Hong Kong survivor of abduction takes lesson from Dumbo on importance of being positive

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.

The writer has met top students who are not realising their full potential even though they seemingly have more freedom to choose what they want to become. Tong believes they grew up listening to praise from parents and teachers and are worried about falling short of their high expectations.

“Hong Kong as a society gives a narrow definition of success: to have a good career, a car, a flat and a family,” he says.

“We tend to compare ourselves to others when we first graduate. We compare where we work and how much we earn.”

“But I remind myself that everyone has a different pace and destination. I might seem [to move] slower today but I have my own path and values to follow.”

He notes that many of his friends in their late 20s who are making a decent living often feel something is missing. They want to go on a working holiday to see the world, but are bogged down by a job they cannot afford to lose.

Tong says these breadwinners find themselves stuck in a rut – but that need not be the end of their story.

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Recently Tong has found an unlikely figure who resonates with his positive life philosophy.

Standing in front of a display to promote Disney’s Dumbo at Times Square in Causeway Bay, he takes a quote from the classic animation to encourage all the “lost souls” in this success-obsessed city: “When all seems lost, find your courage.”