Chloe Liew Hong Toong, a Malaysian undergraduate majoring in business administration, has spent four years at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, a journey marked by growth and perseverance.

Her story began with her choice of SUFE. Drawn by the university's reputation in economics and business, and driven by a curiosity for management studies, she set out to start her journey in Shanghai.

Her freshman year provided a solid academic foundation through general education courses. Yet it was a strategic management class in her sophomore year that truly ignited her passion. Through vivid industry case studies and insightful analysis, she realized that strategy was not merely an abstract theory but a powerful toolfor understanding businesses and envisioning their future.

From that moment, she pursued her research focus in strategy and innovation. Courses such as organizational behavior and modern enterprise theory deepened her engagement, reinforcing her conviction in her chosen path.

She described her academic journey as both challenging and inspiring, adding that the more she learned, the more fascinated she became, and she feels fortunate to have found her calling.

Beyond academics, Chloe's growth was shaped by hands-on experience. As one of the few international students in her class, group projects often meant working across cultures. Early cross-cultural communication challenges turned into seamless collaboration, sharpening her professional skills and strengthening her ability to coordinate and lead. Discipline, time management, and a meticulous approach to tasks became second nature to her daily life, integral to how she works and lives.

Extracurricular activities added vibrancy and warmth to her journey. Always eager to explore, she took part in competitions and events, embracing challenges while forming genuine connections with her teachers and like-minded peers.

Her three years in the student union marked another period of transformation. Starting as a regular member, she rose to become a department head in the International Student Union. Through planning activities and managing complex tasks, she gained a deeper insight into her responsibilities. She reflected that, unlike classroom learning, the student union taught her invaluable soft skills, including the capabilities of organizing, improvising, and building harmonious relationships, all of which have helped her grow into a better version of herself.

She also found her own spiritual retreat. Time at the gym became her way to release stress, where each drop of sweat not only improved her fitness but also renewed the energy she needed to excel in her studies and life.

Another defining moment was a rural fieldwork program in Anqing, Anhui province, during the summer of her junior year. At first, local accents and dialects made interviews challenging. With the help of local officials, she overcame the barriers and achieved strong results. She recalls the experience as more than just research; it was a deep cultural immersion that left her with lasting impressions of the humility and plainness of rural Chinese life.

Referring to her largest challenge, Chloe remembered her struggle with probability theory: late-night sessions in the library with friends, stacks of exercise books, mutual encouragement, and the pride they felt when solving a particularly difficult problem. These moments became cherished memories. What she gained went far beyond textbook knowledge; it was about courage, resilience, and establishing bonds.

When asked about any regrets during her student time, she is resolute: "None." She lived every day meaningfully and stayed positive toward people and things in her life.

As she graduates, she expressed appreciation to her parents, whose support always gave her the courage to face every challenge.

She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to SUFE for imparting both knowledge and the mindset needed to solve problems. Feeling proud of being an alumna, she decided to continue her story with SUFE, opening a new journey for a master's degree in international business.

She believed that belief is the starting point of success, while persistence is the key to being successful. Looking into the future, her eyes shine with determination as she vows to carry the same courage and resilience forward, embracing her growth through whatever challenges lie ahead.

Source: Official WeChat account of SUFE International Cultural Exchange School at "SHUPL-SICE"