Wong Chi-chung may be a little out of the limelight, with a small daughter and finishing his PhD, but the 'alternative DJ' - who names the Beatles as his greatest influence - has an extraordinary and influential career in the music business to look back on - and there's more to look forward to Disc jockey, music critic, teacher, father ... Wong Chi-chung has performed many roles and has never hesitated to sacrifice a stable life to pursue his dreams. Famous for his radio show Chi Chung's Choice in the 1980s and '90s, Wong, expert in western music, got the nickname the 'alternative DJ'. 'Call it diversity, or call it alternative,' he says. 'The more choices we have, the healthier.' He is happy to lead a less than ordinary life. Over the years, he has shifted across various media platforms: as a radio DJ, television programme host, music critic and a senior figure at a record company. After getting 'a bit fed up', he disappeared on honeymoon, where he spent most of his savings and started all over again. He now works as a music producer, part-time lecturer, advertisement dubber, and in his latest role, adviser of what Christmas songs to play under the IFC Mall's Ferris wheel. 'The only time I worked full time was when I worked for EMI,' he laughs. He was responsible for the record company's international division, but quit after 18 months. Born in the mid-'60s, Wong was most influenced by the Beatles. 'I started listening to the Beatles when I was five or six years old.' With his long hair in a ponytail, Wong says the hippie movement led by John Lennon, and its core values of love and peace, has influenced him since childhood. He entered Baptist University in 1985 and studied film. When he was a first-year student, he offered his services to Commercial Radio as a DJ. 'I am the first generation of DJ that played Beyond's and Tat Ming Pair's songs,' he says. 'When I was in university, I invited Tat Ming Pair and Tai Chi Band for a school performance.' Having developed strong bonds with the bands, the death of Wong Ka-kui, Beyond's singer, in 1993 came as a great loss to Wong. When the singer's brother asked him to help organise a memorial concert, he agreed without a second thought. Experiences of interviewing Ryuichi Sakamoto and David Bowie flash across his mind. 'I remember flying to Tokyo to interview him [Sakamoto]. He is very nice. After 1997, I flew to the United Kingdom to have a face-to-face interview with David Bowie. After that, he released a Chinese song.' He says the adjective 'alternative' is slowly losing its meaning as more teenagers dare to act differently, helped by the indie bands that sprang up in the 1990s. An example of his life-long learning, Wong is now in his fifth year of a doctorate, writing a thesis on the future of music. 'It gives me a chance to learn and rethink my position. 'I have been a mentor for 10 years, but of course for now, my biggest 'mentee' is my daughter. Being a father is quite a big challenge. But I enjoy fatherhood very much. 'When I was nine years old, my daddy passed away. It was a part missing in my life.' Wong brought along his two-year-old daughter with him to the interview and was not shy to express his love. Little acts by his daughter 'sweetens his heart', says the happy father. Wong has already introduced the Beatles to his daughter. 'Now she can tell the difference between John and Paul.' He believes parents should relish the process of raising their children and forget about the expense. 'It is meaningless to calculate how many millions you need to spend in order to raise your daughter.' But with a family, even a free soul has to shoulder more responsibilities. 'If I say I didn't face any economic pressure it would be a lie. But I have trust in my faith. I don't think you should plan for your future intentionally. Once you have built up a platform, chances will come to you.' After finishing his degree next February, Wong aims to make a comeback in broadcast media. Asked if he wanted to be the second Uncle Ray - who in 2000 was awarded the Guinness World Records' 'World's Most Durable DJ' - he replied: 'I have the passion. Why not?'
