Mathilde G.
Faculty of Arts
BA 2025
Mathilde Guyonnaud (BA 2025) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in China Studies and a minor in History. As part of the dual degree program between HKU and Sciences Po Paris, she moved to Hong Kong 2 years ago. Her time at HKU was marked by both discovery and challenge, as interdisciplinary courses pushed her to rethink the foundational knowledge she had gained through Western based education. A passionate advocate for the arts & humanities, she loves exploring local culture and history, especially the HK’s vibrant art scene.
Beyond academics, she embraced many rewarding experiences; from fostering cultural connections in Shanghai to leading initiatives in Hanoi, engaging with global peers at ARPU 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, and driving social impact through the student-led Make Swe project in Mae Sot, these endeavors profoundly shaped her intellectual growth and personal development.
Most valuable lesson from uni?
To embrace uncertainty as an essential part of my academic journey. The most meaningful experiences I had didn’t come from following a rigid plan. ... I learned that growth often happens in the in-between spaces: the unplanned, the challenging, the unfamiliar. This shift in perspective helped me build greater resilience & flexibility. Today, I have a much clearer sense of direction and a deeper understanding of what truly drives me in life.
If you could go back and give your freshmen self 1 piece of advice, what would it be?
You don't need to have it all figured out, or to conform to society's standards of success. Give yourself time to explore, to stumble, and to grow at your own pace. Success isn’t a fixed path defined by others: it’s something you’ll learn to define for yourself, with curiosity, grit, and courage.
What does your next chapter look like?
I am grateful for the cherished memories & lifelong friendships from HK. For my next chapter, I plan to return to Paris to pursue a dual master’s degree between the École du Louvre and Sciences Po Paris, further fuelling my passion for the arts and humanities.