'I've been called a mainland dog', reveals award-winning student battling discrimination
Li Wang has not let anti-mainlander sentiment get to him; instead the experience has helped turn him into an award-winning student
Discrimination is something mainland student Li Wang has come to live with since arriving in Hong Kong two years ago.
The 20-year-old, who is studying accounting at City University, has been called a "thief" and a "dog" and his friends have received random tellings-off on the MTR - all because they are from the mainland.
But rather than let the tension get to him, Li decided to do something about it - he became involved in voluntary work with children - a role in which he excels in setting a good example.
Yesterday RTHK recognised his efforts - and those of five others - with an outstanding student award. The award recognises Chinese-speaking non-local university students who go the extra mile in their studies, conduct and service to society.
Outside of his studies, Li teaches interview skills at a workshop in a primary school and hosts a tutorial session at a special education school.
"Going once a week doesn't help much in their studies, but I can keep them company and bring them joy," he said.
It's not just his pupils that Li sets a good example to - since coming to Hong Kong he has been careful to remind his friends of the importance of proper behaviour, such as not eating or drinking on the MTR.