CHAN Hok-fung

From Assistant to Legislator: A Journey Rooted in the Central and Western District

The Central and Western District, a place where history meets modernity, has special significance for Legislative Council member the Hon Chan Hok-fung, MH, JP. It is not only his birthplace but also the foundation of his education, career, and family life—a community he holds close to his heart. "Many people perceive the Central and Western District as affluent, but it is also home to many grassroots residents. What makes this area truly special is the warmth and connection among its people." Chan describes Hollywood Road as "the coolest street in the world" where old and new shops coexist and Eastern and Western cultures blend harmoniously. Its unique atmosphere has not only attracted expatriates but also deeply shaped Councillor Chan's values. "This community taught me to embrace diversity, be open to different cultures and have the courage to explore new ideas," he says. This love for his community and the inspiration he draws from it have laid the foundation for his career and his unwavering commitment to serve society.

From Hong Kong Island to Tuen Mun: Cherished Memories of Hostel Life

In 1995, Lingnan University relocated from Stubbs Road to Fu Tei, Tuen Mun. This marked the first time that Chan, our alumnus, who grew up on Hong Kong Island, had left the environment he was familiar with. Filled with anticipation for university life, he embarked on a new journey. Chan graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in Human Resource Management, and his hostel life during those years remains his most unforgettable memory. At the time, the main hostel in the Tuen Mun campus had yet to be completed, and students were temporarily housed in Perowne Barracks in So Kwun Wat, with six students sharing one room. Summing up his three years of hostel life, Chan said with a laugh: "Happy, very happy, incredibly happy!" He recalled, "The temporary accommodation was located on a hill. We played games to choose our rooms, and although I won the game, I ended up picking the worst room. It was far up on the hill with no air conditioning, was freezing cold in winter, and we had to rush to shower before the hot water ran out. But back then, we were just a bunch of young people playing basketball, catching snakes and having fun from morning till night—it was absolutely wild!"

For Councillor Chan, university life was not only full of joy but also taught him how to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. "In secondary school, everyone grew up in the same neighbourhood, but in university, classmates came from all over. You had to learn to communicate with people from different cultures. Luckily, my classmates were all nice and fun, so we bonded quickly." Even today, he continues to stay in touch with the friends he made during his hostel days.

From Graduation to Work: A Journey of District Service

Engaging in districts service may seem simple, but dedicating yourself wholeheartedly is far from easy. For Chan, his inspiration came from his secondary school teacher, The Hon IP Kwok-him, GBM, GBS, JP, who played a pivotal role in shaping his career path. Even before graduating, he had already gained valuable experience accompanying his teacher on home visits. After graduating from Lingnan University in 1999, he officially embarked on his journey in districts service by joining Mr. Ip's office as an assistant.

District service is both demanding and challenging. Councillor Chan recalls his hectic schedule at the time: setting up street booths as early as 7 a.m. and attending homeowners' association meetings in the evenings — he sometimes had to attend up to three meetings a night, at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. "For over 20 years, I rarely had dinner at home, often eating at 11 or 12 p.m." Despite the gruelling hours, he found immense satisfaction in helping residents solve their problems. "Sometimes all you receive is a simple 'thank you' but the sincerity in their gratitude makes everything worthwhile." He shares with a smile. He fondly recalls the strong bonds he formed with residents and volunteers, noting how they would bring him meals and soup, treating him like family.

Election victories and defeats are part of the journey. As an assistant, Councillor Chan witnessed his boss experience setbacks in elections, and he himself felt discouraged at times. However, he gradually learned an important lesson: "If you fail, it may simply mean that you haven't sacrificed yet." He recalls a particularly moving moment while thanking voters after an election loss: "We were at the parking lot of Kwun Lung Lau, using a loudspeaker to express our gratitude to the residents. Initially, no one responded, but eventually, some residents started shouting words of thanks and encouragement to our team from their homes. Their heartfelt support was deeply touching." This experience strengthened his resolve to work harder and embrace future challenges with even greater determination. His story demonstrates that with passion, resilience, and a commitment to serving others, one can turn setbacks into valuable lessons and find fulfilment in making a difference in the community.

From District Councils to Legislative Council: 25 Years of Dedication to District Service

For 25 years, Councillor Chan has walked the path of serving the community, starting as an assistant and progressing to a Legislative Council member. Reflecting on his journey, he candidly shares that his commitment to district service has never been driven by financial gain. In the early days, his monthly salary as an assistant was merely HK$7,900, which was increased to around HK$10,000 after three months, remaining at that level for years. Fortunately, his parents benefited from public housing policies that enabled the family to live self-sufficiently, easing his financial pressure. Before being elected as a District Council member, Councillor Chan experienced setbacks, including losing an election. However, he views these challenges as necessary steps for growth, helping him identify areas for improvement. To enhance his capabilities, he pursued a Master's in Politics and International Relations at Peking University in 2004, deepening his professional expertise.

Years of district-level work have taught Chan that the role of a Legislative Council member is fundamentally about working with people and addressing the difficulties they face. He recalls an incident in the Central and Western District where he encountered a single mother who was distressed about being allocated to public housing in the Southern District, feeling that the location was too remote and unfamiliar. Chan encouraged her to visit the area and reassured her that moving into public housing would improve her family’s living conditions. Eventually, that mother accepted the offer, and expressed gratitude multiple times for the positive change in her quality of life after settling in. He firmly believes that if a problem is within his ability to be solved, he will always do his best to assist. This unwavering commitment to helping others remains at the heart of his dedication to community service.

Advocating for Talent Development and Fostering Youth Participation in Politics

Councillor Chan, Vice-chairperson of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), has long been dedicated to promoting talent development and encouraging the youth to engage in politics. He recently hosted several political education programs organized by DAB that have received enthusiastic responses. These programs are designed to help participants understand Hong Kong’s political environment, as well as economic development models both in Mainland China and internationally. Featuring notable guest speakers, the courses have garnered significant interest, including a specialized program for university students that has attracted nearly 200 applicants. The program also includes a study tour in Mainland China to explore cutting-edge advancements in areas such as low-altitude economy and drone technology, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to prepare for careers in public service. In addition, the DAB hosts monthly “Learning Seminars” inviting government officials to share their insights and policies with members. For example, Ms. Ho Wing-yin, Winnie JP, Secretary for Housing, recently delivered a talk on measures to combat the misuse of public housing, which proved highly informative for attendees.

To attract more young people and professionals to join DAB, it has elevated its Young Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (Young DAB) into a formal branch and actively expanded its Industrial and Commercial Professional Branch. These efforts have successfully drawn a diverse range of members, including university students, postgraduate researchers, accountants, lawyers, and entrepreneurs. “We aim to attract more middle-class professionals and business elites to join us, working together to contribute to the development of our society.” Chan shared.

Hard Work Overcomes Challenges: Inspiring Lingnan Students to Pursue Their Dreams with Dedication

With the government relaxing the recruitment requirements for civil servants, allowing university students in their third year or those about to enter their final year to apply, an increasing number of young people are considering careers in public affairs or districts work. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in districts services, Councillor Chan shares his workplace insights, encouraging young people to cultivate three essential traits: develop initiative, don’t be afraid of fail, and have thick skin/ persevere through hardships. "Some new colleagues start asking about vacation arrangements just days after joining. If you leave such an impression in your first or second job, your employer may hesitate to entrust you with more challenging tasks. True challenges require effort and dedication."

He believes that while which university you graduate from may matter for your first job, it is your attitude, drive, and reliability that determine your success in your second and third roles. Reflecting on his own graduation during the stock market crash and economic recession, he recalls how many university graduates in Hong Kong struggled to find jobs. Yet Lingnan students were quick to take their first steps, even if the salaries were modest, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow. He urges Lingnan students to pursue their dreams with diligence, reminding them that opportunities come to those who are prepared. "If you’re willing to work hard, employers will appreciate your attitude. Show your capabilities, and you will naturally be entrusted with greater responsibilities." Councillor Chan’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the value of dedication and perseverance in building a successful career.