True strength is never measured against someone else’s expectations. As Fettes College Guangzhou celebrates another graduating class, Serene Liang marks the end of her school journey with offers from leading universities around the world—proof that success does not always follow a conventional path.

Her story is not one of a carefully mapped route, but of continual self-discovery across countries, cultures, and disciplines. From the peaceful landscapes of New Zealand to the academically rigorous environment of Guangzhou; from the concert stage to the engineering laboratory, Serene has shown that excellence is not about fitting into a predefined mould—it is about having the courage to define your own.

Studying in New Zealand gave Serene an international outlook, but it also made one thing increasingly clear: she wanted to challenge herself by applying to the world’s leading universities.
As inspiring as her experience abroad had been, the geographical distance and the limitations of the local curriculum meant that it could not fully support her long-term ambitions.

“I realised that, at the time, my options were largely limited to Australian universities and the University of Auckland. That wasn’t enough if I wanted to compete for places at the world’s top institutions.”

Determined to align herself with the British education system and broaden her opportunities, Serene made the bold decision to transfer schools. Encouraged by her close friend Helena—now studying at ETH Zurich—she chose Fettes College Guangzhou.

It was more than a change of location; it was a carefully considered investment in her future.

After joining Fettes College Guangzhou, Serene quickly found herself immersed in an inspiring academic culture. Whether it was lively debates around classroom whiteboards or teachers patiently explaining difficult concepts long after lessons had ended, learning extended well beyond the timetable.

Naturally organised and exceptionally self-disciplined, Serene approached every stage of her studies with meticulous planning. Revision schedules covered her wardrobe doors, and every weak topic was broken down into manageable daily goals. She regularly asked teachers for additional practice papers and refined her revision plan, question by question.
Her determination also inspired those around her, fostering a culture in which classmates motivated one another to keep improving.

Behind every achievement was a team of teachers who never stopped believing in her.

“Even at weekends, I could message my teachers on WeCom whenever I had questions. Mr Jim and Mr Tim, my mathematics teachers in particular, would often still be replying late into the night.”

That shared commitment produced outstanding results:

•AS Level: Grade A in Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics and Physics

•A Level Chinese: A*

•IELTS: Overall Band 7.0, including Band 8.0 in Reading

One of Serene’s greatest strengths has always been her willingness to explore beyond familiar boundaries.
As a child, she received nearly 10 years of classical vocal training, which nurtured her creativity and sensitivity.
During secondary school, she became fascinated by business, enjoying the challenge of analysing how successful business models worked.
Later, she came to realise that truly impactful business depends on technological innovation that solves real-world problems.

A pivotal moment came during a conversation with Professor Ling from The University of Hong Kong. That discussion inspired her to pursue engineering as the next stage of her academic journey.
The following summer, she joined a research project at South China Agricultural University, where she participated in the complete development process of lithium iron phosphate batteries.

“Innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something entirely new. Sometimes, improving experimental conditions or optimising a product’s performance can create real value.”

From performing on stage to carrying out scientific experiments, Serene discovered where her passions truly aligned: combining engineering innovation with commercial thinking. Rather than simply observing ideas, she wanted to create practical solutions that could make a genuine difference.

University applications are demanding for every student, but Serene was determined not to rely on generic templates. She believed that every university has its own distinct character—and that every application deserved an equally individual response.

She produced tailored personal statements for each institution, carefully connecting her experiences to the strengths of each programme. For her Hong Kong applications alone, she rewrote her essays more than a dozen times.
Supported throughout the process by Cheryl Xuan from the Group University Guidance Team and Angela, an Oxford alumna, her application materials showcased not only her academic achievements but also the individuality that set her apart.

When the offers finally arrived, Serene wrote a personal thank-you letter to every teacher who had supported her along the way.

Her journey reflects the educational philosophy at Fettes College Guangzhou:

Education is not about guiding every student towards a single “correct” answer. It is about giving young people the confidence, freedom, and capability to create their own path—and to become the person they aspire to be.

As Serene begins her next chapter, we look forward to seeing her continue writing her own story—one that remains, in every sense, The Unwritten.