"The Faculty propels postgraduate study to the next level."
Extraordinary Career
Here in Hong Kong Zandra Mok Yee-Tun (莫宜端) is a household name. After almost a decade as a senior news anchor she was thrust into the political spotlight as one of the first political assistants appointed by the Government in 2008. Subsequently she was re-appointed as the political assistant to the Secretary for Labour and Welfare in 2012. She has been active in policy lobbying work. To name a few, she has worked with the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute, Bauhinia Foundation Research Centre and the Council for Sustainable Development, as well as writing columns for various local newspapers.
Children and Changes
Becoming a mother had a huge impact on her. “In Hong Kong, raising children is never easy. Feelings of inadequacy are typically rooted in peoples’ minds. I wanted to study early childhood education to try to bring out the best from children in a stress-free environment. I studied a Montessori early childhood education programme and started my practicum and professional service at the school my children went to. I discovered that communication skills are vital to child development. For those who are born with speech or hearing impairments, the road can be even rougher.”
This led her to enrol in the Master of Science in Educational Speech-Language Pathology and Learning Disabilities (MScESLPLD). After graduating, she plans to become a speech therapist.
From Master of Arts to Master of Science
Zandra received her master’s and Bachelor’s degree from the University of London. Switching focus from International Relations to her current study of science wasn’t easy. “Anatomy is tough! You need to have a good grasp of the head and neck biological structures. For example, the failure of a very small muscle may lead to swallowing problems.” Zandra adds.
Summer School Experience
“I had a great summer as I was given the chance to join a Speech Language Therapy Summer School in Italy. Our team won the Best Paper Poster Presentation Award out of the 21 participating universities from Europe, America and Asia. We demonstrated a unique way to teach Cantonese, to pay attention to the nine tones of Cantonese.”
Practicum
“I am sure all MScESLPLD students find practicum most challenging but also most fulfilling. I loved the chance to help a wide range of clients at the Hospital Authority and various NGOs, from children to adults to the elderly. I served clients with swallowing difficulties, speech problems, and students with special educational needs. Every client is unique, as well as their family. With help from my supervisors, I approached each individual in a unique way. My supervisor Ms Polly Lau was instrumental to how approached this.”
My Research
“Learning should be fun. That’s why I chose to study “Gesture and speech during shared book readings with Cantonese monolingual preschool children” as my research project. I believe that by engaging children with gestures and speech while reading picture books, they will be more involved.”
