Simon Han (Clark 2017 – 2019) came to St Paul’s Collegiate School as a Year 11 in 2017. By the time he left in 2019, he had made many friends, become fully immersed in boarding and extra-curricular activities and was Dux of the School. Now, Simon is part of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) – and he’s found it nothing short of inspiring.

UN-Habitat is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns. It works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities and is a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. Its values and mission align with Simon and his studies offered valuable insights for the internship.

After leaving St Paul's, Simon pursued tertiary studies at University College London (UCL), where he studied BSc Urban Planning and Design at the Bartlett School of Planning and graduated with First Class Honours. He is now studying for a master's degree (MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies) at the University of Cambridge, Department of Architecture. His research interests span urban economics, machine learning, and spatial analysis, showcasing his dedication to making a significant impact in the field of urban planning and development.

Simon's journey to UN-Habitat was fuelled by a genuine passion for urban planning and development. During his undergraduate studies at UCL, he extensively studied documents and books published by UN-Habitat. Simon says, "I was attracted by the rigorous research conducted, the comprehensive urban policy outlines and guidelines, and the innovative urban tools." Additionally, the prospect of exploring the urban environments and cultures of developing countries in Africa sparked his interest.

Simon initiated his journey to UN-Habitat by directly applying through the UN's online system. After submitting his portfolio and undergoing interviews, he was fortunate to secure a place in the UN-Habitat internship program.

Simon's role at UN-Habitat placed him in the Urban Finance and Economy team. “As a team, we are responsible for developing both financial and economic strategies for local city councils to boost the municipal revenue and urban economic development. I was involved in the projects of local municipal financial analysis software development, local economic development tool, financial strategy for refugee camps and research on infrastructure investment in Africa.”

His internship spans six months with a significant portion of it spent in Nairobi, Kenya. Currently, he continues his work remotely. “I had never gone to Africa, and it is exciting to explore the urban environment and culture from developing countries.”

Simon's time at UN-Habitat has been marked by enriching experiences and personal growth. He speaks fondly of the diverse colleagues he has met and the opportunity to explore the living conditions of residents, particularly in areas like Kibera. Simon shares, "I enjoyed visiting some places in person to explore the different lives of the local people."

Yet, the path hasn't been without its challenges. Simon acknowledges the difficulties of navigating Nairobi's less-developed infrastructure and the safety concerns he encountered. He also recalls encountering refugees protesting against policies developed by his team—an eye-opening experience.

Simon acknowledges the unique and nurturing environment that St Paul's provided. "Both my family and I are certain that we made the wise choice of coming to St Paul's. The student experience for me was exceptional." He emphasises that what he cherished most was the support system that allowed him to explore his skills and interests. Simon acknowledges the dedicated staff who were always willing to assist him in various areas, fostering his personal and intellectual growth.

Among Simon's cherished memories of the concert band and competing in tennis nationals with his friends, one standout moment was being awarded the Dux of the School in 2019. "I feel that my hard work at St Paul's paid off, and I want those who supported me to feel proud."

After completing his master's degree at Cambridge, Simon plans to embark on a Ph.D. journey at Cambridge University. His research topic directly aligns with UN-Habitat projects, focusing on local economic development with innovative machine learning analysis methods. Simon's future holds the promise of making substantial contributions to urban planning and development on a global scale.