Hong Kong survivor of abduction takes lesson from Dumbo on importance of being positive
- His abduction during an academic exchange trip in the US made Kevin Tong appreciate the fragility of life, and led him to pursue his passion: writing
- The author has a message for students and breadwinners stuck in a rut: follow your own path. He quotes Dumbo’s words ‘When all seems lost, find your courage’
In 2014, Hong Kong student Kevin Tong Kai-fung went on an academic exchange in California to broaden his horizons. But the trip turned into a nightmare when he and two fellow students from the City University of Hong Kong were abducted by someone they thought was a friendly stranger. Luckily, the trio escaped, but the experience made Tong realise how fragile life could be.
Upon his return, the marketing graduate felt he should waste no more time and decided to take up his passion in writing. He published his first book in 2016 about his experience in the United States, which went on to become one of the most popular books among Hong Kong secondary school students that year.
Last year, Tong wrote another book, Born This Way. It comprises dozens of short stories on various themes, including self acceptance, reminding young readers they should not be afraid to be different.
The 28-year-old has visited around 50 secondary schools across the city, giving talks on the importance of being courageous.
