Ms. Korria KONG

2024 MALCS Graduate

Prospective PhD student

Biography

I am a graduate of the Master of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies (MALCS) from the University of Hong Kong, a culmination of my academic journey that also includes a Juris Doctor (JD) with a specialization in human rights from City University. My scholarly interests lie at the intersection of law, culture, and the human condition, with a particular focus on societal structures and their impact on marginalized groups. Through my research, I have explored the stigmatization of mental illness, the marginalization of social groups in Hong Kong, and feminist issues, with the goal of dismantling systemic discrimination and creating more inclusive cultural spaces. I am currently preparing to embark on a PhD, where I intend to further investigate the entangled and often conflicting relationships between local cultural practices and health conditions, with a specific focus on how cultural representations of illness influence societal perceptions and treatment of the sick. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am also a poet, using surrealism to challenge societal norms and explore the subconscious.

Experience at MALCS

The MALCS program has been a transformative experience, offering an intellectually stimulating environment that facilitated the integration of my legal expertise with cultural studies. The interdisciplinary nature of the program has equipped me with the tools to critically interrogate complex societal issues, particularly in relation to human rights, marginalized communities, and cultural representations. A highlight of my journey was my capstone project—an individual artwork comprising 40 poems paired with photographs I personally captured. This project, divided into eight thematic sections (Ancestry-Shanghai, Hong Kong, Childhood on Cheung Chau, Depression, Regrets, Love, Gratitude, and Poetry), represents a profound exploration of personal and collective narratives. The work, which I consider of such high quality that it could be published, is a reflection of my academic growth and artistic development. Beyond academia, the program has enriched my creative practice, allowing me to push the boundaries of surrealist poetry. The guidance and mentorship I received throughout my studies have been instrumental in shaping both my intellectual and artistic identity, enabling me to merge academic inquiry with artistic expression.

The MALCS program has been a transformative experience, offering an intellectually stimulating environment that facilitated the integration of my legal expertise with cultural studies.

Words for Fellow MALCS Students and Potential Applicants

To those considering the MALCS program, I offer this counsel: embrace the opportunity to engage in a truly interdisciplinary academic experience that will challenge and refine both your intellectual and creative capacities. This program encourages you to think critically, to question the status quo, and to reimagine societal possibilities through the lens of culture and the humanities. Whether your interests lie in the spheres of law, art, or social activism, MALCS offers the tools to expand your vision and deepen your understanding. For me, it has been a space where the boundaries between theory and practice dissolve, empowering me to explore new forms of knowledge and expression. I am confident that the academic rigor and creative freedom you will encounter here will profoundly shape your academic journey and future contributions to society.