Companion HK Founder Michael’s firsthand experiences as a member of the disability community motivates him to create positive change in society. He is eager to connect with changemakers through the Fellowship and work together to foster positive change.

Living with a disability, student Michael is a cancer survivor who believes that everyone can make a positive impact on the future of Hong Kong regardless of ability. Having experienced discrimination because of his disability in secondary school, he witnessed how the education system is often hostile and inaccessible to the disability community. He is committed to helping the disadvantaged in society and wants to encourage others to speak freely about their mental health challenges.

To this end, Michael founded the organization Companion Hong Kong, which is focused on providing services to and dispelling misconceptions about members of the disability community. Through Companion HK, he has been able to partner with universities, numerous nonprofit organizations, and groups of people with disabilities, such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, AIESEC and more to organize workshops. One of his key initiatives has been the human library: a powerful tool where people with disabilities engage with members of the public in an interactive session to promote deeper understanding and connection. He has shared his story and work in the community on Ming Pao, HK01, Hong Kong Commercial Radio, HKET, Kaleidoscope of Students, RTHK, and many more.

Through the Fellowship, Michael hopes to meet people who share their vision of creating positive change in society. He wants to learn about health challenges in various communities, ranging from migrant domestic workers to LGBTQIA+, and collaborate on intersectional solutions, ultimately working together to build a more inclusive Hong Kong.

Michael hopes to develop a peer exchange buddy program under Companion HK, create board games to promote mental wellbeing and organize a series of events for others to share their emotional needs in the future. He will also be pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at the Chinese University of Hong Kong starting September 2022.

In his free time, he enjoys watching films, reading books, and networking with like-minded individuals.