Creating your SPACE
Learning is a journey. For some, it’s a weathered path full of intriguing twists and turns; others welcome the stimulating trials and challenges; and many find exquisite joy in the blossoming flora they encounter along the way. As HKU SPACE celebrates its 60th anniversary, we are honored to have four alumni to share their journeys of learning with us, and talk about their experiences, and the beautiful scenery they encountered over the years.
Lam Chiu Ying, the former Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, takes us deep into the forest and contemplates the philosophical lessons he gained from bird watching. For Lam, learning is the most constructive form of leisure. Law Hiu Fung, a professional athlete and prominent Hong Kong rower, tells us how learning inspired him during a perceived impasse in his sporting career, and how the experience helped him to build a stronger sense of self. For world-class snooker player Ng On Yee, learning stimulates her intellectual and creative thinking, which in turn directly enhances her performance in competitions. And last but not least, Dr Ko Wing-man explains how he complemented his training in Western medicine with new knowledge from Chinese medicine, to build a truly person-oriented practice enriched with the subtle nuances of deep theories and traditions from the East.
Through their stories, we discover that each journey of learning is unique, with each voyage resulting in personal growth, intellectual and spiritual development, and an enriched personal space in which to thrive. Perhaps it’s now time to plan your own journey, and create and cultivate your own special space in which you can learn, grow, and flourish.
Hong Kong: Create your SPACE
People in Hong Kong often forget to stop and breathe. The hectic and demanding pace of our work frequently eclipses all our personal energy and space.
Reflecting on this, Lam Chiu Ying says that as human beings we should seek not simply to survive, but to thrive – to differentiate ourselves from animals hunting for mere sustenance. In order to enrich his own existence, Lam constantly pursues new opportunities to learn.
World snooker champion Ng On Yee was motivated to take up studying again when she was confronted by the variety and riches of the world she was encountering on her travels to international competitions. For Ng, continuous learning was a way to expand her intellectual and personal horizons.
Ko Wing Man who is accomplished in both Chinese and Western medicine, is also keen on astronomy and bird watching in his spare time. Such activities inspire him in his professional practice, enabling him to learn not just from books, but also from nature.
Rowing star, Law Hiu Fung returned to studying during a career slump following initial fame. Experiences in the classroom presented Law with opportunities to recharge and re-energise himself as both an athlete and coach.
These four alumni are all distinguished representatives of Hong Kong. Regardless of their professional success, however, they pursued continuous growth and development, by learning and holistic enrichment, that in turn enabled them to achieve even more in the chosen fields.
