How was your childhood?

My family was really poor. When I was born, there were eight members in my family including my grandma.

My parents worked as hawkers in Hong Kong and rented a double-deck bed for eight of us to sleep in.

I became blind at the age of six after an eye disease, but blindness never dictated my life.

My brothers often brought me out to play and I was familiar with the surroundings.

Once they taught me to light firecrackers and my brothers were proud of my dexterity.

What did you learn from your childhood experience?

At that time most people were poor. My parents always reminded us that our lives were already improved and we should not complain about it. I treasure and was content with the little things such as the chance of paying one cent to listen to the radio or watch television programmes with other kids.

I was lucky because my sisters did not even have a chance to go to school, and had to work in factories.

What does the world look like to you?

I think the world is not solely visual. I can't see anything with my eyes, but I can compose images with my knowledge and other senses. Some people see things, but they can't understand them, and turn a blind eye to important things.

For me, the world may be more colourful. It all depends on your own personality.

What was your dream while you were a kid?

Simply, I wanted to earn money to improve the lives of my parents. But after entering primary school I read a lot of books regarding the stories of Edison and Helen Keller and I become more concerned about life than wealth.

What was your attitude towards your disability?

I had a good time studying and growing in a school for the blind. I never felt sorry for myself, though my family didn't like people mentioning my disability.

I learned to read braille when I was in primary one and read all kinds of books.

I consider myself an ordinary person who likes playing football, reading and adventures. Like other children, I liked freedom and control over my own life.

Why did you go to a normal school after secondary three?

I wanted to fight for my rights. At that time people preferred working to studying because the earlier you worked, the more you could earn. But I just liked studying and I tried my best to acquire more knowledge.

My friends and I also established the Hong Kong Association of the Blind, yet most people - including social workers - thought we were dreaming and should be content with a stable job. But my motivation was not for material pursuits. I wanted to change others' views about us. I acted like a normal student and never took my blindness as an excuse.

You were the first executive officer in the university? How did you get the job?

When I applied for the position I was rejected because they hadn't expected an application from a disabled person. I then filed a petition to the acting government complaining about the unfair treatment.

It was encouraging that the government responded positively, allowing me to apply and later set up a new ordinance to protect the rights of the disabled. My performance proved I was competent to do the job.

After three years I went to the United Kingdom to study information systems because I was interested in developing some software for the disabled.

Now as the executive director of Oxfam Hong Kong, are you satisfied with your performance? What is your blueprint for anti-poverty work?

I have to say that if there is a better position, I can move on.

Hong Kong is a successful place for commerce, finance and stock markets, but the history reflects a period of poverty.

Hong Kong has a responsibility as a global citizen to help developing countries build a better tomorrow, because that was what some countries did during Hong Kong's hard times.

I notice the problem of uneven distribution of wealth in mainland China. We really need to solve their problems of sanitation, material allocation and gender.

What is the situation of the disabled in Hong Kong?

In many cities people are treated as equal citizens with rights and responsibilities, but in Hong Kong it seems we are begging for welfare and help. I want to strive for fair treatment from others. We can do anything a normal person can do.

What is your impression of today's young people?

In each generation, there are always outstanding youths and problem youths. Sometimes we put too much focus on the wrong-doer.

Maybe it is the challenge of this era that pushes them too much, or maybe young people will always rebel.

I hope they can learn to be positive if they feel they are not treated fairly.

They should speak and express themselves, or even take on the mission to change society with their own views.

Don't be someone with no opinion.

Name: Chong Chan-yau

Birthday: June 24, 1956

Birthplace: Hong Kong

Occupation: Oxfam director