Dr Gary Ng found out he had bone cancer on his 14th birthday. This life-changing experience inspired him to pursue a medical career, and he became an orthopaedist at the hospital where he had received cancer treatment as a teenager.

Gary Ng found out that he had bone cancer on his 14th birthday, and a life of youthful promise was instantly plunged into darkness. His father worked as a taxi driver while his mother did tailoring jobs at home, and medical expenses took a toll on his family’s savings. The teenager was distraught.

Fortunately, he was able to receive care from a team of committed healthcare professionals. After several rounds of chemotherapy and amputation on his left leg, Gary finally overcame the illness and was able to return to school.

This life-changing experience inspired him to become a doctor. In 2000, he went to study medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. It was there that he learned about The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships, which support students with outstanding intellect, character as well as leadership qualities, and who are dedicated to serving the community.

“I found the courage to apply for a scholarship and was lucky to be selected,” Dr Ng recalls. “Thanks to the scholarship, I didn’t have to worry about my college fees and could focus on my hobbies and studies without needing to work part-time.” While in university, he regularly took part in community activities, during which he shared his experience overcoming cancer as well as discussed the challenges people with disabilities face. An avid swimmer, he also represented Hong Kong in swimming events at the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled.

Dr Ng became an orthopaedist after he completed his medical studies, serving in the hospital where he had received cancer treatment as a teenager. Eight years later, he joined the Hospital Authority.

Work aside, Dr Ng has been championing the rights of the disabled community and has served as the Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth for years. He was also chosen as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Hong Kong in 2020.

Almost 20 years after university, Dr Ng still appreciates the Club’s scholarship for not having only covered his school fees but also for connecting him with a community of like-minded Jockey Club Scholars (JC Scholars) and fuelling his commitment to social service.

“The JC Scholars come from different professions and backgrounds but we all share one belief. Since we all got help from the scholarships, we asked what we could do to help others.” Dr Ng says. “So we founded the Jockey Club Scholars Alumni Association to give back to society through voluntary tutoring programmes and community services.”

He is grateful for the Club’s scholarship programme and its unwavering support. “It’s like an old friend who keeps you company, from school to work through life in general,” Dr Ng says, adding, “I will always be proud that I am a JC Scholar.”

This story was originally published on The Hong Kong Jockey Club's "With You. Then. Now. Always." website.