“In those days, without computers, publishing statutory notices was a painstaking process—every word change meant waiting 45 minutes for the machine to reprint a new film,” recalls Richard Tsang with evident enthusiasm. Tsang, who founded Strategic Public Relations Group Ltd in 1995 to provide financial PR consultancy services, considers himself an accidental entrant to the industry. “I never took PR courses during my undergraduate studies,” he laughs. “After graduation, I applied for several jobs, and the PR position was simply the first to accept me—so that’s where I landed.”

What began as chance quickly evolved into passion. After discovering his affinity for the work, Tsang established his own firm serving Hong Kong-listed companies across diverse industries and countries. “Our job regularly took us abroad, accompanying journalists and investors on operational tours. One colleague even led a media tour to Siberia about a decade ago! These are places you might never visit in your lifetime if not for work.” He adds, “Boredom is my greatest fear. While financial PR involves standard elements—writing press releases, organizing press conferences and interviews, meeting with investors—every company presents unique challenges that keep each day fresh.”

Drawing on his extensive experience, Tsang has spent thirty years as a part-time lecturer at the School of Journalism and Communication, where Sofia Yip once sat in his classroom. Now Head of Brand at Edelman Hong Kong, Yip studied PR initially to explore different career paths rather than with a determined goal. “I simply followed opportunities as they arose,” she explains, “and gradually found myself increasingly passionate about the work. Even after more than a decade in this field, I still find tremendous satisfaction in what I do.”

The media landscape has transformed dramatically since Yip entered the profession, shifting from predominantly print and broadcast outlets to a rich ecosystem of online and self-media platforms. PR professionals must constantly adapt, which Yip describes as part of the field’s appeal. “Our industry evolves rapidly, and with AI becoming mainstream, we’ll see even more innovative approaches. Industries, the global environment, and client needs change daily, requiring PR practitioners to continually reinvent how we accomplish our core objectives—that’s what makes it so fascinating to me.”

These two PR leaders—both initially without plans to enter the industry—have become standouts across generations. From technology brand promotion and crisis management to integrated marketing, Yip has navigated various PR specialties. She credits her education for nurturing essential curiosity. “Each client I work with faces distinct challenges. While some people shy away from differences, I embrace them. I’m genuinely interested in understanding client problems and the latest market trends.”

Tsang emphasizes that regardless of one’s communication specialty, certain principles remain non-negotiable—particularly truth-seeking and courage. “I cannot and will not help clients deceive others,” he states firmly. “Sometimes I must risk the business relationship by providing honest counsel. These principles must be upheld, and I believe many students enter communications studies with similar values: to gain professional knowledge and accurately reflect social realities.”

Profiles:
Richard Tsang graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s School of Journalism and Communication in 1988. He founded Strategic Public Relations Group Ltd in 1995 and currently serves as its Chairman. Since 1994, he has been a part-time lecturer at the School, teaching courses including “Fundamentals in Public Relations”, “Financial Public Relations” and “Investor Relations.”

Sofia Yip graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s School of Journalism and Communication in 2009. She currently serves as Head of Brand at Edelman Hong Kong. In 2022, she joined her alma mater as a part-time lecturer, teaching “Social Media and Crisis Communication.”

At the Hong Kong Coliseum, flags emblazoned with the RubberBand logo flutter as lead vocalist Mau Hou-cheong (nicknamed “6@Rubberband” or “No. 6”) performs with genuine passion. Without elaborate costumes, he commands applause from the entire venue. From the college’s amphitheatre to the prestigious Hong Kong Coliseum and international tours, his journey has far exceeded his expectations. With a smile, he recalls that it all began with simply enjoying karaoke – forming an impromptu group with dormitory mates for campus singing contests, eventually meeting his future bandmates, and setting the stage for everything that followed.

While a journalism and communication major might seem disconnected from music, No. 6 reveals that his studies were instrumental in his self-discovery. “Journalism helped me understand what truly interested me – people’s stories,” he explains. “I threw myself into profile interviews! As an editor for ‘U-Beat Magazine,’ I eagerly pitched my own story ideas, including features on foreign soccer players in Hong Kong. Years later, we wrote ‘Minority World Cup’ based on this theme for our band’s third album – in many ways, continuing what began during those early experiences.”

For independent singer-songwriter Zelos Wong, university similarly shaped his identity. He vividly remembers sharing his first demo with fellow journalism students in a classroom. Though Zelos had dreamed of becoming a singer since childhood, opportunities seemed out of reach until his journalism studies expanded his horizons. He credits his teachers for their openness to student ideas and consistent encouragement. “The School of Journalism and Communication gave me the opportunity to realize I could create my own work, which led me to songwriting.”

The two journalism graduates share a mutual respect. No. 6 particularly admires Zelos’s courage, referring to 2020 when Zelos dedicated his original song “Barnaby” to his late boyfriend while publicly coming out. This watershed moment opened doors for Zelos to explore themes of sexuality and gender identity in his mini-album “EmergenZy,” where his music videos showcase diverse expressions of gender and orientation. As the introduction to his song “The Show” aptly states: “Use your own body to showcase your allure.” Zelos reflects that journalism taught him about life’s possibilities – a lesson he carries forward: “After graduation, I sometimes feel constrained, forgetting there’s so much to explore. I worry about failure, but without failing and learning, the next success may never come.”

Music serves as their means of self-expression. Zelos senses profound kindness and warmth in No. 6 ‘s works. No. 6 attributes this to the humanistic values he developed through journalism. “We face countless problems without easy solutions, but through creation, documentation, and reporting, we can amplify what matters to us and bring it to wider attention.”

Zelos characterizes journalism graduates by their stubborn pursuit of good. “They fearlessly confront whatever challenges the world presents, using their hearts as shields – it’s a form of resilient determination.” This sentiment unexpectedly mirrors RubberBand’s lyrics in “See You Soon”: “In the vast future ahead, singing without fear, being myself without regrets.”

Profiles:
Mau Hou-cheong graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2002. In 2005, he formed RubberBand as lead vocalist, releasing ten albums to date. He also directs music videos.

Zelos Wong graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016. In 2020, he launched his career as an independent singer-songwriter, releasing the mini-album “EmergenZy” and hosting programs including ViuTV’s “Beautiful Bitchy Bros.”

At Commercial Radio Hong Kong’s CR903, three graduates from different generations have found their calling. Sammy Leung, Amber Au, and Ah Jeng – all alumni of the School of Journalism and Communication – now share the airwaves at one of Hong Kong’s most popular radio stations. When asked what drew them to broadcasting, their answers converge on a simple truth: the desire to connect with others. “It really was that straightforward,” Ah Jeng reflects. “Radio brought me joy as a listener, and I wanted to pass that feeling on.”

But why choose radio in an age of diverse media? “There’s something special about voice,” Amber explains. “It’s immediate and authentic – you can’t replicate someone’s tone or inflection. That creates a real connection with listeners.” For Sammy, radio offered unparalleled creative freedom when he started. “You’re wearing every hat – producer, writer, director, performer. When inspiration strikes, you can run with it. Creating something truly yours… there’s nothing quite like it.”

Three decades into his career, Sammy briefly contemplated retirement last year but discovered he wasn’t ready to leave the mic behind. Despite his success across multiple entertainment platforms, radio remains his first love. Amber, eighteen years in, still brings the same dedication that once had her routinely skipping meals to complete interviews – though she adds with a laugh that she’s since learned “not everyone shares my extreme approach.” As Ah Jeng approaches her tenth year of broadcasting, she acknowledges the demanding schedule that requires her presence at the station almost daily. While many of her contemporaries dream of freelance flexibility, she considers herself “incredibly fortunate” to do what she loves.

Yet it’s more than just passion that drives them. Sammy recalls a senior student warning him about the industry’s challenges and modest pay during his first year at university. “I actually tried to transfer out,” he chuckles. But thankfully that didn’t work out. His education taught him something valuable about media’s social responsibility. “Sure, my shows are meant to entertain, but they should offer something more. That’s what I learned in school – we have a duty to contribute positively to society.”

Ah Jeng’s tone grows serious as she reflects on her role: “Radio is there for our listeners through every kind of weather, every kind of day. That’s both our responsibility and our promise. When you put your name to something like that… yes, it’s exhausting sometimes, but it’s also a privilege. Not everyone gets to do this work, and that’s what keeps me going.”

For Amber, the lessons from her university days still resonate – particularly the traditional journalist’s virtues of “iron feet, horse eyes, and immortal’s stomach,” representing tireless mobility, keen observation, and unwavering dedication. “I’ve always aimed to help people see the beauty in different perspectives,” she says. “Through our programs, we can open windows to new ways of appreciating the world. That’s been my mission from day one.”

Profiles:
Sammy Leung (Class of ’96, School of Journalism and Communication, CUHK) began his career after winning a DJ contest in 1994. Beyond his role at CR903, he’s established himself as a versatile entertainer across television, theater, stand-up comedy, and film.

Amber Au (Class of ’07, School of Journalism and Communication, CUHK) has risen to become both a director and program host at CR903.

Ah Jeng (Class of ’15, School of Journalism and Communication, CUHK) started at Commercial Radio as a scriptwriter before moving into assistant and hosting roles at CR903. Her television appearances have made her a familiar face to Hong Kong audiences.

Throughout its 60-year history, the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong has cultivated generations of scholars, including Professors Anthony Fung and Macau Mak. Though graduating decades apart, both have found their way back to teach at their alma mater.

Despite numerous changes over six decades, the School’s fundamental philosophy has remained steadfast. While some view universities merely as vocational training grounds, both Anthony and Macau see it differently. What’s the most valuable takeaway from studying journalism and communication?

According to Anthony, technology evolves at a breakneck pace – from print media to radio, television, and now the era of digital media and AI. Technical skills often become outdated before they can be mastered. That’s why university education should focus less on technical training and more on developing systematic problem-solving abilities through sustained practice.

Macau shares this view. During his undergraduate and graduate studies in journalism and communication, the emphasis was on fostering critical thinking skills while maintaining a humanistic perspective. His experience as a reporter for the English-language student publication Varsity taught him a valuable lesson: while analyzing broader social issues, it’s crucial to understand individual stories. “In research, we often work with statistics, but behind each number is a human story. Learning to consider the human dimension in our analysis – that’s the most valuable lesson I gained from my journalism education.”

The two professors share more than just their alma mater and career paths – Macau was once Anthony’s student, and they became acquainted during a UK exchange program led by Anthony. For Macau, joining the School’s faculty was his primary goal after completing his doctorate. Having benefited immensely from his education there, he felt a deep sense of meaning in returning to nurture the next generation of students.

Anthony fondly recalls encouraging his academically gifted student to pursue advanced studies. Now that they’ve transitioned from mentor and mentee to colleagues, he takes genuine pride in Macau’s achievements. “I’m delighted to have Macau back teaching at the School. This represents our tradition of nurturing talent, and we hope to see more alumni return to contribute after completing their advanced degrees.”

Profiles:
Anthony Fung graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1992, earning his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota. He returned to his alma mater in 2001 and currently serves as the Wei Lun Professor of Journalism and Communication and Dean of Social Science.

Macau Mak earned his bachelor’s degree and MPhil from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016 and 2020 respectively, followed by a Ph.D. from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. He joined the School as an Assistant Professor in 2024.

“I have an aversion to property and stock markets—I dislike the speculation involved—yet here I am working in finance!” jokes Aries Poon, who has carved an unexpected career path since graduating from the School of Journalism and Communication. Not only did he spend years as a financial journalist, but he now serves as Head of Asia-Pacific and Latin America Insights and Analysis at S&P Global Market Intelligence, overseeing economic forecasting and political risk analysis. None of this was in his original game plan. His philosophy is simple: when opportunities arise, make the most of them, “and then your destiny will find you.”

His journey began during his college years. Poon laughs about having “inexplicable confidence” when he “applied for the most competitive program.” Avoiding business studies, he landed in journalism—a decision that proved surprisingly fitting. His natural talent for verbal expression and logical reasoning, coupled with his passion for analyzing relationships between different factors, aligned perfectly with journalism’s core requirements. After graduation, he thrived as a local news reporter, earning recognition for his abilities. “I love responding to breaking news—the adrenaline rush, the quick thinking, the human interaction. It’s exhilarating!”

The pivot to financial journalism happened by chance. Poon embraced this shift because he was open to learning opportunities. Over time, he discovered finance’s multifaceted nature beyond property and stocks, including the fascinating world of macroeconomics. “The flow of capital often reveals shifting political winds,” he notes. Finding deeper meaning in financial reporting, his career steadily progressed from reporter to bureau chief, then to S&P’s news department, where his supervisor recognized his analytical talents and steered him toward research.

Reflecting on his professional journey, Poon quips: “Deep down, I still want to be a journalist!” Nevertheless, he finds his current role intellectually stimulating and challenging. “My job now goes beyond immediate analysis—I need to make reasonable predictions about future trends, something journalism never required. It’s been an incredible learning curve.”

Poon recalls valuable advice from his supervisor: effective research analysis requires keeping personal opinions out of the writing. This resonated with his journalistic principles: “As a reporter, I never wanted readers to detect my political leanings through my stories. My role was to provide information and let readers form their own judgments. Research demands even greater neutrality. Understanding the importance of impartiality—that’s something my journalism education instilled in me.”

Profile:
Aries Poon graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1999. His previous roles include Taipei Bureau Chief for Dow Jones Newswires and Bureau Chief for a Wall Street Journal division. Currently, he serves as Head of Asia-Pacific and Latin America Insights and Analysis at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

At HKTVmall’s logistics center, boxes of merchandise move seamlessly along conveyor belts, sorted by a fully automated system before being loaded onto delivery trucks. The e-commerce platform’s success might make it easy to forget that the company began as a broadband provider and multimedia production company. These three industries require vastly different expertise, and though Jelly Zhou has remained with the company throughout its evolution, she’s essentially changed careers multiple times. Each transformation meant starting from scratch, but Zhou, now heading HKTVmall, explains that despite working in fields unrelated to her academic background, she’s consistently embodied the “all-in” spirit she cultivated at the School of Journalism and Communication.

As one of the first mainland Chinese students in CUHK’s School of Journalism and Communication, Shanghai-born Zhou recalls her first required course, “Mass Media and Society,” with a laugh. “It was a tremendous shock,” she says. Unable to understand Cantonese, unfamiliar with Hong Kong culture, and completely unaware of local current affairs, she struggled with a course that demanded extensive analysis of Hong Kong news and cultural phenomena. She describes the difficulty as “extremely challenging” multiple times. The different writing conventions between mainland China and Hong Kong nearly caused a breakdown during her practicum with the School’s publication U-Beat Magazine. “My first article was terrible. I’d never received such criticism before and almost hid away to cry.”

“I realized I needed to work ten or twenty times harder than local Hong Kong students to excel academically. But this experience pushed me to work harder and accelerated my understanding of Hong Kong society.” Her now-fluent Cantonese stands as testament to her determination. “This experience proved invaluable. Later, whenever I faced challenges in further studies or work, I knew that with perseverance, no obstacle was insurmountable. At the School of Journalism, I learned self-reliance and diligence, which enabled me to achieve breakthroughs.”

These breakthroughs have paralleled her company’s evolution. After graduation, she joined City Telecom, staying on as the company transformed from a broadband provider to a multimedia production company and finally to an e-commerce platform. Each transition was essentially starting over, but she faced these challenges head-on. From her belief that Hong Kong deserved “a high-quality fiber optic network” to her vision of “Hong Kong’s own online shopping platform,” she has consistently sought to create more choices for local residents. “That’s something I find deeply satisfying,” she notes.

When discussing Hong Kong’s e-commerce future, Zhou speaks with evident passion. She believes this enthusiasm is characteristic of journalism school graduates: “We approach everything with tremendous dedication and aspire to contribute meaningfully to society. That’s something I’ve observed consistently among my peers.”

Profile:
Jelly Zhou graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2003 before joining City Telecom. Since 2020, she has served as CEO (Hong Kong) of Hong Kong Technology Venture Company Limited, overseeing the company’s e-commerce operations throughout the Hong Kong region.

“A peaceful mind comes from regularly observing your inner thoughts, not being swayed by external circumstances. This is something we can all achieve.” This message appears in one of Betty Yang’s social media posts. The concept of “reflection” she references comes from Buddhist philosophy, referring to the practice of observing and understanding one’s own mind without being influenced by the outside world. Today, Yang works as a practicing counselor, having completed master’s degrees in both Buddhist studies and counseling. If this represents the second half of her life journey, then her first chapter was dedicated to the textile industry.

After finishing her undergraduate degree, Yang established her own company—a path that might seem disconnected from her journalism and communication studies. However, she insists this wasn’t the case at all. “What I learned in those programs proved incredibly valuable,” she explains. She took a “STOT” course and wrote her thesis under the guidance of Professor Lee Siu-Nam, Paul, where she developed critical research skills: forming hypotheses, finding solutions, and identifying the conditions and limitations that lead to specific outcomes. “The principle of ‘bold hypothesis, careful verification’ aligned perfectly with my approach to business. Though I was breaking new ground with no precedents to follow, I felt incredibly well-equipped because journalism and communication had given me so many tools to tackle difficult problems.”

Starting with a small shop in Sham Shui Po, she grew her business significantly over more than two decades, eventually partnering with several internationally renowned brands. Yet at the height of this success, Yang decided to take a step back, passing the leadership responsibilities to her second-in-command team, and embarked on a path of self-reflection.

She recalled the local people she encountered during a four-wheel off-road driving tour in Tibet, and several employees who had become monks while she was managing a project in Thailand. Curious about how people draw spiritual strength from religious practice, she enrolled in a master’s program in Buddhist studies. One of the counseling courses focused on end-of-life care resonated deeply with her personal experience. “My father passed away when I was 31. In the years that followed, whenever colleagues or friends lost loved ones, I found myself naturally drawn to supporting them. Years later, many told me, ‘Thank you for guiding me through that difficult time.’ That’s when I realized my father had given me a profound gift—by facing mortality at a relatively young age, I had developed the capacity to help others through similar experiences.”

She began volunteering at a Buddhist hospital visitation department, visiting hospitalized and palliative patients. To further her end-of-life care skills, she pursued a master’s degree in counseling. As her second life unfolded, Yang became a practicing counselor, specializing in counseling cancer patients, adolescents, and parents, helping others reflect on their hearts.

She recalls Professor Lee once sharing that communication has different levels: mass communication aims to deliver messages to a broad audience, but he was more interested in self-communication and interpersonal communication. It took her a long time to understand this. Her current aspirations are still related to communication, but counseling emphasizes listening more. “The more actively and willingly you listen, the more your words can penetrate the client’s heart.”

“When you listen to someone’s difficulties and circumstances, you can help them in their own way. I’m not telling them what to do, but rather helping them realize how they can move forward on their own.”

Profile:
Betty Yang graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication in 1990. She was one of the founders of a textile business that she ran for 25 years. She later completed master’s degrees in Buddhist studies and counseling and is currently a practicing counselor.

Outside the Police Headquarters, a group of reporters waited for the Commissioner of Police to appear for an interview. Among them, one stood out─microphone in hand while deeply engrossed in a theology book. This was Francis Ching-Wah Yip. The scene was captured during a television news broadcast, and a former colleague sent him the screenshot as a memento. Though now serving as Dean of the Divinity School, Yip still speaks with excitement when recalling his journalism career. “Being a reporter was so dynamic,” he says with a smile. “I’m still very interested in it.”

His passion was rooted in social engagement. During high school, Yip regularly participated in debate competitions, most centered around social issues. When choosing his university path, journalism appealed to him precisely because it was “vibrant” and “directly connected to society.” This led him to the School of Journalism and Communication, and eventually to a reporting career─until he responded to what he describes as God’s calling.

For Christians, responding to a calling means following God’s will to fulfill a specific purpose. Though Yip had been a Christian since childhood and always sought ways to better serve God, he came to believe that journalism wasn’t his ideal path. He humbly admits to being “slow to process information” and notes that his introverted nature made obtaining exclusive stories challenging.

So where did his true strengths lie? As he reminisces about his undergraduate years, particularly how his thesis advisor Professor Joseph Chan introduced him to academic concepts like “paradigms” and various social theories, his enthusiasm reveals the answer. “Having discovered my academic interests and abilities, while also observing how disconnected Hong Kong churches were from social realities, I felt called to theological education. I wanted to influence future pastors who would, in turn, influence their churches.”

“I thought to myself, ‘If this is the Lord’s will, I’ll continue on the path of theological education,'” he reflects. This led Yip to pursue advanced studies and eventually return to Hong Kong as an educator. In 2020, he became Dean of the Divinity School. His commitment to social engagement remains as strong as ever. As one of the few journalists who transitioned to theology, he notes that his communications background taught him to value audience perspective─a principle that bridges his two fields.

“Churches are fundamentally communication institutions,” he explains. “Can congregations truly understand what churches and pastors are saying? Do people feel the message addresses their lived reality? This is crucial. Communication isn’t one-directional─you can’t force-feed information. You must understand that your audience exists within specific social and cultural contexts. Theological education shouldn’t be detached from these realities if churches hope to effectively share the gospel and serve society.”

Profile:
Francis Ching-Wah Yip graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication in 1989. After completing his Master of Divinity in 1995, he pursued doctoral studies at Harvard Divinity School, earning his Doctor of Theology in 2004. He subsequently joined the faculty at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, CUHK, and became the Dean in 2020.

In a bustling auditorium at Hong Kong’s Pui Ching Middle School, students take turns performing dramatic scenes while their classmates eagerly offer feedback. This isn’t an after-school drama club – it’s part of the school’s formal arts curriculum, where students choose specialized tracks. Perhaps surprisingly, the drama instructor is the school’s Principal himself, Nick Ho.

Ho has made a name for himself in Hong Kong’s theater scene, with his inter-school musical Sing Out sweeping six awards at the Hong Kong Drama Awards. His eyes light up when discussing drama’s role in student development. “Communication graduates tend to think differently,” he reflects. “I started producing musicals purely out of personal interest, not because it was required. It just kept growing more exciting and ambitious. Having communication graduates in schools tends to bring a certain vibrancy to campus life.”

Another communication graduate at the helm of a prestigious institution is Chan Shin-kwan Meimei, Principal of Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section) in Kowloon City. In contrast to Ho’s dynamic classroom, we find Chan’s gentler presence, where her heartfelt dedication to young people is evident. During our photo session, she naturally engages with communication students, discussing her recent trip to educational organizations in the United States where student mental health was a key topic of discussion.

Before stepping into education, Chan worked as a journalist. While she cherishes those days for broadening her horizons, she notes a key difference – in journalism, your connections with interviewees are often fleeting. “Education offers something deeper – you can guide students through several formative years, often maintaining relationships long afterward. That lasting human connection is what drew me to education.”

As school leaders, principals guide their schools’ development direction, making decisions that affect all students. Ho acknowledges the inherent tension between arts programs and academic requirements, particularly given limited class hours. Yet he remains committed to providing diverse learning experiences. “In today’s world, where information is at our fingertips, helping students grow as individuals is paramount,” he emphasizes. “Teaching them to understand themselves, navigate the world, and develop strong values – that’s what truly matters.”

“Education isn’t just about conveying knowledge – it’s about transmitting culture and values,” Chan explains. “In journalism, every story we write carries viewpoints and values that influence others. Education works the same way.”

Profiles:
Chan Sin-kwan Meimei graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s School of Journalism and Communication in 1992, later earning master’s degrees in English Literature and Information Technology in Education. After 17 years of classroom teaching, she became a Principal in 2013 and currently leads Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section).

Nick Ho, a 1996 graduate of The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s School of Journalism and Communication, worked as both a secondary school teacher and television reporter before becoming Vice-Principal of Hong Kong Pui Ching Middle School in 2015. Since his promotion to Principal in 2018, he has produced acclaimed musicals including The Awakening and Sing Out, integrating theater into his vision for student development.

“Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” It’s rare to find an insurance and financial planning booklet quoting Seneca, but that’s exactly what Nicholas Chan, Senior District Director at Manulife Hong Kong, did. This millennial rising star believes that the most valuable skill he gained in college was storytelling – an asset he’s found invaluable across different career paths.

After graduating from the School of Journalism and Communication, Chan took what seemed like a natural step into journalism, only to pivot to the insurance industry two years later. He’s candid about the switch, acknowledging it was driven by financial necessity, but he sees his journalism background as invaluable preparation. “Journalism teaches you to work at lightning speed, juggle multiple tasks, and handle the workload of three people single-handedly. When people ask how I manage such a demanding schedule now, I tell them that after being a journalist, everything else feels manageable – it was the ultimate boot camp.”

A self-proclaimed anime enthusiast, Chan’s office walls are adorned with One Piece posters and inspirational quotes, reflecting his passionate approach to life. His own story is equally compelling: at a remarkably young age, he’s already risen to a senior position leading a team of over a hundred people. The journey wasn’t always smooth sailing – when he first made the switch to insurance, he relied heavily on his journalism skills to win over senior management and establish himself in the industry. His journalism training honed his storytelling skills, equipping him with everything from practical abilities like video production, publishing and social media management to broader skills like personal branding. “Many people find financial planning intimidating and complex,” he explains. “My journalism training taught me how to break down complicated concepts and add a human touch to technical subjects.”

Chan finds deep satisfaction in applying his journalism education to his current role. One of the most important lessons he carried forward was the principle of standing firm in doing what’s right: “In a world full of compromises, it takes real courage to choose integrity and kindness when faced with temptation and profit.”

“Our professors always emphasized the weight our words carried, whether written or spoken,” he reflects. “I tell my team the same thing now. Since most people have limited knowledge of insurance, your words shape their understanding of truth – similar to how people trust a journalist’s reporting. I believe there are three professions where genuine dedication makes all the difference: journalism, teaching, and insurance consulting.”

Profile:
Nicholas Chan graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016 and currently serves as Senior District Director at Manulife Hong Kong.

When people think of journalism and communication graduates, many assume they’re destined for careers in media. However, the field’s interdisciplinary nature opens doors across various sectors, as exemplified by Julia Leung Fung-yee, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).

For Leung, journalists’ commitment to truth-seeking initially drew her to the field. “Journalism is fundamentally about reporting objective facts and truth, which shapes how readers understand both events and society,” she explains. “While every discipline aims to improve society, education is ultimately about learning life principles. Journalism and communications stay particularly attuned to society’s pulse, helping to mirror its current state of affairs.”

After completing her degree, Leung spent a decade as a reporter for The Asian Wall Street Journal before transitioning to positions at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, and the SFC. Despite appearing to be a career shift, she sees it differently. “My journalism education instilled in me a desire to serve society. I’ve always wanted to contribute to public service, and when I moved into finance, helping to foster a healthier, more orderly market was another way to serve the public good.”

Her journalism training has proved invaluable, Leung notes. First is the pursuit of truth and objectivity: “Journalism teaches you to think laterally, to examine issues from multiple angles, to connect the dots, and to transform two-dimensional perspectives into multi-dimensional understanding.” Second, journalistic writing emphasizes clarity and accessibility, expressing abstract concepts in simple and clear ways. “This skill has been essential throughout my career. Even now, when reviewing internal research reports or regulatory circulars for public release, I expect complex policies to be distilled into clear, comprehensible language.”

Her journalism training and reporting experience taught her the value of humility. “I’ve worked at various organizations, often in unfamiliar territory. I needed to learn humbly and rely on my team members while also leading them. Listening therefore becomes crucial.” She adds with a smile, “After all, I’ve been listening to interviewees since my days as a journalist.”

Profile:
Julia Leung Fung-yee earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1982. After a decade as a reporter at The Asian Wall Street Journal, she joined the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in 1994, rising to Executive Director in 2000. She served as Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau from 2008 to 2013, receiving the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2012. Joining the SFC as Executive Director in 2015, Leung became Deputy CEO in 2018 and assumed the role of CEO in 2023.