Charity Work

Supported by like-minded good friends and my family, I spearheaded to establish a charity organization called World of Compassion Education Fund Association (WCEFA) in the end of 2008 with the objectives of raising pubic money to help the under-privileged but diligent youngsters to complete their higher education in the remote autonomous districts in Mainland China. We have recently added a programme of teaching English to the local students in Xiangxi, Hunan. You may obtain more information about the charity via the below link:
http://www.wcefa.org.hk

As Winston Churchill once says, "you make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give." If you want to contribute, please donate via direct credit into the below HSBC account:
WCEFA A/C with HSBC: 808-598270-292. (Donations of HK$100.- and above are tax deductible.)

Over the years, I found the synergy among the Hong Kong volunteers and trust developed between us and the beneficiaries are invaluable. Both parties grow and glow from the processes. I learned to be humble and more about my own shortcomings.

In 2014, we aimed to explore and expand our charity work to another equally remote mountainous district in the west of Guangdong, which is closer to Guangxi.

Vipassana Meditation

I am learning and practicing Vipassana meditation in the Sunlun way which is to meditate with great mindfulness. I am only a beginner in this and still learning hard. Buddha pointed out the way of liberation from the rounds of birth. He taught the techniques of mental development to attain that liberation. Samatha can rid the yogi of his/her distractions or distractedness, establishes sharpness of mind and concentrated mind which will lead to tranquility. On the other hand, Vipassana offers insights into the true characteristics of phenomena and the way to attain liberating knowledge.

The objectives of such meditation are to achieve “Touch, Awareness and Mindfulness”.

Regular practices and persistence are basic rules to achieve...

Keeping Fit

Today, we live in a digital age where technological advances push for efficiency, speed and quality.  Hong Kong residents , in particular, live a tense life and the chance of having regular physical activity has decreased rapidly.  As a result, people are susceptible to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, insomnia and many other ailments. 

I strongly believe in the benefits of regular physical exercises which help reduce suffering, personal medical and social costs. I am committed to at least 30 minutes physical exercise for at least five days per week in order to enhance blood circulation, strengthening cardiopulmonary functions and to help relieve stress.

I used to do a lot of running, hiking and now am keen on swimming, sailing and dragon boat racing.

In the past, I won many trophies. Now, I've learned to let go of faded glory ( old trophies from road races and distance running ) without much fuss. Still, I keep my regular exercises.

It is nice to be sailing and out of contact once in a while....

Taken in Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Causeway Bay August 2012.

Tea Drinking

Tea to the Chinese people is like wine to Westerners: an endless source of
romance, inspiration and healing to the body and soul.

A large variety of green, brown, fermented and un-fermented tea to suit
individual and social tastes. Tea drinking has been beneficial to Emperors,
officials in high position, and to ordinary people : workers and peasants from the Han Dynasty
(206 B.C. o A.D. 221) up to the present day.

For me, tea drinking is about relaxation and socialising.
I also believe that Chinese tea has healing powers,  as I had an experience of making ‘Pounded Tea’ in Feng Huang Ancient City (Pheonix City) in Hunan, China two years ago when the tea cured my flu.

When drinking fermented tea in Western style, I enjoy scones, sandwiches, cake or biscuits that usually come with the English style high tea. The tea wares can also be very attractive and inviting.

Travelling Experience

I enjoy travelling to different countries where I can see different cultures, food, people, traditions and produces.  Only in the past decade, I started travelling to different parts of China. I and my group of volunteers visited the mountainous districts in Hunan, Mainland annually to support the further education of the underprivileged but diligent kids of the ethnic minority.  

Last November (2011) I visited Myanmar where I felt the ancient religion of Buddhism and the cheerfulness of the locals there. They have more than 30 tribes living in harmony in the country. 

I think the sunset by the River Irrawaddy to be charming and enchanting !

I love the local handicrafts in Bagan, Myanmar, the capital of the country's 2nd dynasty.

The people in Myanmar are very warm and friendly!

 The weather in Myanmar is warm and dry.... good for hiking/cycling in the morning and evening.

In Singapore by end of 2011, I was amazed how much the Lion City has advanced and changed! 

In Singapore, I found the cost of living and in particular, entertainment and lifesytle , to be fairly high. The city is sure to be very attractive to visitors who love order and rules.

Singapore is famous for its Orchid flowers... I love flowers...

In the Region of Tamil Nadu, Southern India in December 2011, I stayed with friends and visited to many hill resorts. I admired their cotton goods, vegetarian meals and most friendly people...

Look at this sunset scene near the City Coimbatore... simply unforgettable !

Indian roads in major cities are cramped with trucks, motor cars, bicycles, bull-pulled carts, and tri-cycles!

I treated myself to Indian food from breakfast to dinner everyday for two weeks.... I had no regret at all, their cuisines never disappointed me.

I was so much impressed by interior decorations in the old Otty Hill Club... the old British adventurers knew what they picked!

I visited Mysore, an ancient capital of India, and admired the architecture and relics of the Palace.

Look how beautiful and friendly the young people of India (Mysore Palace) !

India has so much to offer to tourists... and their road netwoks are not too bad at all!

In my mind, England is always beautiful because of its green gardens, fields and Georgian-styled, Tudor-styled, Victorian-styled architectures and houses....

Peaceful river-side walks along River Thames...

At Prospect Park, Reading in January 2012.... the cold weather did not dampen my spirits at all, on contrary, it sharpen my mind!

In the country-side off Sheffield, South Yorkshire, I had enjoyed those scenic spots and walks.

London is a city that gives a feel of vibrant, dynamic, creative people, in a setting of old historical and grand buildings. I love their museums, Art Galleries, cinemas, high-street shops and eateries.

In Shanghai, China I was with one of the students that our charity work had helped completing her degree in Fudan University.

I love the ferry tour at night by Pearl River in Guangzhou.... the lightings are fascinating!

After my retirement, I also started looking around in my beloved city - Hong Kong - for sites and scenes that I have not visited due to work schedule and commitments. I discovered refreshing scenes in the New Territories too. The below is a fishing village in San Mum Chai of Tai Po.

Tin Hau Temple in Sha Tau Kok.

Breath-taking scene at Sha Tau Kok from the top of a hill.