Retired SSGT Ng Keung: Life Warrior, Never Give Up

The theme of the Journey to Psychological Wellness this year is "Permission to be Human". It means accepting our limitations as a human being, trying our utmost, and facing negative emotions and challenges in life with courage. The elements of "Permission to be Human" are practising mindfulness, showing compassion and accepting limitations. At the same time, the Welfare Services Group is promoting the messages of health, optimism, perseverance and enthusiasm under Project HOPE. Retired Station Sergeant (SSGT) Ng Keung who had served the Force for 35 years fully embodied the above-mentioned spirit.

Mr Ng was presented with the award of the "Ten Outstanding Warriors of Regeneration" by the Regeneration Society on September 11. He joined the Force when he was young, with a commitment to serving the community. Soon after passing out from the Police Training School, he was shot by a culprit at close range in an operation and the bullet caused damage to his vital organs, which completely changed his life. Soon after he was admitted to hospital, he could vaguely hear the doctor's comment, saying that his situation was not optimistic and that he might pass away. At that moment, he realised that he was so close to death. Fortunately, he regained consciousness a number of days later, but he suffered from the sequalae induced by organ dysfunction and has become wheelchair-bound. He was subsequently transferred to a rehabilitation hospital for physiotherapy.

While attending the presentation ceremony of the "Ten Outstanding Warriors of Regeneration", Mr Ng recalled his feelings during his days in the rehabilitation hospital. He said, "I was so sad that I had to lie in bed waiting for being taken care of by medical staff, and felt very frustrated that I had to give up my sports hobbies due to the paralysed limbs. Besides, being the eldest son, I was the breadwinner of the family before the injury and my siblings were still at the stage of schooling. The accident made my family run into financial difficulties. All these negative thoughts drove me to despair."

Self-reliance in times of despair

Nevertheless, his unpleasant feeling gradually subsided as he noticed that the care and encouragement from the medical staff, his colleagues, friends and relatives had become an enormous positive energy to him. Some time later, he was slowly recovering his strength. He made himself clear to the Force Management that he would like to stay in the Force to serve the community, and the management agreed to let him assume supportive roles in the Force. This motivated him to upgrade himself and learn different skills. After he resumed work, everyone acknowledged the passion and dedication of this wheelchair officer. Following years of efforts, his performance was recognised by his seniors. In 1983, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and advanced to SSGT in 1997.

Apart from work, he also actively took part in volunteer work. Between 1980s and 1990s, he served as a member of a Group in the Hong Kong PHAB Association and the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth.

With the encouragement from his seniors and friends, Mr Ng tried to pick up his sports hobby again. He participated in wheelchair basketball through the assistance of the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, and later joined the Hong Kong Team. During the period from 2008 to 2014, he even became a coach to train up younger ones.

Although Mr Ng retired from the Force in 2013, he leads an enriched retirement life. In 2015, he served as a volunteer for the Hong Kong Rehabilitation Power with a hope to share his experiences and passion with others.

Mr Ng has encountered many failures and setbacks since his injury. However, he is convinced that as long as he maintains an optimistic attitude and accepts his physical limitations, always be generous and enthusiastic to help others, he can lead a flourishing life.