Editor’s Note:
Jack Deng is a graduate of SCIE’s Class of 2019. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2023 and completed his master’s degree in Journalism at The University of Hong Kong in 2024. He is currently working at Ogilvy in Hong Kong.
In September 2019, drenched in sweat and dragging my suitcase behind me, I arrived at the Chinese University of Hong Kong to register. At that moment, everything felt surreal, as if I were walking on clouds.
On a map, the distance from SCIE to CUHK is roughly 10 kilometers—about the same as taking the subway from Shuiwei Village to Luohu Dongmen. Yet, the difference between the two campuses was striking: a tranquil urban school transformed into a sprawling mountainside campus framed by sea and sky.
The unfamiliarity of my new surroundings wrapped itself around me, and the uncertainty weighed heavy, leaving me feeling utterly unmoored.
Before I could fully calm my nerves, navigate the twisting mountain paths, or finish my registration, an invisible storm swept through the city overnight. It churned up the sediment and fallen leaves settled in the depths, unleashing a torrent that engulfed everything in its path.
Thus, my university life began in the midst of chaos.
Professors at Hong Kong’s universities possess a quiet, understated “chill vibe.” Whether their classrooms were packed or nearly empty, they carried on their teaching with measured calmness. This unshaken composure amidst a tumultuous environment turned out to be a blessing.
Despite the smoke rising from the streets below and the persistent din of unrest, I was able to complete my studies without interruption. Perhaps it was the fearlessness of youth—or maybe I was like a blindfolded mule, tirelessly plodding forward, blissfully ignorant of the dangers around me. The cacophony outside seemed to fade into the background, allowing me to focus solely on my studies.
In the classroom, journalism professors taught us to adopt the perspective of an observer, to analyze the world around us with a critical eye. This intellectual training shaped my understanding of the city I had just begun to explore.
I found myself paying attention to the hurried steps of subway commuters, the casual chatter between tea house owners and customers, and the vibrant energy pulsing through Hong Kong’s narrow streets.
Yet, the surface calm of this city was deceiving. Hong Kong is a place of striking contrasts—simultaneously inclusive and contradictory, bustling yet solitary. These complex social dynamics intertwined with my academic studies, igniting within me an insatiable desire to delve deeper, to understand and document the intricate stories of this city.
It’s often said that Hong Kong is a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. This is no exaggeration. While it may not be a seamless fusion, the city boasts a distinct harmony.
With a sharp wit and a touch of Eastern humor, Hong Kongers embrace and digest the influences of Western culture, all while preserving the essence and rhythm of Chinese tradition. For students like me, who often longed for the taste of home, finding authentic Cantonese cuisine and dim sum here was enough to soothe the pangs of nostalgia.
Journalism is not a widely popular field of study, but it has been my calling since childhood. My decision to study in Hong Kong was driven not only by the prospect of gaining broader perspectives but also by the city’s vibrant multiculturalism. When family elders learned of my choice, their surprise was barely concealed. The more candid ones even bluntly remarked, “Journalism isn’t an easy path!” Their words were a subtle warning of the hardships that lay ahead.
Indeed, the road I chose is strewn with challenges. In the age of social media, the barriers to entry in journalism have been repeatedly lowered. Many in the industry have lost their way amidst the labyrinth of misinformation and competing interests. Some ridicule audiences; others blame content creators. Yet few stop to reflect on their own role in this complex web of media.
Still, I have never regretted my decision. Choosing a profession I love has been the greatest source of joy and fulfillment, whether in school or at work. This deep satisfaction is a treasure I hold close to my heart.
Throughout this journey, friends and family have urged me countless times to pursue finance, business, computer science, or engineering—“practical” fields that promise stable careers. But I have never wavered. Only by doing what I love can I dedicate myself wholeheartedly, diving deep into research, reflection, and improvement with tireless enthusiasm. This inner drive has given me the strength to walk every step of this path with unwavering determination.
There is a common perception online that Hong Kong society is “unwelcoming.” In my experience, it’s less about exclusion and more about unfamiliarity.
Here, everyone moves with such urgency that even pausing on a street corner feels indulgent, let alone extending patience to strangers. Compared to Shenzhen, Hong Kong’s pace is faster, its streets narrower. I had to adopt a quick three-step jog and two-step sprint just to avoid getting my heels stepped on by the rushing crowds behind me.
Bit by bit, I adapted to life at CUHK, surrounded by the cool mountain breezes and swaying trees. Each day followed its rhythm, punctuated by occasional swims in the sapphire-like pool nestled in a sea of greenery. Even when the pandemic disrupted normalcy, it didn’t shake my steady pace. I graduated from my undergraduate studies unscathed and with a sense of accomplishment.
That summer, the scorching sun seemed to burn with extra intensity as I returned briefly to Shenzhen to share my achievements with my family. Yet the restless energy within me refused to settle. My passion for journalism propelled me forward, leading me to pursue a master’s degree in journalism at the University of Hong Kong.
Located in Kennedy Town on Hong Kong Island’s west side, HKU is embedded in the city’s bustling heart. Gone was the serene ambiance of CUHK, replaced by the fast-paced, pragmatic atmosphere of an urban campus.
The professors at HKU stood in stark contrast to the more academic approach of CUHK’s faculty, emphasizing practice over theory. During my graduate studies, I joined the South China Morning Post as a journalist, stepping directly into the realities of the profession.
Being a journalist demands both physical endurance and psychological resilience. In recent years, both in Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, I have noticed a growing hostility toward cameras, microphones, and journalists themselves.
In the early days of my career, I naively believed that passion and effort alone could overcome any obstacle, but reality often proved otherwise. To obtain a few clear street interviews, I endured countless cold stares and rejections, occasionally questioning if I had made the right choice.
There were times when I stood under the scorching sun for nine hours alongside my peers, waiting in vain for an interview opportunity. No food, no water, no restroom breaks—only to return empty-handed.
On New Year’s Eve of 2024, I found myself running along Victoria Harbour, hauling heavy equipment as I conducted interviews, shot videos, and raced to meet my deadline. As midnight approached, I crouched on the roadside, typing furiously as the cold wind numbed my fingers. Behind me, couples huddled close, while cheers and fireworks erupted around me.
In moments like these, the bitterness of exhaustion was palpable. Yet, the next morning, when I saw my work published on the front page, with my name printed beneath the headline, all the fatigue and frustration vanished. To play a role in recording history, to give a voice to the voiceless—that sense of pride and accomplishment is unparalleled.
Looking back, my heart is filled with gratitude. Beyond my family and friends, I am most thankful for SCIE, the place that laid the foundation for my dreams. It was there I encountered inspiring mentors, like-minded peers, and opportunities that allowed me to shine. I hope every SCIE student can forge their own path, overcome obstacles, and write their own miracles.
- Article /Jack Deng
- Pictures / Jack Deng
