Pavel Ustyantsev (22/MC/Financial Technology) has harboured a deep fascination for physics, mathematics and computer programming since childhood. Although he wished to become a physicist, his ambitions took a turn at his father's advice, prompting him to seek out a field that not only engaged him intellectually but also promised robust career opportunities. In a fortunate twist of fate, he stumbled upon The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), which boasts a pioneering undergraduate programme in Financial Technology. This innovative programme integrates disciplines such as corporate finance, engineering innovation and legal policies, which attracted Pavel to embark on his journey to Hong Kong.
Looking back at his four years at CUHK, Pavel highlights how the experience has substantially expanded his understanding of the fintech sector, and how the cross-cultural interactions with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds at Morningside College have further enriched his education, fostering a stronger sense of confidence and maturity that he carries with him into his future endeavors.
Pavel grew up in Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, where the local government prioritises nurturing talents in technology. He began taking up computer programming at the mere age of ten. Reflecting on his education, he recalled, "Lower secondary school was particularly rigorous because upper secondary education is divided into general schools and vocational colleges. To gain entry into the latter, students have to work towards the top of the school starting from the fifth grade. The workload was overwhelming and quite unbearable. For example, I had to complete 200 math problems in a single night. Yet, this phase of training laid a sturdy intellectual foundation for my studies in physics, mathematics and computer science."
Given the lack of highly ranked universities in Kazakhstan, many students aspire to study abroad. Pavel, along with his father, attended an education fair where they considered several institutions, including Tsinghua University, before ultimately choosing Hong Kong. He explained, "Compared to Beijing, Hong Kong has a reputation for being an international city, so it seemed easier to adapt to life here, and it offers more career opportunities after graduation." Among the various undergraduate programmes available in Hong Kong, he found himself eminently drawn to CUHK's Financial Technology programme.
In the summer of 2017, he participated in CUHK's summer programme in attempt to immerse himself in the Hong Kong culture and life at CUHK. He said, "The programme introduced me to outstanding fellow students from the US, England, Scotland, India, Thailand and Myanmar. I liked the rich cultural exchange, and I also fell in love with CUHK's beautiful campus, which I think might be the most stunning university campus in Asia." Upon returning home, he immediately applied to CUHK. Out of the three programmes of choice in his application, he only listed Financial Technology, underscoring his determination in the field. In 2018, Pavel's impressive credentials earned him three admission scholarships, each from CUHK, the Faculty of Engineering and Morningside College. He was pleasantly surprised by the support offered to international students at CUHK.
Kazakhstan is a Central Asian country that experiences warm, dry summers and harsh, snowy winters. For Pavel, the winter in Hong Kong reminds him of summer back home, while his arrival in Hong Kong introduced him to what he described as "hot rain." However, the most challenging adjustment for him has been the local cuisine. He said, "Central Asian dishes primarily feature beef, lamb and chicken, along with some vegetables and usually seasoned with just salt and pepper. In contrast, Hong Kong cuisine uses a plethora of spices, which took some getting used to." Despite this, he has grown fond of local dishes such as ham and macaroni soup, as well as dumplings. He recalls an unassuming Central Asian eatery in Hong Kong that was his hidden treasure but has unfortunately closed down.
During his studies, Pavel often cooked for himself in the hostel pantry, where he engaged in fruitful conversations with fellow students. "Even something as simple as instant noodles can be a good conversation starter. By sharing our stories and dreams, I discovered a shared passion for life among us, which became a source of motivation," he said with smile.
To foster unity among students from Central Asia – specifically Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan – Pavel and 8 other students established the Central Asian Association of CUHK. This organisation intends to promote multicultural exchange, assist prospective Central Asian students with applying to CUHK and host annual events on campus showcasing the region's distinctive cuisine, traditional clothing, music and dance. Nevertheless, the cultural differences between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong remain pronounced. Pavel was particularly taken aback by Hong Kong's queuing culture. He explained, "In Hong Kong, if three or more people are engaged in the same activity, they will unconsciously form a line. Back home, we tend to rush to the front, which perhaps highlights some of the cultural contrasts between the two places."
In his academic pursuits, Pavel found Investment Science to be his favourite course, as it strikes a balance between theory and practice. He said, "One of my professors is a seasoned veteran in the finance industry. As an investment science guru, he shared numerous strategies he deployed during different crises, which ignited our curiosity and interest in learning."
Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the Financial Technology programme offers graduates a diverse array of career paths. Pavel, who has always had a passion for programming, interned as a software developer at a research and development centre and a finance firm during the summers of his second and third years at CUHK. These experiences helped him piece together his career aspirations. He is currently a software engineer at a large hedge fund firm. Despite the long hours and rather stressful work environment, he derives immense satisfaction from his work. He said, "Programming gives me a sense of freedom to create my own world, and the software I develop directly influences investment decisions and enhances efficiency in asset management, all of which gives me with a sense of accomplishment. Also, the investment management industry is fiercely competitive and demands high levels of technological innovation, making the work both fresh and challenging."
Having lived in Hong Kong for over six years, Pavel is on the verge of obtaining his permanent residency. While many hedge fund companies have offices around the globe, providing him the flexibility to work practically anywhere, he points out that he has built valuable connections in Hong Kong and cultivated a deep sense of belonging to the city. His future direction, however, remains on the drawing board at this time.
Published on CU Alumni Magazine Issue 121 by Alumni Affairs Office 2025
Read online: CU Alumni Magazine Issue 121 (Chinese Version Only)
PDF: http://www.alumni.cuhk.edu.hk/magazine/202503/pdf/CUAM_202503.pdf
ISSUU: http://www.alumni.cuhk.edu.hk/magazine/issuu/