Recipient of HKSAR Government Belt & Road Scholarship (Research Postgraduate)
From Kazakhstan to CUHK: A Journey of Legal Scholarship
From a very young age, Shaimerden Chikanayev was captivated by two passions: ancient Chinese civilsation and the aspiration to become a legal scholar. Confronted with the daily challenges of navigating legal gaps and complex issues in Kazakhstan, he sought opportunities abroad to enhance his theoretical analysis and research skills.
"Over time, I came to realise that my true passion lies in pursuing an academic career in law," he reflects. This realisation was further solidified by a pivotal experience as a research assistant at Faculty of Law of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in 2019, which inspired him to pursue postgraduate studies.
"The environment, resources, and academic excellence at CUHK aligned perfectly with my aspirations," he said.
Studying at CUHK not only offered Shaimerden an exceptional environment to enrich his research, but also allowed him to gain valuable insights and connections that were instrumental to his academic journey.
“Beyond its outstanding library resources and distinguished faculty, the unique opportunity to study and work in Hong Kong offers unparalleled access to cutting-edge developments across various fields of science and industry,” he explained.
Embracing Cultural Differences
Moving to Hong Kong has afforded Shaimerden the opportunity to immerse himself in a culture he has long admired.
“Since childhood, I have been deeply fascinated by ancient Chinese civilisation,” he shared. This experience of living abroad has not only broadened his horizons but also inspired him to pursue greater professional ambition.
“These experiences have shaped my perspective as a global citizen and aspiring legal scholar,” he added.
Throughout his programme, Shaimerden also had to learn that success in a PhD programme relies heavily on discipline and the ability to navigate his environment and vast amounts of information.
“These skills are essential for navigating the complexities of academic research and achieving meaningful progress in my scholarly work,” he added. This insight serves as a valuable asset as he continues to develop his dissertation and engage with the academic community.
Opportunities through the Belt and Road Initiative
Reflecting on his journey to Hong Kong and the broader educational opportunities it has provided, Shaimerden looks back with joy and emphasises the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative for students from Kazakhstan and Central Asia. He notes that this initiative has opened doors for many brilliant and ambitious students to study at some of the world's premier institutions.
“Thanks to generous scholarships from Hong Kong universities and the Hong Kong government,” he explained. He highlighted how these opportunities, once thought to be distant dreams, now empower students to contribute meaningfully to their home countries while pursuing their education.
Currently, Shaimerden is diligently working on his PhD in Laws, with aspirations for an academic career as a legal scholar. “Alongside this, I hope to continue my private practice, contributing to infrastructure projects in Central Asia within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative,” he said illustrating his dedication to both academia and practical application.
Moreover, his studies are fostering collaboration between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong. He has already played an active role in organising webinars and contributing to academic forums.
“I’m confident that my modest efforts will enhance collaboration between legal scholars in Kazakhstan and Hong Kong,” he said, underscoring his commitment to bridging these two regions.
Thinking back on some of the highlights of his time at CUHK, he has also been presenting at international legal conferences in the UK and Thailand.
“Engaging in dialogue with legal scholars from diverse backgrounds has been immensely inspiring,” he shared, noting that these interactions have deepened his understanding of legal complexities and significantly contributed to his academic growth.
Advice to Prospective Students
For prospective students from Central Asia considering CUHK, Shaimerden describes Hong Kong as a "new Mecca" for university education, offering world-class opportunities in a vibrant environment.
Having studied in various countries, including Duke Law School in the United States, he confidently recommends CUHK. “The quality of faculty and library resources at CUHK is on par with that of Duke,” he emphasises.
To fully benefit from this environment, he offers practical advice: “Be prepared to study diligently, but don’t forget to take moments to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Hong Kong and the magnificent campus of CUHK.” This balance between academic rigour and personal exploration is essential for a fulfilling experience.
