From Munsang College to Tsinghua University: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

Hello everyone. 

My name is He Anson Chun Lok, and I am proud to share my story as an alumnus of Munsang College. I graduated in 2021 and am currently pursuing my undergraduate studies, majoring in Economics and Finance at Tsinghua University. 

Looking back, my journey began at Munsang College. Among the many enriching experiences I had, studying Business, Accounting, and Financial Studies (BAFS) as one of my electives was a pivotal moment where I discovered my interest and passion for business. It was here that I laid a solid foundation for my academic pursuits and professional aspirations. It was here that I cultivated essential attributes. It was here that I learned the importance of setting high standards for myself and striving to achieve them. 

Now, as I embark on a new chapter of my academic journey at Tsinghua University, I am facing challenges on an entirely new scale. Collaborating with top students and renowned professors from mainland China is an unparalleled opportunity to broaden my horizons and deepen my understanding of global business dynamics. My experiences have taught me that the road to success is rarely smooth or straightforward. I firmly believe that true growth occurs outside of our comfort zones. Life presents us with numerous defeats and setbacks, but these should not deter us. Instead, they are valuable lessons that strengthen our determination and foster our growth. Adversity quotient is of fundamental importance to an exceptional success. 

To my fellow students and alumni, I encourage you to dream big and aim high. Even if you miss it, you will find yourself land among the stars. Embrace failures, as they are stepping stones to greatness, and never shy away from challenges, for they are opportunities in disguise. 

I am deeply grateful to Munsang College for shaping the person I am today and inspiring me to pursue my aspirations with confidence and passion. As I move forward in my journey, I carry with me the lessons and values instilled in me during my time at Munsang College. 

Thank you, and may we all continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. 

Portrait of Anson in the campus of Tsinghua University

Snapshot of the campus of Tsing Hua University

Anson with his teacher Ms. WONG Wing Tung

Where Courage Blooms, Art Flourishes – Tjia Man Yan

When I graduated from Munsang College, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure whether I had the strength to chase my dreams. It was my teachers and mentors who inspired me to take the leap and enroll in the Bachelor of Arts program at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Their unwavering belief in me became my anchor, pushing me forward when doubt crept in.

Four years at university passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Those years were filled with challenges, growth, and countless moments of artistic exploration. The culmination of it all was the graduation exhibition at the Arts Department, a proud moment I will never forget. There, I was deeply honored to receive the prestigious HART Grand Prize, an acknowledgment that felt surreal. The prize came with a $2500 grant, which will support my creative pursuits, and a six-month residency at HART Haus, a collaborative space where artists from various disciplines come together to create, exchange ideas, and exhibit their work.

In 2023, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Curating, and Art Criticism. That same year, I was humbled to be the recipient of the HART Grand Prize. My graduation project was deeply personal—an exploration of the coexistence between humans and the laws of nature. Through it, I sought to reveal how deliberate dualities can ultimately harmonize into unity. My artistic focus has always been on conceptual and experimental painting and mixed media. These mediums allow me to confront the fragility of human existence, delving into the cycles of construction and deconstruction that define both life and materials.

October 2023 marked another milestone as I began a collaborative exhibition with two fellow graduates from Hong Kong Baptist University. This showcase of our graduation works was the first step in our residency, an opportunity I cherish as I navigate the uncharted waters of my future. Though the path ahead remains uncertain, I hold on to the hope that I can continue striving for artistic excellence.

The support of HART has been instrumental. As a non-profit organization, they are unwavering in their commitment to nurturing local creative talent. They provide inspiration and a platform for cross-disciplinary innovation within the creative industry. HART is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s artistic ecosystem, fostering cultural exchange, collaboration, and a deeper exploration of art’s possibilities. Beyond its operational space, HART actively supports the next generation of artists and enthusiasts, while also engaging in community projects to uplift those in need.

In the residency’s workspace, I am surrounded by the spirit of collaboration and creativity. Here, art becomes more than just an individual pursuit—it transforms into a shared language that connects people, ignites conversations, and breathes life into ideas. Every brushstroke, every conversation, every exhibition reminds me that the courage to take that first step has made all the difference.

Man Yan receiving the HART Award

The workspace provided by HART Hong Kong

My Artistic Journey - Cheuk Yan Cherry Tung

My name is Cheuk Yan Cherry Tung from the Class of 2020. I am a visual artist currently based in Chicago. During my undergraduate study at CUHK, I embarked on a transformative journey as an exchange student at Syracuse University for a semester. This experience marked my first venture away from the comforts of family, granting me newfound freedom. Days were immersed in toil at the ceramic studio, with the snowy walk home becoming a routine. However, given that Syracuse was too remote and cold, this experience made me realize the importance of selecting a location with more opportunities. Consequently, when applying for graduate schools, I sought MFA programs situated in major cities such as New York, London, and Chicago. Eventually, the ceramic department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago accepted me.

Financial Burden
Yet, the journey was not without its challenges. High tuition fees and exorbitant rent coupled with stringent visa restrictions created a financial tightrope. As an international student, the avenues to earn income were constricted — I couldn't sell artworks, engage in part-time employment, or even volunteer. Special permission was a prerequisite for off-campus work, a reality that became painfully evident when a prospective buyer, willing to pay $1,900 for my sculpture, had to be turned away due to visa constraints. The financial strain was alleviated by the unwavering support of my parents, enabling me to dedicate all my time to the craft I love.

Art Sale
The turning point came in November 2022, during the SAIC Holiday Art Sale, where, I could legally sell my creations for one day. That night, after I shared the good news of earning $1,000 USD with my parents, I had a nightmare while sleeping. In the dream, I witnessed my artistic aspirations crumble, and the disappointment in my parents' eyes left an indelible mark. Upon waking, tears had stained my pillow, unveiling the subconscious pressure that silently gripped me.

People I Have Come Across

Peers
The environment in the United States is competitive, but at the same time, it is full of opportunities. Students are ambitious, and everyone wants to make a mark in the art world. Most of the students I have met are extremely hardworking. Many local students work multiple part-time jobs to sustain themselves. Whenever they have free time, they pull out their sketchbooks or iPads and start drawing. Artists often face financial challenges, and we need to support each other. After graduating from SAIC, I rented a studio space with my fellow classmates and continued creating ceramics.

Art Residency
In October 2023, I was invited to the Ragdale Art Residency and spent one week with other artists, writers, and musicians who had won the Luminarts fellowship. We shared dinner every night, and the rest of the time was dedicated to creating new works in the assigned studio, strolling in the garden and prairie, visiting each other's studios, and critiquing each other's work. I was so motivated by these talented people who were diligent and passionate about art.

Pursuing Art Opportunities

Securing exhibition chances often relies on personal connections, but an equally valuable avenue is to actively engage in open calls. Explore global opportunities for Exhibitions, Residencies, Competitions, Grants, Fellowships, and Public Art projects. Casting a wide net by applying to numerous art open calls is a strategic move. Standard application components include an Artist Statement, Bio, CV, Proposal, and an Artwork Portfolio. Ensure your artwork is well-photographed, and consider seeking assistance from someone proficient in English to review your application materials.

Rejections are par for the course, and it's crucial to recognize that they may not necessarily reflect the quality of your artwork. Sometimes, external factors like personal identity preferences may come into play. In moments of defeat, I maintain a pragmatic outlook, understanding that success doesn't always equate to personal achievement but may hinge on sheer luck. Perseverance is key; if this year doesn't bring success, gear up for the next application cycle. Consistency can leave an impression on juries or organizers, potentially leading to future opportunities.

My ceramic professor once shared his journey of resilience, applying four times before securing an art residency. Consequently, I tend to focus on open calls without submission or participation fees. While these opportunities are often funded by governments or foundations and may revolve around specific themes like climate change or LGBTQ+ issues, they provide a platform without financial barriers.

However, caution is warranted to avoid scams or vanity galleries that demand participation fees. Inclusion in such spaces might not always enhance your career and could even have a negative impact. Non-profit cooperatives or artist-run spaces charging a reasonable submission fee align more with industry standards, often operating on a fifty-fifty sharing model, with no charges if the artwork remains unsold.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I firmly believe that perseverance and patience stand as crucial virtues in the realm of art. Unlike other professions where resignation or termination may occur, the artist's journey is defined by a continuous commitment to the craft. Ceasing to create art is synonymous with forfeiting the title of an artist. The financial strains often faced by art graduates push many towards alternative jobs, causing a gradual halt to their artistic pursuits. Surprisingly, the cost of creating art need not be exorbitant; a drawing requires only a pencil and paper, and performance art can be executed with nothing more than the artist's body. The true investment lies in time and effort.

As an emerging artist, the road to success in the art world remains uncertain, but my commitment to painting and sculpting is unwavering. While the destination may be unclear, the journey itself is a testament to the enduring spirit of creation.

Bio

Cherry is an award-winning artist who received 2023 Luminarts Visual Art Fellowship and 2023 James Nelson Raymond Fellowship. She has exhibited in Hong Kong and Chicago in various venues such as the CSI Project Space, SAIC Galleries, Ruschman Gallery, John David Mooney Foundation, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

A HOME FROM HOME – DR. TERENCE LEUNG LUEN NGOK

I am currently residing in Toronto, Canada. A busy family practice located in East Chinatown is the place where I have been spending my time serving the community.

Of all places in Toronto, Michael Garron Hospital, where I spent uncountable sleepless nights taking shifts, is the place I call home. My journey of being a doctor started in this hospital. From stitching wounds to putting in an intravenous line and to delivering babies, every single detail of the training is vividly imprinted on my mind. I can still clearly remember the name I helped deliver in 1987. I am grateful for the nurses, physicians, and patients whom I have met, our encounters have shaped me into the person I am and polished my clinical skills.

My late father instilled in me that giving back is always important. We have to take care of the next person because one day we too might need help. Therefore, I have been seeking opportunities to serve and support my community’s transformation. My opportunity comes when the hospital where I worked needed an expansion. I had the chance to make contributions to enhancing the environment for patients.

The Chinese community here in Toronto is huge. Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, some seniors who face language barriers and mobility challenges could not leave their homes. I was glad to be part of the community and to serve the community. I am grateful to be enabled to serve people around me with my professional knowledge. 

Snapshot taken in form 4 at Munsang

The Versatile, class of 1970, soccer team 45th reunion in 2015

Taking a vacation on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia

ENGINEERING A TRANSFORMATION – LEE SUM YI ANGEL

Currently, I am an Environmental Engineering Graduate with EPD and I have obtained a Graduate Membership in HKIE. Through joining the profession, I endeavour to build a better living environment with my technical expertise.

Maintaining the sophisticated balance between urban development and nature conservation has been an amazing part of my job. A year ago, I engaged in the O.PARK2 Project, which is a food waste treatment facility that will be put into place in 2023. The processed food waste will be transformed into biogas and other value-added products such as organic fertilizers. The project enriched me with valuable experiences and fulfilled me with a great sense of satisfaction. I am proud to be part of the O.PARK2 project.

Throughout the project, I have been working closely with engineers and professionals from various fields. What I have been going through has taught me the importance of forward thinking and the skills of overseeing massive engineering projects.

I wish to see more people joining us to forge a better living environment for future generations.

A promotional video for The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

A portrait taken in one of the engineering sites

WHAT MAKES LIFE COMPLETE – SO CHING ELVIN

Volunteering is the most important piece of the great puzzle that makes my secondary school life fulfilling and complete.

Back in 2021, when I was the vice-chairperson of the 4C Youth Volunteer Leadership Project, I utilized my interpersonal skills to serve the ethnic minorities living in my city. Being one of the committee members of Y-dragon enabled me to gain more first-hand information about the District where I was living in. The opportunity of serving my community nurtures my sense of responsibility, spirit to serve, as well as patience for the needy.

This year, my devotion to the underprivileged community had been recognized. I am so honored to be elected as the awardee of the Multi-faceted Excellence Scholarship 2022 by the HKSAR Government. We, awardees from Munsang College, have been recognized 4-years-in-a-row! I genuinely hope that future Munsangnites will continue pursuing Multi-faceted Excellence, and always be passionate and dynamic learners.

“Serve to learn, learn to serve”. It is always true that learning and serving is a long journey, especially during the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, I am prudent that my optimism, resilience, and perseverance have embedded a solid foundation for me to continue my further study in medicine. With my vitality and enthusiasm, I am ready to embark on a new journey for pursuing my career goal. 

A photo taken at the beginning of my school term

A snapshot with the mascot of the Faculty of Medicine, CUHK

MY SECOND LIFE – MR PATRICK CHAN

Hi, I'm Patrick Chan, and I'm proud to be an alumnus of Munsang College. I started my studies at Munsang in Primary 1 and graduated in 1960.

After completing my studies, I worked for the Hong Kong Government for 35 years before retiring in 1995. But retirement didn't mean slowing down for me – in fact, it gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion for sports, particularly Lawn Bowls.

Over the years, I represented Hong Kong in National and International tournaments, as well as the World Bowls Championship. I'm proud to say that I won many titles and medals, and it was a great honor to represent my country in these events.

Unfortunately, in my later years, I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which was a significant setback for me. It took me several years to recover physically, and it was undoubtedly the most challenging and discouraging time in my life. But I persevered, and it concluded the first part of my life journey.

The second part of my life journey began in mid-2006 when I started working at Gingko House, a social enterprise that provides work opportunities for elderly and retired persons. I started as a waiter in their Italian restaurant, and then moved on to become a customer ambassador, table-manner tutor, and eventually, a manager.

Gingko House also formed a senior singing group named 'Wonderful Band,' and I was lucky enough to be one of the singers. I learned how to sing in the school choir, and it was wonderful to be able to showcase my talent again. The Band performed every night at the restaurant with golden oldies hits songs, and we were often invited to perform at stage shows for many festive celebrations, birthday and wedding ceremonies, charity shows for the elderly, and rehabilitation centers.

Life isn't always perfect – it can be tough and sometimes ironic. But I firmly believe that it's what you make of it that counts. Make it memorable, and never let anyone steal your happiness.

At Munsang College, our motto is 'Light and Life.' I carry this motto with me on my journey through life, and I've never fallen because of it. So, be bright, cherish life, and remember that God is always with us.

Passionate about life and strive for improvement

Photo taken when I was working at Gingko House

A student photo taken in F.2

A student photo taken in F.4

A student photo taken in F.5

THE DIARY OF A DETERMINED DELEGATE – LI KOON HEI

Right now, I'm pursuing my dream of becoming a pharmacist at University College London, in the United Kingdom. In my journey, I've had the honour of becoming the first ethnic Chinese to serve as a Liaison Secretary for the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association within the European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association. On top of that, I've also represented the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation at the 72nd World Health Organization European Regional Committee in Tel Aviv, Israel. It's a journey fuelled by my passion for global health, pharmacy management, and the professional development of pharmacy.

Being the first ethnic Chinese representative for the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA) within the European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (EPSA) has been both demanding and rewarding. I've had the privilege of serving as the voice of British pharmacy students in Europe, advocating for future improvements in pharmacy from a student’s perspective.

My days as the U.K. ambassador to EPSA are quite varied but mainly revolve around building a bridge between European and British pharmacy students. On quieter days, I pore over EPSA's plans for pharmacy campaigns and advocacy projects, filtering out the ones most pertinent to the BPSA. Besides these responsibilities, I have the exhilarating task of representing the British delegation at EPSA's annual conferences. There, I get to actively contribute to the shaping of EPSA's future actions and advocacies.

This role has led me down several exciting paths, significantly contributing to my work in global health. For instance, I was chosen to represent BPSA at the Regional Assembly of the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) European Office in Istanbul, Turkey. There, I proposed motions to ensure inclusive pharmacy education and to elevate HIV as a key public health discussion point. Experiences like these have given me a profound sense of fulfillment and pride in my chosen profession.

When I began my internship at a pharmaceutical company, another exciting opportunity arose. The IPSF was looking for representatives to attend the 72nd World Health Organization European Regional Committee Assembly (WHO EURO RC72) in Tel Aviv, Israel. Despite my doubts about my suitability for the role, I applied, outlining my vision for how pharmacy can globally improve health in areas like HIV prevention and behavioural medicines. To my surprise, I was chosen to be one of the three official delegates of IPSF to WHO EURO RC72.

Attending the WHO European Regional Committee (RC) was a humbling experience. As the official delegate of the IPSF, I voiced how pharmacy relates to the year's key public health topics and why the youth in pharmacy should be involved in these discussions. It was a truly awe-inspiring moment when I submitted a statement on digital health and the use of pharmacy to the WHO.

Engaging with global health leaders at a WHO event was initially nerve-wracking, but it quickly turned into a rewarding experience. I exchanged ideas with delegates from various countries and organizations, advocating for the crucial role of pharmacy in public health. Among these interactions, I even received a potential PhD offer and the opportunity to attend a high-level meeting on Monkeypox strategy.

Perhaps the most memorable moment was my conversation with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the WHO. We discussed the importance of peace for achieving health and the unity of member states in ensuring inclusive healthcare. His recognition of the importance of pharmacy in global health was an incredible validation of my journey.

Both as the British Ambassador to the European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association and a delegate to the World Health Organization, I've grown significantly as a person and as a future pharmacist. I'm deeply grateful to Munsang College for providing me with opportunities like participating in Model United Nations events. These experiences broadened my worldview and honed my public speaking skills, serving as a launchpad for my current achievements. I look forward to sharing more about my experiences with you in the future.

Li Koon Hei at WHO EURO RC72 (2nd from the right)

A snapshot taken at WHO European Regional Committee

Embrace the Challenge - Mr. Marcus Wang-Hin CHAN

I am Marcus Wang-Hin CHAN from the Class of 2022. I am now a student in life science at the University of Toronto and the Assistant Principal Double Bass in the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra.

I have been studying abroad in Canada for three years. The first place I settled in Canada in 2020 was a small town called Yorkton in the province of Saskatchewan. Most Canadians call this province “the middle of nowhere” because even its capital city Regina is not as densely populated as other major cities in Canada, and most of the land is farmland. Yorkton is definitely a retirement community. The population is around twenty thousand people, and there is no public transit, skyscrapers, or shopping malls. Compared to my hometown in Hong Kong, Yorkton is like a village. The lifestyle there was tremendously different from the one in Hong Kong. It took me a while to adapt to this different lifestyle. A few weeks after I settled in Yorkton, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Canada. The entire country went into a complete lockdown. School and daily activities were cancelled. To make my days meaningful, I decided to help my uncle out on his farm. Working on the farm was rough and tough. We spent eight to ten hours on the field every day, doing various kinds of labor. I sometimes wanted to quit. However, my mum encouraged me every day. She told me, “Son, things that do not kill you will make you stronger. If you can endure these tough days, you can endure anything for the rest of your life.” Her words motivated me to carry on working on the farm. Without paying attention to time, I completed an entire farming season. Although the long hours of work on the farm made me feel frustrated and exhausted for the entire summer, it made me learn many skills: I learned to drive different farming machines, such as grain trucks, tractors, and combines; I learned to do basic mechanical work; most importantly, I learned to be responsible and persistent in life.

Because I want to prepare myself for university with a better education, I moved to Markham, Ontario, for Grade 12 in August 2021. In addition to my hard work at school in the past years, I kept striving for the best in my Grade 12 studies. This year, I have been accepted to study life science at the University of Toronto, one of the best universities in the world.

Back in August 2021, after settling down in Markham, I applied for the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO,) under the auspices of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO). In September, I was officially admitted to participate in the TSYO for the first time for the 2021/22 season. With my dedication to the orchestra throughout the year, I became one of the four recipients of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra Award among my eighty-three colleagues in April. In season 2022/23, I was promoted to assistant principal double bass in the orchestra.

Life is unpredictable and challenging. Like Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” After being away from family for three years, I found that being optimistic and positive is the key to success. If you make a mistake, or mess up one of your days, it is absolutely fine because no one in the world is perfect. I also made mistakes on the farm, at school, and in the orchestra. But it is more important to learn from the mistake and the experience. On the other hand, my uncle taught me that a wrong decision is never wrong, because it can always let you know what you actually want for yourself. Trust yourself and do the best things for yourself. Embrace every challenge in life and move on because the world will never stop for us. Carpe diem—seize the day!

Jeffrey Beecher, Principal Bass of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, 2022

On top of a sprayer on the farm, 2022

Matriculation Day, Trinity College, University of Toronto, 2022

Student of the Month, Yorkton Regional High School, 2021