Finding happiness in the fields of Tung Chung: why one city dweller opted for life on a Hong Kong farm
Kevin Shum gave up his job of seven years at a trading company to immerse himself in rural life, and in the process discovered what he really loves
With the extra daylight and warmer weather, Kevin Shum Ka-wang is excited about getting back to what he really loves – his crops in the fields of Tung Chung.
“We are now ready to harvest the tomatoes, cabbages, carrots, kale and some garland chrysanthemum that were planted back during winter last year,” he says. “I am thankful for the weather this winter – it has been good for the plants as they are best grown when the mercury stays between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius.”
Shum’s adventure on the land began five years ago with the birth of his Good Family Farm. The 39-year-old gave up his position as an officer at a trading company after seven years to immerse himself in rural life.
“I believe that increased exposure to nature affects our well-being in a positive way,” he says. “Once you’ve become part of the environment, it’s interesting how you start to take cues from it, as it changes over time – such as by seeing buds bursting, the early bloom, extra sunlight, insects sunbathing, butterflies on the wind – these are all signs that winter has officially come and gone.”
His observations come from his years of experience on the farm, which is located in a local wildlife sanctuary. He now works there full time. Over the past few years he has been up in the mornings at the crack of dawn to take care of his fields.