic jams! The university has a good reputation in many subjects, including mechanical, mining and safety engineering and even management. As the university budget is growing every year, I believe it will become increasingly competitive. I would welcome Oxford alumni to come to Fuxin or Huludao, both good places to work and live.
--- Interviewed in March 2012 ---