At Commercial Radio Hong Kong’s CR903, three graduates from different generations have found their calling. Sammy Leung, Amber Au, and Ah Jeng – all alumni of the School of Journalism and Communication – now share the airwaves at one of Hong Kong’s most popular radio stations. When asked what drew them to broadcasting, their answers converge on a simple truth: the desire to connect with others. “It really was that straightforward,” Ah Jeng reflects. “Radio brought me joy as a listener, and I wanted to pass that feeling on.”

But why choose radio in an age of diverse media? “There’s something special about voice,” Amber explains. “It’s immediate and authentic – you can’t replicate someone’s tone or inflection. That creates a real connection with listeners.” For Sammy, radio offered unparalleled creative freedom when he started. “You’re wearing every hat – producer, writer, director, performer. When inspiration strikes, you can run with it. Creating something truly yours… there’s nothing quite like it.”

Three decades into his career, Sammy briefly contemplated retirement last year but discovered he wasn’t ready to leave the mic behind. Despite his success across multiple entertainment platforms, radio remains his first love. Amber, eighteen years in, still brings the same dedication that once had her routinely skipping meals to complete interviews – though she adds with a laugh that she’s since learned “not everyone shares my extreme approach.” As Ah Jeng approaches her tenth year of broadcasting, she acknowledges the demanding schedule that requires her presence at the station almost daily. While many of her contemporaries dream of freelance flexibility, she considers herself “incredibly fortunate” to do what she loves.

Yet it’s more than just passion that drives them. Sammy recalls a senior student warning him about the industry’s challenges and modest pay during his first year at university. “I actually tried to transfer out,” he chuckles. But thankfully that didn’t work out. His education taught him something valuable about media’s social responsibility. “Sure, my shows are meant to entertain, but they should offer something more. That’s what I learned in school – we have a duty to contribute positively to society.”

Ah Jeng’s tone grows serious as she reflects on her role: “Radio is there for our listeners through every kind of weather, every kind of day. That’s both our responsibility and our promise. When you put your name to something like that… yes, it’s exhausting sometimes, but it’s also a privilege. Not everyone gets to do this work, and that’s what keeps me going.”

For Amber, the lessons from her university days still resonate – particularly the traditional journalist’s virtues of “iron feet, horse eyes, and immortal’s stomach,” representing tireless mobility, keen observation, and unwavering dedication. “I’ve always aimed to help people see the beauty in different perspectives,” she says. “Through our programs, we can open windows to new ways of appreciating the world. That’s been my mission from day one.”

[Profiles]
Sammy Leung (Class of ’96, School of Journalism and Communication, CUHK) began his career after winning a DJ contest in 1994. Beyond his role at CR903, he’s established himself as a versatile entertainer across television, theater, stand-up comedy, and film.

Amber Au (Class of ’07, School of Journalism and Communication, CUHK) has risen to become both a director and program host at CR903.

Ah Jeng (Class of ’15, School of Journalism and Communication, CUHK) started at Commercial Radio as a scriptwriter before moving into assistant and hosting roles at CR903. Her television appearances have made her a familiar face to Hong Kong audiences.

Throughout its 60-year history, the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong has cultivated generations of scholars, including Professors Anthony Fung and Macau Mak. Though graduating decades apart, both have found their way back to teach at their alma mater.

Despite numerous changes over six decades, the School’s fundamental philosophy has remained steadfast. While some view universities merely as vocational training grounds, both Anthony and Macau see it differently. What’s the most valuable takeaway from studying journalism and communication?

According to Anthony, technology evolves at a breakneck pace – from print media to radio, television, and now the era of digital media and AI. Technical skills often become outdated before they can be mastered. That’s why university education should focus less on technical training and more on developing systematic problem-solving abilities through sustained practice.

Macau shares this view. During his undergraduate and graduate studies in journalism and communication, the emphasis was on fostering critical thinking skills while maintaining a humanistic perspective. His experience as a reporter for the English-language student publication Varsity taught him a valuable lesson: while analyzing broader social issues, it’s crucial to understand individual stories. “In research, we often work with statistics, but behind each number is a human story. Learning to consider the human dimension in our analysis – that’s the most valuable lesson I gained from my journalism education.”

The two professors share more than just their alma mater and career paths – Macau was once Anthony’s student, and they became acquainted during a UK exchange program led by Anthony. For Macau, joining the School’s faculty was his primary goal after completing his doctorate. Having benefited immensely from his education there, he felt a deep sense of meaning in returning to nurture the next generation of students.

Anthony fondly recalls encouraging his academically gifted student to pursue advanced studies. Now that they’ve transitioned from mentor and mentee to colleagues, he takes genuine pride in Macau’s achievements. “I’m delighted to have Macau back teaching at the School. This represents our tradition of nurturing talent, and we hope to see more alumni return to contribute after completing their advanced degrees.”

Profiles:
Anthony Fung graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1992, earning his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota. He returned to his alma mater in 2001 and currently serves as the Wei Lun Professor of Journalism and Communication and Dean of Social Science.

Macau Mak earned his bachelor’s degree and MPhil from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016 and 2020 respectively, followed by a Ph.D. from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. He joined the School as an Assistant Professor in 2024.

“Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” It’s rare to find an insurance and financial planning booklet quoting Seneca, but that’s exactly what Nicholas Chan, Senior District Director at Manulife Hong Kong, did. This millennial rising star believes that the most valuable skill he gained in college was storytelling – an asset he’s found invaluable across different career paths.

After graduating from the School of Journalism and Communication, Chan took what seemed like a natural step into journalism, only to pivot to the insurance industry two years later. He’s candid about the switch, acknowledging it was driven by financial necessity, but he sees his journalism background as invaluable preparation. “Journalism teaches you to work at lightning speed, juggle multiple tasks, and handle the workload of three people single-handedly. When people ask how I manage such a demanding schedule now, I tell them that after being a journalist, everything else feels manageable – it was the ultimate boot camp.”

A self-proclaimed anime enthusiast, Chan’s office walls are adorned with One Piece posters and inspirational quotes, reflecting his passionate approach to life. His own story is equally compelling: at a remarkably young age, he’s already risen to a senior position leading a team of over a hundred people. The journey wasn’t always smooth sailing – when he first made the switch to insurance, he relied heavily on his journalism skills to win over senior management and establish himself in the industry. His journalism training honed his storytelling skills, equipping him with everything from practical abilities like video production, publishing and social media management to broader skills like personal branding. “Many people find financial planning intimidating and complex,” he explains. “My journalism training taught me how to break down complicated concepts and add a human touch to technical subjects.”

Chan finds deep satisfaction in applying his journalism education to his current role. One of the most important lessons he carried forward was the principle of standing firm in doing what’s right: “In a world full of compromises, it takes real courage to choose integrity and kindness when faced with temptation and profit.”

“Our professors always emphasized the weight our words carried, whether written or spoken,” he reflects. “I tell my team the same thing now. Since most people have limited knowledge of insurance, your words shape their understanding of truth – similar to how people trust a journalist’s reporting. I believe there are three professions where genuine dedication makes all the difference: journalism, teaching, and insurance consulting.”

Profile:
Nicholas Chan graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016 and currently serves as Senior District Director at Manulife Hong Kong.

When people think of journalism and communication graduates, many assume they’re destined for careers in media. However, the field’s interdisciplinary nature opens doors across various sectors, as exemplified by Julia Leung Fung-yee, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).

For Leung, journalists’ commitment to truth-seeking initially drew her to the field. “Journalism is fundamentally about reporting objective facts and truth, which shapes how readers understand both events and society,” she explains. “While every discipline aims to improve society, education is ultimately about learning life principles. Journalism and communications stay particularly attuned to society’s pulse, helping to mirror its current state of affairs.”

After completing her degree, Leung spent a decade as a reporter for The Asian Wall Street Journal before transitioning to positions at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, and the SFC. Despite appearing to be a career shift, she sees it differently. “My journalism education instilled in me a desire to serve society. I’ve always wanted to contribute to public service, and when I moved into finance, helping to foster a healthier, more orderly market was another way to serve the public good.”

Her journalism training has proved invaluable, Leung notes. First is the pursuit of truth and objectivity: “Journalism teaches you to think laterally, to examine issues from multiple angles, to connect the dots, and to transform two-dimensional perspectives into multi-dimensional understanding.” Second, journalistic writing emphasizes clarity and accessibility, expressing abstract concepts in simple and clear ways. “This skill has been essential throughout my career. Even now, when reviewing internal research reports or regulatory circulars for public release, I expect complex policies to be distilled into clear, comprehensible language.”

Her journalism training and reporting experience taught her the value of humility. “I’ve worked at various organizations, often in unfamiliar territory. I needed to learn humbly and rely on my team members while also leading them. Listening therefore becomes crucial.” She adds with a smile, “After all, I’ve been listening to interviewees since my days as a journalist.”

Profile:
Julia Leung Fung-yee earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1982. After a decade as a reporter at The Asian Wall Street Journal, she joined the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in 1994, rising to Executive Director in 2000. She served as Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau from 2008 to 2013, receiving the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2012. Joining the SFC as Executive Director in 2015, Leung became Deputy CEO in 2018 and assumed the role of CEO in 2023.