HKBU alumna Dr. Amen Ng (Communication)

The BUddy Post reporter has interviewed a distinguished alumna, Dr. Amen Ng (Communication), Head of Training and Development Unit in Radio and Television Hong Kong, who shared with us her views on radio/television broadcasting industry and many more.

Reporter:How do you apply the knowledge you gained in HKBU to your career development?

Dr. Amen Ng: I had worked as researcher, anchor and producer in radio station before I moved on to marketing, sales, china business development and corporate communication. Indeed, I was already taking up part-time job at Commercial Radio when I was studying “Radio and Television” in HKBU. I gained experience as I worked and could apply what I had learnt at college. As an anchor, one needs to be creative and fast in response. But as I moved up to different positions, I found that these elements were not enough for me to manage the whole team. I therefore pursued my study in business management which actually facilitates me to manage my colleagues and train up their professional skills.

Reporter:You have spent almost 30 years in Hong Kong’s broadcasting industry. What are your new plans in future?

Dr. Amen Ng: In 2009, I left for Australia to further my study from which I gained valuable experience. I hope I can promote the use of “positive language” to others. To cite an example, if someone calls to ask for someone, we usually simply say, “ He’s not here.” Indeed, we can use positive language by saying “Oh, he is out but will be back by 3pm. Want to leave a message?” This is positive communication. Another example is, when someone asks “ Do I look good in this outfit?”, instead of just saying “Not bad”, we can respond by saying “ white and red matches well but it will be even better if it is a lighter red.” This will make others accept our comments more easily.

Staff is the valuable asset of an organization. This is particularly true in the broadcasting industry. I am now mapping out a Personal Development Plan under which the talents and potentials of our staff in different positions can be further developed and unleashed.

Reporter: What do you usually do in leisure time?

Dr. Amen Ng: Before I went to Australia in 2009, my life was about work and family only. That time, I was not happy even though I seemed to have everything. In Australia, I learnt how to benefit others and help them progress by saying appreciative words. This is what I mean by the power of positive language. Now, apart from work and family, I go hiking, playing badminton and jogging with friends. I also do voluntary work which provides me many opportunities to listen to others, thereby improving listening skills. More importantly, I learnt to use undertone to lead others to share their feelings. I think this is the highest level of communication.

Reporter: Can you give some advice to our students who like to start a career in broadcasting / media?

Dr. Amen Ng: I think people working in broadcasting or media industry will see thing 2 or 3 times more than others. Therefore, we need to be highly sensitive to what is happening around us. We also need to be fast and creative like a “jumpy monkey”. That’s why I am now focusing on training.

I feel that the new comers are full of dreams and passion for the broadcasting / media industry. They need to have a heart as well as fortitude. They can spend about 3 years to find out their strengths and have the courage to face challenges. Sometimes, you do need to have a bit of luck. Or they can work part-time to test whether they really like to develop their career in this industry.

Reporter: What are your views on the current development of the radio and television broadcasting industry?

Dr. Amen Ng: I think it is a war-time period. At the moment, we only have 13 channels and 3 stations. But digital channels are coming out fast. There will also be 3 free television broadcast companies. While the general public have more choices, different companies are competing for talents. Time makes hero, in particular, in broadcasting industry. I believe that there will be ample opportunities for those who love to join the industry.

Reporter: What is your motto in life?

Dr. Amen Ng: My motto in life is “3 hearts and 2 wills”. The 3 hearts are: a confident heart, a determined heart and a relaxed heart. When we face a new task or a new challenge, we should be confident in ourselves that we can do well. If we believe what we are doing is right, we should persist in it and never give up. After we have put all our efforts, we can rest relaxed and take the outcome easy. The 2 wills are: God’s will and men’s will. In life, things like parents, children are decided by God. What men can do is to take up challenges with confidence, do our best and face changes boldly.

Interviewees’ Biography: