Meet Ken H: From Dulwich to Aerospace Engineering

At Dulwich, education doesn’t end at graduation—and neither do the connections. Our alumni community continues to thrive around the world, pursuing exciting careers and enriching lives. It’s always a joy when they return to campus, bringing with them stories, memories, and wisdom.

 

As the 2025–26 academic year began, we were delighted to welcome back Ken Huang, a member of Dulwich Hengqin’s Class of 2019.

Ken returned to school at the invitation of his former classmate and now Dulwich Drama teacher, Colin, stepping into a classroom not as a student—but as a guest teaching assistant. For a day, he swapped roles and stood at the front of the room, guiding students through their drama lesson. Afterwards, he joked, “Do I seem less stiff than I used to be?”

 

It’s those full-circle moments—returning to the same classroom with a new identity—that quietly affirm how far we’ve come. Whether it’s stepping in as a “guest teacher” or taking on the real-world responsibilities of a young professional, every transformation is worth celebrating.

 

A Journey from Dulwich to Aerospace, Ken's Journey Continues... 

Ken graduated in 2019 with three A*s in A Level and went on to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol, completing a four-year integrated Master’s programme. Today, he works in Zhuhai at a local tech company, managing the supply chain for aerospace hardware components. 

“Since I’m working in Zhuhai and the school’s so close, of course I wanted to come back and say hi to my old teachers,” he said with a smile.

Ken describes his job as the perfect blend of engineering expertise, aerospace knowledge, and real-world business operations—exactly the career path he had envisioned.

 

“What I enjoy most is solving practical problems. When the knowledge you’ve learned turns into real-world impact, that sense of accomplishment is incredibly real.”

As the Dulwich vision puts it: Our students thrive and make a positive difference anywhere in the world.

This lifelong global mindset—growing with purpose and impact no matter where life takes them—is one of the defining qualities that sets Dulwich students apart.

Top tip from Ken

Many people chase ‘hot’ majors because they think they’re safer. But honestly, every industry’s top performers live well. The real key is to find something you’re genuinely passionate about and stick with it. That’s where you’ll create your value.

Interview

High School Reflections:

What Dulwich Taught Me

You achieved 3 A*s in your A Levels—any study tips to share?

Focus on understanding concepts instead of rote memorisation. I always believed in treating every opportunity as if it were my only one—because often, it is. For example, when we took our IELTS listening exam, there were no retakes. So give your best from the start.

 

What extracurriculars had a lasting impact on you?

I took part in the Asian High School Team Maths Competition for two consecutive years, and later founded our school’s Maths Competition Club to share my experience with others.

I’ve always believed that sticking with one thing in high school—whether it’s competitions, clubs, or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award—is a meaningful investment. It builds real skills and becomes a powerful asset when applying to university.

 

Any unexpected takeaways that still benefit you today?

Funny enough, I still remember how our physics teacher taught us basic computer skills—email etiquette, how to format CCs, build charts in Excel… At the time, it felt like common sense, but those practical lessons have been invaluable, both at university and at work.

That’s what makes a Dulwich education so special: it goes beyond academics to equip you with real-world tools—how to learn, how to think independently, and how to solve problems.

University Life in the UK: 

More Than Just a Degree

What was it like studying engineering?

People often say they’re “pursuing” a degree—but with engineering, you’re really fighting for it. It’s a demanding subject that requires full commitment: rigorous coursework, intensive projects, and strict time management. If you want to succeed, you need to be ready to give it 100%.

 

What challenges did you face abroad?

Language was definitely the biggest challenge. When talking to local and other international students, we all agreed—your English never feels “enough.” Language class English, academic English, and everyday slang are all very different. Even though my English was solid, it still took time to adjust abroad.

 

That’s why I strongly suggest speaking English as much as you can at Dulwich—it really helps later. In my course, I was usually the only Chinese student, and I had to work with native speakers on every project. At first, it was tough to blend in and communicate smoothly.

So I started with small steps—saying hi, making light conversation before discussions. It gradually helped me build better connections and feel more confident in the group.

 

And beyond academics—what else shaped your experience?

 

Living on your own. Being in the UK meant handling everything myself—laundry, cooking, buying essentials, managing my schedule. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me more disciplined and independent.

Studying abroad isn’t just about academics—it’s a full-on life experience that helps you grow in every way.

Once a part of Dulwich, 

Always part of the family.

 

We’re incredibly grateful to Ken for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Dulwich Hengqin. 

 

As more and more of our alumni chart their unique paths, we hope many will return, like Ken, to reconnect with their roots—and inspire the next generation of students with their journeys.