'I joined the CUHK Social Service Team and was encouraged to serve the community through conducting surveys on social issues and helping the needy.'

Award-winning work

The River of No Return—the Memoirs of Szeto Wah

Recalling her days at the University, Doris thought it was then that the seed of caring for society was sown. In secondary school, Doris was an obedient student. She attended classes, did revision, had exams and took part in the student union as advised by teachers. After entering CUHK, she found that university opened up many possibilities. The year after, Doris devoted much of her time to social services. She joked, 'I didn't do the proper thing as a decent student. I always stayed on campus, but seldom to study.'

After graduation, she worked in RTHK and the News and Public Affairs Division of TVB as programme assistant and director, respectively. Three years later, she joined i-Cable as reporter, a position with greater autonomy, hoping to make her voice through producing programmes. She drew an analogy, ‘Behind-the-scenes work is something like that of a midwife who helps reporters to "give birth" to their babies. But I really want to have one of my own, i.e., to make decision on every detail in the whole production process.'

It took nearly one year to do research and shooting for the programme The River of No Return—the Memoirs of Szeto Wah. Thanks to the trust of Wah Suk (Uncle Wah), the crew was allowed to document many of his personal activities. As Wah Suk was gentle and lived his life to the full, there were many touching moments which Doris believed moved the audience.

Reporters need to have their fingers on the pulse of society. But with the passage of time, Doris admitted, it is easy to become numb. It is really a challenge to keep the passion of caring for society and to respond quickly. She said that although the ordinance to protect the freedom of the press remains the same, an invisible hand seems to exist in the current political environment, exerting an imperceptible influence on the middle and senior management of media organizations. Journalists can do nothing but to strengthen themselves and challenge their bosses with courage and professionalism.

After having left the University for 22 years, Doris still revisited her alma mater from time to time to interview or take part in different events. She cherishes her days at CUHK. 'CUHK's intellectual atmosphere and physical environment have been of great benefit to me. The spirit of New Asia College always reminds me of the hardships faced by the College founders, how they overcame adversity and were determined to rise to the call of the age.' She felt blessed to have studied there and hoped the young generation who are studying at CUHK will treasure this opportunity and impart this invaluable spirit to future torchbearers.