Second-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Language Studies and Bachelor of Education (Honours) (English Language) student Arshdeep Singh Randhawa is dedicated to creating supportive educational environments and inspiring the next generation of English learners. His journey into education advocacy was first sparked by an English teacher from his early school years, whose encouragement and empathy ignited his passion for learning. “She would write comments longer than the essays I’d submitted, delving into what worked, what needed improvement, and how I could grow as a writer and thinker. Her words weren’t just critiques; they were evidence of care and commitment,” the recipient of the 2023-24 Hong Kong Jockey Club Undergraduate Scholarship recalls.

At EdUHK, Arshdeep highlights the “transformative” experience of the Top Scholars Development Programme, which provided him with training in impromptu speaking, strategic storytelling and leadership skills. This programme challenged him to think on his feet, craft impactful narratives and lead with empathy. A particularly influential session focused on educational equity in Hong Kong, revealing the systemic challenges faced by underprivileged students.

With a deepened understanding of social equity in education, Arshdeep is actively seeking opportunities to apply his skills and expand his impact. “Whether it’s through leading initiatives, joining advocacy groups, or collaborating on innovative education projects, I am committed to using what I’ve learned to drive meaningful change in my field,” he says.