Friday Beyond Spotlights - Mr Bernard Chan, the man behind and beyond the spotlights

Friday Beyond Spotlights is an all-new and all-star English talk show aired every Friday at 8:30 pm on Hong Kong International Business Channel (#76). The light-hearted and informative programme, hosted by Mr Patrick Tsang On-yip and Mr Nick Chan Hiu-fung, invites leading minds and game changers in Hong Kong to share their views and insights on topical issues, and their experience in grasping opportunities and tackling challenges.

The second episode, hosted by Mr Chan, features The Honourable Mr Bernard Chan, Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council. In light of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Chan weighs in on Hong Kong’s ‘dynamic zero infection’ strategy against the virus and its impact on the city’s international competitiveness. He also showcases his hidden talent and shares his personal story of overcoming afflictions.

Putting our people first

The ongoing pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge for politicians around the world. While many governments have abandoned the strategy of containing the COVID-19 outbreak and instead opted to live with the virus, Chan reaffirms China and Hong Kong’s commitment to prioritising public health through its ‘dynamic zero infection’ strategy. “We take protecting the people of Hong Kong very seriously, and we have done an extraordinary job in preventing millions of people from dying,” he notes.

“The virus has been spreading at a scale so large and out of control for many countries, but our robust technology and software has allowed us to implement extensive contact-tracing while upholding user privacy,” continues Chan. He is also thankful to the people of Hong Kong for playing their part in fighting the virus, as the privacy-by-design LeaveHomeSafe app now has more than 7.5 million downloads and is used by over 90% of the population.

Maintaining Hong Kong’s global competitiveness

While stringent quarantine measures have temporarily deterred some from travelling to Hong Kong to conduct business, Chan is confident that the city will remain competitive and relevant in the long run.

“We have a lot of exciting offerings that will attract and keep people in Hong Kong,” states Chan. “Aside from providing an outstanding business environment, another advantage of Hong Kong is our vibrant arts and culture scene.”

The relevance of Hong Kong is further maintained by its crucial role as a super-connector between the GBA, Mainland China, and global markets. “As the world’s second-largest economy with a burgeoning middle class of over 700 million people, China offers many opportunities for businesses and individuals around the globe,” Chan explains. “Hence, it is important for Hong Kong to take advantage of its unique position under the One Country, Two Systems to continue to add value to China and serve the growing and diverse needs of the country.”

As for the younger generation, Chan believes that they should increase their exposure and understand the developments of China, preparing themselves for the plethora of opportunities that China has to offer.

Triumphing against all odds with positivity

Despite his successful career as a politician and a businessman, Chan is no stranger to adversity. Growing up, Chan suffered from a rare chronic illness which left him with only 50% of both of his kidney functions at the age of 18. He also had to undergo three coronary bypass operations within three years, forcing him to spend most of his time in and out of hospitals and away from college in the US.

While recuperating overseas, Chan discovered his passion for art when he was looking for ways to earn extra credits and graduate on time. “I took a lot of art classes and I ended up liking the subject so much that I switched my major from economics to studio art,” he recalls. From then on, Chan was determined to make the most of his time in hospitals and developed his unique style of using correction fluid as a medium for his artworks.

Although Chan initially believed that a studio art degree is useless in Hong Kong’s business world, he is glad to be proven wrong as it has equipped him serve on the West Kowloon Cultural District Board and as the chairman for the Palace Museum. “This is exactly why Hong Kong is so exciting,” he says. “Arts and culture is becoming an important part of the city, something we can offer in addition to economics, finance, science, and medicine.”

Reflecting on his battle with chronic illness, Chan highlights the need to “never give up and always think positive” as there is a silver lining to every cloud. He wishes that Hong Kong, too, can remain positive despite current hardships and focus on the opportunities ahead.

Service with a true heart

As a man that has been wearing many hats, Chan reveals that he is first and foremost a husband and a father. Motivated by his commitment to his family, Chan performs household chores, such as washing the dishes, and often turns down evening functions as he treasures his family time.

Likewise, Chan considers Hong Kong his home and is committed to serving the people with a true heart. He hopes that one day, he will be able to look back at his career with satisfaction, confident that he has done everything he can to make the city a better place.

To watch the video, visit Friday Everyday YouTube Channel – Friday Beyond Spotlights Ep.2 l Bernard Chan.

Part 1: https://youtu.be/66JxcHvtWKA

Part 2: https://youtu.be/P3lRc-M28W4