Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to join St John?
I currently serve as a Cadet Sergeant in St Paul’s Ambulance Cadet Division of the Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Brigade Youth Command. I joined St. John five years ago, when I was 12. What first attracted me was its unique combination of first-aid training, service and the opportunity to put what we learn into practice through public duties at major events across Hong Kong. The ability to translate what we learned during our regular trainings felt unique in the crowded landscape of uniformed groups in Hong Kong.
Through St. John, I received valuable mentorships from experienced medical professionals when they volunteer to teach us both in the classroom and in the prehospital scene. Indeed, I have gained much in terms of first aid knowledge, however the most valuable thing I gained was in fact the spirit of “pro utilitate hominum”. Our Order of St. John has been respected through the ages for its dedication to serving those in need, and since joining I have made it my life’s mission to live up to the standards set by those who came before us.
Alongside your achievements in St John, you were named Scout of the Year while also excelling academically. How have these experiences shaped you as a young leader, and how do you balance your commitments?
Although I have been involved in several youth organisations, I must confess the motto of our Order has influenced my approach to my service and leadership across all of them. I may have accumulated a few awards over the years, but they have never been my goal. My personal ethos is to serve my community, and I see awards are merely by-products of that service.
I have been a Scout since the age of five. The image that comes to mind for most when thinking about the Scouts are camping and survival skills. However, I think being a good Scout is not being a “Bear Grylls”, the key is to “Be Prepared”. We must always anticipate the worst so we are always ready to respond.
I am also concerned about the social issues in Hong Kong, and that led me to take up the role of being a Charter President in Lions Club International. By leading volunteer services for the underprivileged in my city, such as organising tutoring sessions for students, I understood that it is the duty of those fortunate to be in a privileged environment to serve those in need.
At school, I am also the chairperson of my St. John Cadet Division, the Head Librarian, and a Prefect. I am fortunate to also be awarded one of the Top Ten Outstanding Students in Hong Kong. Balancing multiple commitments is never an easy task, but it ultimately depends on the determination of doing our utmost. Everyone has the same 24 hours, but it is up to you to decide how to utilise them wisely. I usually triage tasks in terms of urgency, setting clear and achievable goals that I must achieve. I also delegate tasks to colleagues and students younger than myself, when given responsibility with appropriate guidance, I am sure they would grow into a better leader than I could ever be.
Looking back on your time as a St John cadet, what has been your proudest moment, and why does it stand out to you?
Getting awards such as Best First Aider in the Asia Pacific Regional Youth First Aid Competition was indeed fulfilling, as it affirmed my hard work and dedication. However, my proudest moment is when a cadet I taught saved a life with calm composure. Injuries happen everywhere, simultaneously, and no single doctor, however skilled, can be everywhere at once. Knowing that a fellow cadet could uphold the St. John values and help another human being, after I had the privilege of inspiring the next generation—that is my greatest reward.
You're hoping to study medicine in the future. How has your experience with St John helped shape that ambition?
Studying medicine is not an honour, but a lifelong commitment. St. John has given me invaluable clinical exposure and confirmed just how deeply gratifying it is to save a life. Officers are kind and knowledgeable, and have illuminated this obscure path. Their mentorship fueled me to earn a lifeguard licence after three months of rigorous training, and to obtain Pre-hospital Trauma and Advanced Medical Life Support certificates during my secondary school years. The most valuable gift St. John has given me is not a certificate, but an enduring flame of passion for serving the others.
Why do you think it's important for young people to get involved in volunteering and community service, and what would you say to someone who is considering joining St John?
Young people are the pillars of society in the future. A community cannot thrive if any part of it is left behind. Imagine yourself as an elderly in need of help, or as someone lying in pain on the street while passers-by look away. How devastating that would be. Conversely, imagine standing helplessly beside someone in desperate need, unable to offer any aid. Without further doubt, join St. John. “Pro fide, pro utilitate hominum”. Help when you are strong and capable so that you too may receive help when your hair inevitably turns grey.
On International Youth Day, what message would you like to share with young people around the world about the value of volunteering?
Different Contexts, Common Aspirations. This is the theme of International Youth Day 2026. We all stand on different grounds, starting at different altitudes, yet we share a collective hope for a promising future. Volunteering is not just about benefiting the recipients, it fosters your growth step by step. Every single action matter, and your efforts can inspire the ones around you, and bring an enormous impact you could have never imagined. “Almost everything that is great has been done by youth”. Your work, whether in your school, your community, or your country, will have a ripple effect that can truly shape our future.
