Scout commander: DDC C Anthony Chan and his scout yearbook

Not many people know Central District's Anthony Chan Kit-chu is one of Hong Kong's high-ranking scout leaders. OffBeat spoke to him about his dual-disciplinary role.

Be prepared" - that's the old scout cliche. And Central Deputy District Commander Anthony Chan Kit-chu is just that, his diaries choc-a-block with both Force and scout appointments. And so he should be prepared. He's Assistant Chief Commissioner of the 70,000-strong Hong Kong Scout Association, in charge of its east Kowloon region and the body's overall 'number three' in command.

After eight or more hours of police work and a quick flick through his diary, Anthony's off to his scout office for a few more hours of hard slog. It has been his daily routine for almost 40 years, yet he doesn't quit. He considers scouting and police work labours of love.

"There is a fantastic sense of achievement and pride you get in being a scout - much like being a police officer. My parents considered me a bit of a naughty boy as a child, and here I am now serving as a Senior Superintendent in one of the world's biggest and best police forces. If it wasn't for the scouts, I probably wouldn't be here."

He joined in the early 60s and became a scout leader in 1964. He has since moved up through the ranks, heading scores of scout programmes and improvement initiatives, and collecting some top awards for his achievements along the way.

"I joined the Force as a Junior Police Officer as I only had a Form Three education. However, all the discipline and people management skills I learned in the scouts could also be applied to my police work. All this experience helped me earn the skills and knowledge to make the jump into the Inspectorate ranks - the scouts gave me great confidence and satisfaction."

With the Chief Executive's pledge in his last Policy Address to help facilitate the recruitment of more school children into uniformed youth groups, SSP Chan is now busier than ever promoting the scouts to youngsters across Hong Kong, heading a school-based scout development programme.

"Uniformed youth groups are renowned worldwide for their ability to keep youngsters away from crime, and the aim of the scouts is to develop youths into adult leaders and instil good values through adventurous, creative and fun activities.

"Each badge worn by a scout represents a different activity they have mastered, which garners a tremendous sense of pride and self-esteem.

"The CE's pledge is quite timely as it coincides with the Force's push to hinder juvenile crime. Now with assistance from the Education Department, I am responsible for expanding scout membership among every school in Hong Kong and I am also developing a scout leader training centre."

His work overseeing the construction of the Pak Sha Wan Sea Activities Centre in Sai Kung in the 70s saw him win a Ten Outstanding Young Person award in 1982. And he received the Governor's Commendation for Community Service in 1995.

Consumed by all this scout work, how does he find time for his family?

"Oh, that's not a problem as my kids are in the scouts and my wife used to be a girl guide, so they are totally understanding!"



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