Tai Hang district councillor David Wong Chor-fung quit his job as an administrative officer (AO) five years ago, giving up a coveted, fast-tracked career in the government while throwing himself into community politics that entailed a pay cut and an unclear career path.
'An AO is like a screw in a big machine, [whereas] as a district councillor, I get to help people in very direct ways and see the results,' says Wong, who is also a member of the Savantas Policy Institute, a think tank founded by legislative councillor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee.
The work of district councillors is advisory in nature, often involving the handling of inquiries and complaints from the community, and reflecting various views to the government. Wong meets with people from diverse backgrounds, and deals with issues such as water leakages, traffic congestion or the height of buildings.
What is a typical day for you?
I meet with people who live in Tai Hang and attend meetings arranged by organisations such as the Wan Chai District Council, of which Tai Hang is a part. I also organise events, such as local tours, to facilitate interaction in the neighbourhood.
This is not a nine-to-five job. I have to go to dinner and meetings in the evening, and attend ceremonial functions over the weekend. I expect calls from the public any time.