Charlene has aspired from a young age to dream boldly and create positive change. At the age of ten, she made the life-changing decision to leave Hong Kong before completing primary school to pursue her secondary education in the United Kingdom.

Living abroad taught Charlene to adapt to an unfamiliar culture and navigate life as a minority. She contributed to her school’s netball squad, Model United Nations and prefect team, and served as Head of Avila House, leading its debate and drama teams. These experiences strengthened her adaptability, confidence and ability to bring people together.

Kindness is central to Charlene’s values and service. With her fellow prefects, she raised funds for British charities, including Children in Need and Pink Day. Since returning to Hong Kong, she has continued to serve the community by visiting socially isolated older people through St James’ Settlement’s Elderly Home Care Support Service, tutoring ethnic minority students through the Social Welfare Department and participating in City University of Hong Kong’s Peer Counsellor Programme to promote mental health awareness.

Bringing together the perspectives she gained abroad and her commitment to serving Hong Kong, Charlene hopes to make the most of the mentorship, professional connections and peer community within The D. H. Chen Foundation Scholarship Programme. She aims to grow into a leader who acts with kindness, builds bridges across differences and contributes to a more caring and inclusive society.