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Talent & Sector Development
A life companion for the past quarter century
Dr Gary Ng: “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.”
When Gary Ng found out that he had bone cancer on his 14th birthday, a life of youthful promise was instantly plunged into darkness. His father worked as a taxi driver while his mother did sewing 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. He overcame the illness and returned to school after his left leg was amputated and chemotherapy.
This life-changing experience inspired him to become a doctor. In 2000, he won a place to study medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He then 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, sharing his experience overcoming cancer as well as the challenges people with disabilities face. As 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. Today he is responsible for pandemic contact tracing at the Centre for Health Protection.
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.
