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.
Rowing: Honour and History
In 2008, Law Hiu Fung was chosen as Hong Kong’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. He was bestowed the honour after performing exceptionally well in his category, the 2,000 metre Men’s Single Sculls. Having achieved a time of 7:06, Law was placed 20th worldwide and 1st amongst all representatives from Asia. Law was thrilled to accept the esteemed Olympic honour, interpreting it as recognition of his sporting accomplishments.
Rowing is one of the oldest Olympic sports. Initially on the programme in 1896, the competition failed to take place that year due to undesirable weather. Competitive rowing itself dates back to the early 10th century when races were held on the River Thames in London, where professional watermen raced for prizes offered by the London Guilds and Livery Companies. By the end of the 18th century, boat clubs were established at Britain’s Eton College and Westminster School, and races were first held at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in 1815 and 1827 respectively.
In Hong Kong, rowing is one of the region’s oldest organised sports. A holistic activity with a long history, rowing not only cultivates physical strength and endurance, but also fosters teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline.
To know more about rowing, please go to the official website of Hong Kong China Rowing Association.
