Dr. Ingrid Yeung (Class of 1995) is an alumna who has forged a career as a museum curator through an unconventional route. At the time of her interview, she had just completed the 2024 exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London, which showcased her passion for curating and art. 

Passion for the arts ignited at youth
Growing up with parents who practiced Chinese calligraphy as a hobby resulted in Ingrid’s lifelong fascination with art and culture. While waiting for her mother to finish work at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, she would often spend time at the university’s art museum. “Art was part of my daily life,” she recalls, acknowledging the profound impact of these early formative experiences. 

DGJS, Ingrid reminisces fondly, was a joyful environment. She cherishes the all-round education at DGJS, which has enabled her to live life to its fullest. She loved choir practices and performances led by Ms. Agatha Tsui and Ms. Nancy Cheng, who instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for music. Moreover, her art teacher Mrs. Watt, left a lasting impression, particularly with a memorable assignment in P6 that involved designing a logo for a brand. She has been enamoured with graphic design ever since. 

Finding her way as a museum curator
Ingrid initially aspired to be an architect, but respected her father’s advice to first gain a better intellectual grounding through an undergraduate liberal arts education. This journey then led her to pursue graduate studies in international relations, which deepened her understanding of world affairs. 

And yet, Ingrid’s hear t was still drawn to art. She earned a second master’s degree in Korean and Japanese art history, strengthening her resolve to be a museum curator. Many elders in her family’s social circle were experts in Chinese art and literature, which nurtured her appreciation of these subjects from a young age; the drawback, however, was their “impossibly” high standards that she felt she could never meet. Notwithstanding, she persisted. Her doctoral studies at Yale University eventually gave her confidence and a different mindset. She is grateful for the breadth of her doctoral education, enabling her now to curate exhibitions about a wide range of subjects. 

Following her heart as a curator
After gaining entry-level experience through volunteering and internships, Ingrid worked at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Yale University Art Gallery, and National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., where she learned from some of the finest scholars and museum professionals about every aspect of the field, especially public engagement. “As a museum professional, we must care about our audiences,” Ingrid emphasises. 

Since joining the HKPM as associate curator in 2019, Ingrid has worked on a number of exhibitions together with her team, including collaborations with The Palace Museum, Musée du Louvre, National Gallery, and Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Her upcoming exhibition, Wonders of Imperial Carpets: Masterpieces from the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, jointly organised with the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, will be on view from 18th June to 6th October 2025 at the HKPM. 

Every exhibition presents unique challenges. Ingrid recalls the complexities faced during 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and credits her team for backing each other and protecting the core vision of the project. Perseverance, hard work, and faith, she believes, can compensate for any initial misfortune or setback. 

The most rewarding moments, she shares, are seeing visitors, especially young children, enjoy and engage with the exhibitions. “I saw a little girl dancing to the music played in one of our exhibitions - that is exactly what I worked for,” she says. She holds dear the School motto, Daily Giving Service, which remains the source of her motivation to serve the community through art. 

Ingrid credits her education at DGS for instilling a sense of excellence. “The essence of excellence is not about good grades or winning,” she suggests. “It is about whether one’s ideas and actions can endure the test of time.” She is thankful to her mentors and friends for reminding her to never lose sight of the big picture, to think long-term, and to work for the greater good. 

Advice for aspiring students
For current students aspiring to enter the art field, Ingrid advises them to take action. “Volunteer, learn languages, be open-minded to the infinite possibilities of art and of life,” she encourages. “If you are an aspiring artist, make art or do something creative every day.” 

With the ongoing development of cultural institutions in Hong Kong, Ingrid sees a bright future for young people looking to have a career in arts and culture. “There are now more opportunities than ever,” she notes, urging students to be brave and creative. “Follow your passions, take action, read voraciously, and above all, persevere!”