Very often, Chinese studies graduates give the impression that they are quiet and introversive. Currently Librarian and drama education consultant of HKBU Affiliated Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School, alumnus Sidney Lui (Chinese Language and Literature) is, however, quite eloquent. During the days in Hong Kong Baptist College, he was already active in participating different school activities, and being the president of the Chinese Language and Literature Society was one of those. Sidney realised that reaching out to different people and the community has brought him unexpected blessings and career opportunities, not to mention the care and support he has received from Baptist College buddies.
BUddies’ Care is All Around
When Sidney was a Year 3 student at Baptist College, his father suddenly passed away and he had to suspend his study. Yet, with the tremendous support and encouragement from schoolmates, Sidney could finally return to school to attain his academic qualification, despite the fact that he has to occupy himself with part-time jobs, as the breadwinner of the family. He was very grateful about the care and support he has received. “Without the help from schoolmates, I would not have been able to finish my studies”, he said. “The spirit of selfless support for each other is something HKBU alumni should be proud of.”
Like many other graduates of the Department, Sidney pursued his career as a teacher. Life was ordinary until he was offered a position as a Librarian by a Principal of a secondary school who appreciated much his passion and competencies. “At that time, it is not easy to get a post in government-aided schools with my qualifications. As I enjoy reading, it is a great opportunity for me to step into government-aid schools.” Since then, Sidney’s career turned a new chapter.
Enthusiasm and Passion Walk Him Out of Ordinary
While he could simply anchor himself in a status quo, Sidney was passionate to strive for the better. He has introduced some revolutionary changes to libraries. Not only has he put efforts in raising students’ interest in reading; he was enthusiastic in excelling the quality of librarians and the design of libraries, aspiring to build the image of libraries. He also set up the Quality Librarian Network to enhance the communication among librarians, developing synergies of the group.
The role as a librarian may be a key part in his career, his contribution to drama education is equally critical. Sidney has great interest in drama. After school he was a guest actor of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre. With the recommendation of an alumna, he has taken a drama course taught by Dr. Chung King-fai. Having the qualifications, he has started to teach drama as an academic subject in schools since 2002. Yet Sidney’s pursuit of excellence has not stopped there. He then took a M.A. Programme in Cultural Management in the Chinese University of Hong Kong to equip himself with the necessary professional know-how and critical skills for his development in the art niche. Throughout the years and until now, Sidney endeavours to nurture talents and promote drama education. He has organised and produced “Drama Education Programme” and “Experiential Theatre” for a number of years with the support of Hong Kong Arts Development Council. His dedication to and enthusiasm in drama education has definitely paved him an extraordinary path.
Giving Back to the Alma Mater
In March this year, the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association of Department of Chinese Language and Literature for the term 2017-19 was formed and Sidney was elected as President. To him, nurturing young alumni to take up roles in the Executive Committee is his primary goal. Certainly, reuniting alumni and tightening the bonds among them are equally important to the Alumni Association and the launch of a mentoring programme is in the pipeline.
It’s Never Too Late to Learn
Sidney has demonstrated his humbleness and proactivity in many aspects, and without doubt this character has earned him the opportunities in his career life. He is also eager to learn, currently taking English classes every week to excel himself to cope with the global needs. Like his motto, “as the world evolves, one must restlessly strive for the better”. Sidney exemplifies this.
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