Professional clown's ambition is to share the laughter around

Clowning around is both an art form and a way of life for Edmond Kok Wai-ho.

But the 33-year-old former fashion designer and actor is not content merely making a living as a clown - he wants to share his skills.

He helped set up the Professional Clowns' Club in 1998 and is now one of a handful of full-time clowns working in Hong Kong. He also runs clowning classes at secondary schools to educate young people about the art.

'It is a good way for teenagers to express themselves, while teaching them the skills of being a clown as well,' he says.

Although Kok thinks interactive performances are the best way for children to learn through fun, he says the club lacks the resources to reach a wider audience. He hopes it can win the status of a non-profit organisation, which would qualify it for government subsidies.

'My ultimate dream is to make use of the skills I have learned in my experience of being a clown and drama to serve the children by organising different types of show. I will promote positive values such as love, sacrifice, rights and responsibility in my performances,' he says.