Page 21 - Sphere No.20 (Nov 2007)

SPHERE 19
UBBING SHOULDERS with a star radio DJ, sam-
pling the delights of a five-star hotel, receiving career
advice from one of Hong Kong’s top business leaders
– not exactly the average day in the life of a kid. But that is
exactly what a group of youngsters from the Youth Outreach
crisis centre experienced thanks to the Cheung Kong Group.
Apart from enjoying a day they will
never forget, the youngsters were also
given an inspirational message from
Victor Li, Managing Director and Deputy
Chairman of Cheung Kong (Holdings)
Limited, that could change their lives:
Live your dream and anything in life is
possible. “The human spirit and imagi-
nation are powerful forces,” said Mr Li.
“Human beings are
amazing. You can do
stuff that you can’t even
imagine is possible.”
Thirteen youngsters
aged between 10 and
16 staying at the Youth
Outreach crisis centre
in Sai Wan Ho started
their special day at the Metro Radio studios in
Whampoa Garden. They were shown around
the station and given an insight into the dif-
ferent operational units that support a thriv-
ing radio business. The group had the chance
to chat with popular DJ and pop star Barry Ip
about his career, as well as record their own
radio advertisements and entertainment news
programmes with Metro Radio staff.
Then it was off to the Harbour Plaza Hong Kong hotel where
the youngsters were given the full five-star treatment and a rare
chance to go behind the scenes and see what makes a top-class
hotel tick. Besides visiting a deluxe harbour-view room, the Pres-
idential suite, the spectacular rooftop pool and gym, they were
also shown how the housekeeping and laundry facilities operate,
as well as given a tour of the main kitchen and an opportunity to
make the hotel’s speciality, chocolate covered candied ginger.
It was then time to sit down and have a chat with Mr Li and
Father Peter Newbery, founder of the Youth Outreach organi-
sation. During the session, Mr Li emphasised the importance
of having dreams and following them.
“Without dreams, a lot of things would not happen – a lot
of progress and developments originated from dreams. Hong
Kong’s success today is built on the dreams of the generations
before us. If you look at the old photos, Hong Kong really did
used to be a barren rock. Look at it now,” Mr Li said.
“The best dreams are the ones that other people think are
impossible. It doesn’t matter if your dreams don’t come true –
just work hard to achieve them. The process is what is important.
REACHING OUT
Y OUTH OUTREACH is a crisis intervention
centre for youths established in November 1991.
Its services include Crisis Centres for both boys
and girls, a 24-hour emergency hotline, an all-night
Outreaching Programme that scours the streets of Hong
Kong for “Runaways and Throwaways”, and many other
initiatives to foster the development of young people
in need. The Li Ka Shing Foundation contributed
HKD1 million toYouth Outreach earlier in the year.
The effort you put in will take you to new grounds, enabling
you to see your goals. During the process, if the goal does not
seem realistic or attainable, despite putting in your greatest
efforts, have another dream.”
While working hard to achieve one’s dream, perseverance is
an important attribute. Mr Li recalled the day he met a man
in his seventies on a ski lift in
Canada. “This man was a great
example of the human spirit,” he
said. “After losing his leg in the
war, he refused to let his life be
compromised by his perceived
disability. He had his heart set
on learning to ski, and with only
one leg he mastered this art. De-
spite his age and his
physical setbacks, he
was an outstanding
skier. This man’s com-
mitment to his goals
and his perseverance
are an inspiration.”
When it came to
work, Mr Li discussed
the value of doing something
one enjoys. “If you enjoy what
you do, it is not hard work,”
he said. “But if you don’t, even
a simple task can be a pain.
Whether the work is tough or
not is a matter of perception.
Don’t let that hold you back.”
At the end of the session,
one of the youngsters asked
Mr Li about his dreams for the
future. “My dream is to keep
on dreaming,” he replied. “It’s
dangerous to stop dreaming.”
By giving youngsters a real
insight into his philosophies on work and life, Mr Li taught
them a valuable lesson about pursuing their dreams.
After a tour of Metro
Radio and the Harbour
Plaza Hong Kong hotel,
youngsters fromYouth
Outreach met with Father
Newbery andVictor Li.
R