From Fashion to Ocean Rescue: The Inspiring Journey of Marine Thomas, Former Student of the French International School of Hong Kong

Marine is in the center, dressed in red, and sitting next to her teacher. She was in CE2B.

A former student of the French International School of Hong Kong (HKFIS), Marine Thomas is now an iconic figure in the field of biodiversity conservation in Asia. As the Associate Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy in Hong Kong, she embodies a career path that is as inspiring as it is unexpected. Let’s take a look back at her journey, from her years at HKFIS to her commitment to environmental protection.

An inspiring Cross-Cultural Journey

Marine Thomas grew up between two cultures, having lived in Hong Kong from a very young age. With a French mother, an English father, and a Chinese stepmother, she benefited from a unique multicultural environment. After attending an English school during her early childhood, she joined HKFIS in Moyenne Section and continued her studies there until graduating with the Baccalauréat in 2002. She was part of the first cohorts to try the Oriental Section (which still exists today), a program that included intensive Mandarin classes. This experience deeply nurtured her love for the Chinese language and her curiosity about cultural differences.

After completing her baccalaureate, Marine chose to continue her studies in France, in Paris, where she enrolled in the DULCO (Diplôme Universitaire de Langues et Civilisations Orientales). Although initially destined for business studies, this program became a springboard for deepening her passion for Asia. She then completed a Master’s degree at the prestigious SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) in London, specializing in international management and Chinese business practices.

A Transition Towards Conservation

Marine’s professional journey began in the luxury sector. With summer experience in luxury retail and her expertise in Sino-European business, she joined Chanel as a merchandiser. Over six years, she climbed the ranks but eventually decided to leave this world, as it no longer aligned with her aspirations. A sabbatical year allowed her to reconnect with her passion for nature and environmental matters. At 30, she started from scratch, accepting an unpaid internship at The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Quickly noticed for her dedication, she was hired, then promoted, eventually becoming the Associate Director of Conservation and a marine biologist through her work on shellfish reefs.

Today, Marine leads ambitious projects, combining scuba diving, science, and conservation. Her flagship project, the restoration of shellfish reefs in Hong Kong, is a pioneering effort in Asia and could serve as a model for mainland China.

Recently, Marine’s work was highlighted in the documentary "City of Shells" , which explores in detail her marine habitat restoration project using recycled shells. This film not only underscores the ecological importance of such initiatives but also reflects her passion for ocean preservation and her commitment to addressing environmental challenges.

The Influence of HKFIS

For Marine, HKFIS played a fundamental role in her personal and professional development. The small class sizes, cultural diversity, and open-mindedness fostered by the school were decisive factors. "It was a controlled environment, but one that encouraged responsibility," she explains. Human experiences—such as the famous Cabaret, inter-school sports competitions, or the Asia Games—shaped her adaptability, self-confidence, and ability to work in multicultural environments.

She also highlights the close relationships with her teachers, who were much more than just educators: "They were mentors who pushed us to go beyond our limits." These privileged relationships left a lasting impact on her journey and continue to inspire her to this day.

The Keys to Her Success

Beyond technical skills, Marine highlights the essential qualities instilled by HKFIS: resilience, adaptability, kindness, and respect for differences. This solid foundation has helped her navigate between corporate and environmental worlds while staying true to her values.

With her current achievements and unwavering commitment, Marine Thomas proves that it is possible to combine professional ambition with a positive impact on the world. A true source of inspiration for future generations!