Yuki Fung: Music Therapist
Ever since Yuki Fung (TCFS 2010) was young, she has had an interest in psychology and human behaviour. Therefore, it’s not a surprise one of her electives at Trinity was psychology.
She remembers her classes fondly in Foundation Studies and teachers such as Maureen Vincent (Psychology), Roger Selleck (Drama) and Andrew Oppenheim (Mathematics).
‘Before coming to Trinity, I certainly did not expect the teaching system to prioritise an interactive and student-centred approach. In other words, the teachers were willing to take the extra time and effort to teach us, while patiently encouraging us to become independent learners,’ says Yuki.
Since the age of four, Yuki has played the piano. Although it was not until secondary school that she started seriously contemplating a career in music as she developed an appreciation for its ‘aesthetic qualities and challenges’.
Yuki describes musical therapy as using, ‘musical activities to improve and maintain one’s physical, psychological, social and cognitive wellbeing, often resulting in the reduction of various behavioural problems.’ She quickly identified musical therapy as a way she could help the people of Hong Kong.
‘In Hong Kong, many suffer from mental illness. Consequently, knowing that music, by means of music therapy, could be used as an instrument to provide relief and aid to these people has allowed my desire to help the Hong Kong population to flourish and motivated me to place their needs on the forefront of my agenda.’
Yuki studied a Bachelor Degree in Music and Master Degree in Music/Music Therapy both at the University of Melbourne.
‘It was an eye-opening experience as I never knew that music therapy could be applied to so many different areas and types of patients including the elderly, drug abusers, cancer patients, those needing speech and physical improvement, and those in palliative care.’
In 2015, Yuki established Hong Kong Music Therapy Limited, where she still works as its director until now. Although a difficult start (Yuki did not have the established business networks at the time), she has worked hard to grow and the business is now flourishing.
In July 2017, the University of Melbourne launched the first Hong Kong based Master of Music Therapy, in partnership with . The University of Melbourne music department invited Hong Kong Music Therapy Limited (Yuki’s business) to become a music therapy clinical placement site for Master of Music Therapy students in Hong Kong.
Zoe Mau: Pursue Your Passions
At just 25-years of age, Zoe Mau (TCFS 2010) is unafraid to pursue her various passions.
Zoe enjoyed her time at Trinity, particularly hanging out with friends after classes and studying unique subjects including History of Ideas.
These positive experiences at Trinity inspired Zoe to study Anthropology and Social Theory at the University of Melbourne, where Zoe dipped her toes in student-exchange when she travelled to Europe.
In Europe, she developed an interest in cycling and returned to Hong Kong to work in cycling eco-tourism, a social venture which also provides employment for disadvantage youth from low socio-economic backgrounds. Zoe then took up a role in art archives where she helped promote the artworks of local artists.
Zoe is currently working at charity organisation OneSky in Hong Kong. One Sky’s objective is to help young orphans in China achieve their potential.
‘Most of the kids are with special needs from very mild to severe and they do not have access to special services,’ says Zoe.
Zoe supports the work of the organisation by organising donations, gala dinners and charity hikes.
At this stage, Zoe is happy living and working in Hong Kong where she goes for regular hikes with friends and watches movies on the weekends.
Grace Ng: Helping Children with Autism
When Grace Ng (TCFS 2008) was young, she knew she wanted to help children. Initially, she dreamed of becoming a teacher and even spent time working as a tutor. It was, however, a chance encounter with a friend at the University of Melbourne, that led to an opportunity working as a behavioural scientist with autistic children.
‘I saw this friend and he told me it’s a hard job, but if you really like working with kids you can try,’ says Grace.
Grace says her time at Trinity saw her personality change from being quite passive to more outgoing and willing to talk to different people.
‘Trinity allowed me to mix with a whole range of people when I’m in university and even when I’m working now.’
Grace works at Autism Partnership with up to three children a day ranging from toddlers through to adolescents. Although the work is challenging, she says it is very rewarding, especially when the children transition back to mainstream education.
Grace is currently studying a Master of Applied Behavior Analysist and Autism, in preparation to sit for the exam where she hopes to become a Board Certified Behavior Analysist (BCBA).
Are you a former Trinity student interested in sharing your career journey or would like to connect with Yuki, Zoe or Grace? If yes, please contact careers@trinity.unimelb.edu.au for more details.
