Kanisa Sattayanurak grew up in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a country famous for its rice production. In Thai, "Kanisa" means "ears of rice", which seems to have destined her life to be closely connected with the land.
Kanisa graduated with a degree in architecture from Chiang Mai University and came to Hong Kong in 2018. She first completed a two-year master's program at The University of Hong Kong. After putting down model after model, Kanisa stayed at HKU to pursue a Ph.D., focusing on a very local research project: the interaction between heritage, landscape, and residents.
Whether stepping into the bustling Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan or visiting the Roman-style structure at the Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir, Kanisa felt the evolution of a city and how people understand their own history. In Sham Shui Po, Kanisa also enjoyed soybean milk and tofu pudding. Despite the seemingly chaotic old district, she discovered the mobility of people and the vitality of the grassroots in Sham Shui Po's street stalls. Studying in Hong Kong for six years, Kanisa walked between the old and new Hong Kong, observing the city from the perspective of an architecture student. Her observations deepened her understanding of heritage, landscape, and people's lives, showing that the values of preserving historical sites and maintaining original lifestyles are closely intertwined.
After six years in Hong Kong and about to graduate with her Ph.D., Kanisa will return to her hometown in Thailand to teach at her alma mater, Chiang Mai University. She says she will miss the taste of Hong Kong's food and her days exploring the city.

Minu, a student from Sri Lanka, is studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She always wanted to study abroad and chose Hong Kong because she liked its international feel and diverse culture.

Minu's family is middle-class, and her father agreed to her studying in Hong Kong only if she got a full scholarship. She found that Hong Kong universities welcome international students and offer scholarships to help with costs.

At the university, Minu enjoys the mix of students and the support available. She aims to work in international business after graduation and believes her time in Hong Kong will prepare her well for that future.

Anastasia Rudakova (Ana) used to be a model in Russia and has worked in various countries and cities. In 2022, she left her full-time modelling career and came to Hong Kong for her second degree. Envisioning a future as a fashion designer, she now considers Hong Kong her second home.

Agita Pasaribu, a 32-year-old practising lawyer from Indonesia, has long been an advocate for women's rights. In 2020, she founded a mobile application to provide emotional and legal support to victims of cyberbullying and has actively advocated for the passage of the Sexual Violence Law in Indonesia.

In 2024, Agita brought her experiences to the University of Hong Kong, engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This exchange invigorated her professional journey and reinforced her belief that the integration of technology and education can overcome various barriers, empowering women with a stronger voice.

By sharing her story, Agita encourages others to find their voices, challenge themselves, and change the world. She hopes to help every oppressed individual understand that technology and law can assist in breaking the silence, ensuring that every voice can be heard.