High Tech and Movie Inspiration Can Transform the World

Movies can leave a lasting impact in our lives, and Allie To Shu Yuet is unapologetic about the inspiration the ambitious, resourceful and optimistic lead character in the film Legally Blonde has given her. That “never-say-die” spirit began for Allie while she was still in secondary school and continues to motivate her in her first year in the BASc (Applied AI) programme at The University of Hong Kong.

The main reason she chose to study at HKU was because of its all-rounded and culturally diverse atmosphere. “It‘s hard to deny that HKU is a place that seems to attract students and professionals alike from various cultures and who have different talents,” she says. “So I’d like to take this opportunity to exchange my knowledge and experience with others while learning from them too.”

Secondly, the quality and quantity of resources that HKU provides to students was also a big draw. In terms of support in different areas – from physical to mental, academic to cultural, community bonding to career exploration – Allie feels that HKU provides excellent quality resources to students. All these make university life more enjoyable, productive and memorable for students.

As a self-confessed AI lover – “Yes, I like investigating AI and reading up on recent AI news,” she says with a laugh – she feels that the AI programme at HKU not only teaches students about AI comprehensively, but also allows them to apply AI in areas such as business and neuroscience. “I will make the most of the many academic and career-related events promoted and offered by HKU throughout my years here. By joining those events, not only can I discover my career opportunities easily and concisely, but they will also allow me to expand and extend the knowledge that I have learnt here,” she says.

She also plans to make use of the mental support resources provided by HKU. “After battling with my HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination), I understood the importance of maintaining my mental health even through tough circumstances,” she recalls, adding, “As I foresee that I will face some mental challenges mainly related to academics, having emotional support networks at HKU are a real boost, as a safeguard against going down the wrong track and slipping into a negative mindset.”

Her personal mission is to use the knowledge she has to help individuals around the world. “Over the years, I have witnessed loads of problems arise around the planet and which have yet to be solved. I have a lot of empathy for those who are suffering, and I cannot imagine how much worse the world will be if we leave these problems unsolved,” she says.

As a member of the global community, she feels she should lend a helping hand and assist others in different ways, such as with AI. “For example, I am aiming to solve teenage problems with the help of AI in the future,” she says. “The severity of mental health and declining knowledge of ethics has alarmed many in the public over the years. If I can help develop an AI system to guide teenagers physically and mentally, we can give them the support they need in an affordable and efficient manner. I believe that I have the responsibility to do what I can with the abilities that I have.”

She recalls having a eureka moment during her internship last year at Hong Kong Science Park (HKSTP) when she began to understand this sense of personal duty to the greater good.

“Before joining the internship, I was quite pessimistic since I believe that my other colleagues all had far more experience than I. So I decided to rely on my group mates for our final project at the end of our internship,” she says. “However, after I listened to the sharing by the top managers at HKSTP, I noticed that being active and enthusiastic was very important, no matter how much or little time was involved, or whether it was just the contributions of one individual.”

“After that point,” she continues, “I tried to lead my group with a project idea that involved an AI micro-plastic cleaning robot at a professional service level, that is to say, for businesses. This idea was well received by the top management and was successfully adopted by one company in the Park as well.” She had stepped out of her comfort zone and was rewarded with a significant boost in her personal growth.

This essential realisation was the revelation she needed to encourage herself to strive for success. “Since then, I have understood that relying on others without devoting any effort yourself will never lead you anywhere. Staying positive is important.” This is a recurring theme in Legally Blonde too, isn’t it? “Yes! ‘Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill!’ This is my favourite quote from the movie,” she says, noting that being mired in a negative and pessimistic mindset will decrease your motivation, and kill your potential and opportunities to achieve your ultimate goal. “Staying positive is my number one method to boost my productivity and chances for success. So it’s very important to keep our endorphin levels up!”