Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) hosted an alumni sharing session, featuring three distinguished alumni and a guest speaker, all of whom received the “Ten Outstanding Young Persons” (TOYP) award. Themed “Going Beyond Limits: Impossible Is Fun”, the event highlighted their dreams and endeavours in pursuit of their goals, inspiring and encouraging faculty and students to keep faith in their vision, overcome seemingly “impossible” obstacles, and go beyond their limits.
The sharing session, held on 9 January, featured three distinguished alumni: Mr Jet Chou Sai-kit, renowned Hong Kong Chinese chess player; Mr Leung Kwok-shing, Executive Director of the Hok Yau Club; and Ms Janet Kung Tsz-shan, a Hong Kong ice-climbing athlete. They were joined by guest speaker Mr Shawn Cheung Siu-lun, a Hong Kong National Team fencer. In a chit-chat session with Prof. Ricky Kwok Yu-kwong, HKMU Vice President (Research and Institutional Advancement), they shared their aspirations and obstacles during their journey to realising their dreams. The event was well received by over 100 HKMU faculty and students, participating either in person or online.
Drawing on their experiences in sports, chess and training, the four shared how they remained fully committed to their passions by setting goals, maintaining faith and overcoming obstacles. They emphasised that the spirit of perseverance can ultimately lead to success, transforming the “impossible” into endless possibilities.
Ms Kung, also known as the “Bun Queen”, once again won the Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling Competition last year and is a Hong Kong ice-climbing athlete. She recalled quitting her full-time job to fully devote herself to ice climbing in pursuit of her dream. Owing to a lack of appropriate training venues in Hong Kong, she had to travel overseas to compete and train at her own expense. Lacking funding, resources and other support, she at one time experienced depression after competitions and began to question herself. Fortunately, the support from other international athletes reignited her passion for the sport.
“From sports, I realise that it takes perseverance to find hope, and it takes hard work and dedication to be recognised by more people, thus fostering more hope,” she said. “Sports have also changed my perspective. Even when the limitations are like an insurmountable wall, we can still discover new ways to break through the boundaries.”
Mr Chou said he was grateful for how Chinese chess has helped him transform from “going astray” to “finding his way”. It has also trained his mindset and values, enabling him to remain calm and consider the consequences of his actions before he acts. The concept of “reviewing the game” in Chinese chess has taught him the importance of self-reflection. He teaches Chinese chess to inmates at correctional facilities from time to time, hoping that the spirit of the game will inspire them.
Mr Leung, Executive Director of the Hok Yau Club, was once a member of the Hong Kong Men's Basketball Team. He encouraged everyone to engage in their favourite sports to learn more about themselves, and to embrace the spirit of athletes who take on challenges and give their best. The guest speaker, Mr Cheung, said his experience as a professional fencing athlete helped him develop self-discipline in daily life, which was crucial for achieving his goals.
Prof. Kwok expressed his gratitude to the four distinguished speakers for sharing their journey and insights. He encouraged HKMU faculty and students to learn from the spirit of the athletes and to adjust their mindset when facing obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. “It is common to experience setbacks, but a momentary mistake does not equate to failure. Don't be discouraged; always remember your vision, reflect on it and start afresh,” he said.
