Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my academic family for their invaluable intellectual input in the writing process of this book.

First and foremost, my deep gratitude is directed at my mentor Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Wolf, who has not only guided me with patience and trust, but also with impressive skill, wisdom, and respect. Thank you for your lead and letting me learn from the best there is in the field. Without your intellectual and moral guidance, this book would have never been possible, and my life would have taken a completely different course.

Prof. Dr. Arne Peters, I am most thankful for your generosity in letting me partake in your intellect and your kind persona. Thank you for your academic input, the enlightening discussions, your humanity, and for the smart and helpful suggestions for this book.

Prof. Dr. Frank Polzenhagen, your vast knowledge is hard to comprehend, and I thank you for letting me indulge in it in the many enlightening conversations throughout the years.

A heartfelt thank you to my colleagues, Anna Finzel and Alisa Egorova, for your advice, input, encouragement, and your friendship.

To my family and friends, thank you all for the interest in my work, your unwavering love, the continued psychological and moral support, and for the many inspiring conversations.

Last, but certainly not least, thank you, people of Hong Kong! For accepting me as one of your own. Your remarkable creativity and resilience will never cease to amaze me. Thank you for teaching me lessons that go beyond academia.