DAAD Prize for Tak Yan Law

Achim Kemmerling, Gerhard Haniel Professor of Public Policy and International Development at the Brandt School, and Brandt School employee Dr Hasnain Bokhari, who nominated Hong Kong-born Tak Yan Law for the award, write in the citation: Despite lockdowns and COVID-19-related restrictions, she has also remained very active in the social sphere, has worked intensively on e-learning and digitalisation, and has become an active member of the Brandt School's Bulletin podcast team. The podcast is a student initiative that invites experts from inside and outside the university to discuss current social issues such as socio-economic development, migration or digitalisation. "In addition, Tak Yan Law is very concerned about freedom of expression, especially in Hong Kong, and she regularly expresses her opinion on this, for example on the Brandt School blog. She also writes articles on other political topics there. She also supports her colleagues in Hong Kong, who are still active there despite extreme resistance and the persecution of academics, journalists and employees of non-governmental organisations.

With the DAAD Prize, however, the jury also recognises Tak Yan Law's social commitment, which extends beyond the boundaries of the University of Erfurt. An avid supporter of ethical consumerism, she volunteers for a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that promotes ethical consumer standards in Hong Kong. She also actively engages in social media outreach on this issue as a volunteer for this NGO.

"I am so grateful and honoured to receive the DAAD award this year," says Tak Yan Law. The diversity of fellow students from more than 20 countries at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy is an inspiring experience for me. And I am very happy to be able to participate in this international programme as a student."

The award was presented to her on Thrusday as part of the Brandt School's Commitment Award celebrations.