Balances in Law Enforcement Series XI: Clasps
of Excellence
The joys of life with 'flesh and blood'
In an era when we hardly go about a working day without logging on to the POINT or PEN, Senior Inspector (SIP) (Information Systems) Chan Cheuk-hung is doing an important job. He is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance and technical support of the Force's information systems. While many find the job boring compared with frontline policing, SIP Chan loves what he does. However, this came from a painful experience.
Life with flesh and blood
When asked what has made him enjoy his job, SIP Chan pointed out that happiness brings engagement, which in turn makes him happier. Happiness comes from harmony, sharing and team work among Force members. Applying his IT knowledge to help "users" to solve their problems has brought him job satisfaction.
"Certainly, you can care less or do less but this attitude would make others uneasy and you would end up unfulfilled", he noted. Quoting a colleague as saying that "Life has to have flesh and blood", SIP Chan said life only has a value when it is filled with experience and engagement.
Losing balance
Nevertheless, SIP Chan was "in flesh and blood" when his life hit bottom. After joining the Force as Inspector in 1988, his good performance in criminal investigation quickly landed him in crime units at regional and later headquarter levels. His career was plain sailing. Like other young detectives, he was ambitious to seek career advancement. "As a self-demanding person, I kept thinking and turning over the cases I handled in my mind, and after work, I studied an MBA programme. I didn't know how to relax nor I wanted to."
Mounting pressure finally drove him to the point of an emotional breakdown when he broke a piece of glass at his desk, leaving his colleagues dumbfounded. "My mind was running wild. I was highly-strung, distrustful, and refused to seek medical help." At his worst moments, he hid away in his office, crying for several hours. At another time, he smashed furniture at home. His wife finally got him to hospital where he was diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. A prolonged period of treatment and rehabilitation then followed.
Because of this sudden illness, SIP Chan fell from the top of his career and lost a chance of promotion. He was depressed, reclusive and disillusioned, but eventually came a long way to become the person he is now, enjoying every moment of life.
Life enlightenment
The illness made him a wiser person. He realised how he had neglected his family because of his job. In the darkest period of his recurrent emotional attacks, his wife quietly suffered at his side. Human relationship is the most important part in life. Memories of his vulnerable moments have reminded him to cherish what he has. "My family's support motivates me to take good care of myself and prevent the illness from coming back."
Now, loss of career achievement has made him more mature. "I have learned that heart is more important than brain." He started dealing with others with a sincere heart. He now has an enviable social and family life. Work-wise, he takes a more balanced approach and deems the job satisfaction of his subordinates no less important than completion of a project.
"Without the pressure of competing for promotion, I can get my work done purely from my heart and there's no need to be unhappy even if my performance is not recognised." Immense relief and freedom comes with this enlightenment.
PSG Epilogue
Before the interview, PSG confirmed with SIP Chan more than once about disclosure of his illness, which remains a taboo for many. Each time, he assured PSG light-heartedly that it was okay. The whole interview was full of laughers. Mr Chan has a positive and sincere attitude. It is hard to believe he was once a psychiatric patient. He has long accepted his illness and likes to share his story with colleagues and friends, sometimes even making fun of it. Rather than mere acceptance, he is thankful for it. His religious faith helps him appreciate the curses of life, which can be turned into blessings.
This is the last interview for Clasps of Excellence. The five officers in this series have remained very dedicated and hardworking, despite having served the Force for over two decades. What they share in common are their devotion, sincerity, readiness to give, willingness to embrace new challenges and a sense of mission in life. Their stories have proved that joy and satisfaction depend more on one's attitude (self-will) rather than one's position (opportunity).
SIP
Chan
is
grateful
for his wife's continuous support