Electrochemist Liu Jiawei moves from Singapore to Hong Kong to start her own lab

Electrochemist Liu Jiawei has relocated from Singapore to Hong Kong to establish her own research laboratory, marking a significant step in her scientific career. The decision comes after more than a decade spent within Singapore's robust research ecosystem. Now based at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU), Liu aims to build a new research group that reflects both her personal aspirations and professional goals. Her move was motivated by a desire to remain closer to her family in mainland China while continuing to work in an environment that supports high-quality, internationally recognized research. Liu made the transition two years ago, choosing Hong Kong for its unique position as a bridge between East and West. She noted that Hong Kong's academic institutions operate under an independent principal investigator model, which grants researchers considerable freedom in directing their own laboratories and shaping their research agendas. This system aligns well with her previous experiences in Singapore, where she had been deeply embedded in the research community. In addition, Hong Kong fosters a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, with numerous opportunities for joint projects among different research teams. The similarities between Singapore and Hong Kong extend beyond just their academic environments. Both cities offer access to global networks and maintain strong ties with the rest of Asia, particularly mainland China. For Liu, this dual connectivity is crucial. “I chose Hong Kong because I want to stay closer to my family in mainland China and develop my career in a city that offers a similar research landscape to Singapore,” she explained. This sentiment underscores the strategic nature of her relocation, balancing personal considerations with professional ambitions. Liu completed her undergraduate studies in chemical engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) before earning her doctorate in materials science and engineering from the same institution in 2021. Her educational background laid the foundation for her current work in electrochemistry, a field that sits at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and materials science. With her new laboratory at CityU, she plans to explore innovative approaches in energy storage and sustainable technologies, areas that have gained increasing importance amid growing environmental concerns. Her arrival in Hong Kong coincides with a broader trend of scientists and academics relocating between regions to take advantage of diverse opportunities. While some move for economic reasons, others seek environments that better support their research interests or personal lives. Liu's case illustrates how individuals can navigate these choices to find locations that align with both their professional and private needs. In recent years, Hong Kong has emerged as a key player in the global scientific community, attracting talent from around the world. Its universities and research institutes continue to invest heavily in infrastructure and innovation, creating conditions that appeal to professionals like Liu. As she begins to assemble her team and define her research agenda, her presence adds to the dynamic intellectual landscape of the region. Liu’s journey from Singapore to Hong Kong highlights the evolving nature of academic careers in Asia. It also reflects the increasing mobility of researchers who are able to choose where they conduct their work based on a combination of factors including institutional quality, collaborative potential, and personal circumstances. As she settles into her new role, her contributions will likely influence the direction of electrochemical research in Hong Kong and beyond.