When one’s birthday sees a country-wide celebration, what more could one ask for? Station Sergeant (SSGT) Lam Kwok-keung (Keung), born on October 1, did not feel much about his birthday before 1997. Yet he feels completely different after Hong Kong has returned to the motherland. His birthday is celebrated with a national public holiday, fireworks and parades. “Although I bask in the reflected glory of our country’s success, that sense of pride and superiority is nowhere to hide,” he beams.

Keung has joined the Force for 37 years and is currently stationed in the Police Community Relations Office (PCRO) of Sau Mau Ping District. He is good at communication, enjoys reaching out to different walks of life and serves as a bridge between the Force and citizens. In 2022, he received the Secretary for the Civil Service’s Commendation in recognition of his outstanding performance in his post when he was serving in the PCRO of Wong Tai Sin District.

Colleagues are well aware of the hectic schedule on the National Day and the slim chance of taking leave that day. After the flag-raising ceremony in the morning, they need to rush to the next activities in line, which are followed by many other events across the territory. Keung enjoys the busy work on his birthday, though. “Instead of spending my birthday alone, I would rather celebrate it with a group of people. Seeing others happy makes me happy too. My birthdays were ordinary in the younger years of mine. But after Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, I realise that sharing national joy is the best birthday gift for me.”

Were there any touching or unforgettable moments during his birthdays on the National Day?  Keung answered with a knowingly smile, “My colleagues’ kind gesture touches me the most. I usually pull a poker face when I see my fellow colleagues snooping outside my office. Yet my heart is full of anticipation. When they bring out the birthday cake, I act being surprised to play along with the plot. Although it happens annually, I still feel the joy each time.” “As for the most memorable birthday, it must be the one in 2019. That was the hardest time for the Force, surely not for any delight or celebration. Our profound sadness could hardly be understood by outsiders. I realised the importance of the country, whose stability is the source of our happiness and joy. Thankfully, the skies cleared and normalcy resumed after the storm, allowing me to relive those scenes of nationwide celebration and rekindling my motivation to celebrate my birthday.”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of our country, for which particularly abundant National Day activities are held. Keung is already prepared to spend his birthday at work. He expresses, “I am proud of the prosperity and flourishing of the motherland. What I can do is to stay at my post, do my job well and not to disgrace my mission.” Keung not only stands fast to his duties but also dedicates his spare time to contributing to society. He has volunteered to train Junior Police Call members and secondary school students for many years, hoping to show the positive image of the Force to the youths, guide them towards the right direction of life, and even inspire them to join the Force.

About his birthday, Keung summerises, “One’s date of birth is not a choice but a coincidence. I feel honoured with my birth date. I firmly believe that only when the country and Hong Kong prosper shall I be prosperous. Our country’s achievements today didn’t come easily, so there’s no reason for us not to cherish them. I’ll never hold it back should I be able to take an extra step.”