Not all luck for next-gen baker

Martin Kwok Yu-tin is using the determination and entrepreneurial spirit he acquired in university to take his career as a second-generation baker of Cheung Chau's renowned lucky buns into new territory.

These qualities propelled him to leave his high-paying finance job, embrace the family business, and bring innovation to the traditional baking industry.

Kwok initially faced challenges adapting to learning in English electronic and computer engineering and the pressure-cooker environment at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, so unlike secondary school on Cheung Chau.

"It was the first time I'd left Cheung Chau to study and I felt I couldn't fit in," said Kwok, now almost 40.

He refused to give up and hunkered down to long hours catching up with peers, often staying up until 2 am and waking up to attend morning lectures at nine.

"The setbacks I encountered in my first year taught me the value of determination and hard work. Moreover, my university life, which involved active participation in student clubs, an exchange program at a mainland university, and an internship in Germany, equipped me with a wide range of knowledge and skills necessary for running a business," he said.

After graduating in 2004, he embarked on a finance career that spanned over a decade before setting up his own firm.

In 2017, his father expressed his intention to retire and close his then bakery Kwok Kam Kee.

"Driven by a deep attachment to the shop, I made the bold decision to leave finance and take over the business, despite my father's initial objections," he said.

To revitalize it, Kwok collaborated with various brands to introduce new flavors and designs for the lucky bun, with the aim of attracting a younger customer base.

His efforts to expand the business and preserve the traditional baking heritage didn't stop there: he organized workshops that hosted over 10,000 people since September.

To promote intangible cultural heritage, he even traveled to Yangzhou, Jiangsu, for inspiration, with plans to launch additional workshops focusing on local traditional culture in the future.

Kwok has no regrets about his career choice despite the toll it has taken on his family time.

He advised young people to choose career paths based on interests and strengths and encouraged them to act decisively once they have made their choices.

Kwok's inspiring journey exemplifies the rewards that await those who follow their passion and remain determined in the face of adversity.