What drives a young pilot, host, and volunteer to continuously push boundaries and inspire others?
“Passionate,” “diversified,” and “determined” are the words Anson uses to describe himself and his aspirations. Wearing multiple hats as a pilot, voice actor, host, and volunteer, Anson actively engages in community and public affairs to contribute and inspire others.
Anson finds motivation and fulfillment in connecting with people. Keeping an open mind, he seeks to understand the world through new experiences and by listening to other people’s stories. His journey of interacting with people began in secondary school when he joined the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, where he delved into activities such as hiking, first aid, and aviation knowledge.
In 2017, Anson was awarded a gliding scholarship that took him to Australia, where he learned to pilot a glider. Fascinated by aviation, he aspired to explore the field further. “Aviation has always seemed mysterious and out of reach. But since I had the chance to experience it, I wanted to delve deeper.”
Later, he secured another scholarship to fly single-engine piston-powered aircraft in the UK to obtain his private pilot license. However, upon graduating in 2020, he faced an uncertain job market due to the pandemic. Originally set on joining the aviation industry, he pivoted to event hosting, marketing, and project management instead.
His journey as a volunteer began in middle school. Actively involved in uniformed groups, he progressed from participant to leader, organiser, and eventually adviser. Through volunteering and interacting with others, he has been rewriting the script of his life.
Among those who inspired Anson, the words of Dr Rebecca Lee, the first Hong Kong woman to reach the North Pole, the South Pole, and Mount Everest, left a lasting impact. “Her words during a STEAM program inspired me deeply. I remember her saying, ‘The biggest failure in life is not to try.’ This notion shifted my perspective, where I realised my opportunity cost in life is actually the lowest. I have time, and I hope to spend it exploring the world and, at the same time, understand myself better.”
At 16, Anson first connected with HKFYG through the Hong Kong Young Ambassador Scheme, where he promoted hospitality culture in local schools under the guidance of university mentors. This experience showed him that, even as a secondary school student, he could make a positive impact on society.
“Previously, my perception of NGOs was that they were just interest classes or perhaps community centres, which seemed a bit old-fashioned. But when I participated in these programmes, I discovered that their scale could be rather extensive, and I had the opportunity to forge numerous new friendships and effect positive transformations within society,” he says.
One of his most memorable experiences with HKFYG was volunteering at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, supporting the equestrian events. As a deputy delegation leader, his responsibilities were to provide food, psychological support, and logistics for Hong Kong volunteers stationed across the venue. Acting as a bridge between Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese volunteers, he gained firsthand insight into the complexities of organising such an international sporting event.
“The equestrian segment alone required over 300 volunteers covering hospitality, athlete services, venue management, technical support, and more. This involvement reinforced that sports events are not just about the athletes — behind every sports event, there are countless individuals working behind the scenes to ensure success.”
Anson, now a member of Youth Research Centre’s think tank Youth I.D.E.A.S. and the Youth Services Advisory Committee, is passionate about community issues and public policy. Through the Youth Research Centre, he has interviewed experts, legislators, district representatives, and scholars to gather insights on youth policies. At the Youth Services Advisory Committee, he is responsible for reviewing the Federation’s initiatives from an organisational governance perspective and providing recommendations for future development. By bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds, the committee acts as a bridge between HKFYG and its youth audience, ensuring that the organisation stays relevant.
“As the saying goes: nothing is constant but change,” he says. “Institutions should remain dynamic, keep up with the times and adapt their services to meet the evolving needs of young people.”
Reflecting on these roles, he notes: “In every position, I’ve learned a great deal. Teaching is learning. When you give, you also receive. I find joy in communicating, solving problems, and collaborating with others.”
Looking back on his journey, Anson encourages young people to have faith in themselves and move forward with confidence. “I’ve been fortunate to have many opportunities, and I’ve embraced them openly, wholeheartedly. I hope to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones. Only if you believe, will you be able to see. First, dare to imagine and envision your future — then take reasonable actions to make it a reality.”
He acknowledges that many young people today feel discouraged by a perceived lack of upward mobility. However, he believes opportunities are still prevalent, particularly as society and the government place greater emphasis on youth development.
“The key is for young people to have the courage to pursue their goals,” he says, adding that while the experiences of older generations provide valuable insights, the world is changing rapidly, and past success models may no longer apply. “I hope young people can break through barriers and find their own paths in this ever-changing landscape.”
Looking ahead, Anson plans to continue his community engagements and other youth initiatives. Additionally, he would like to expand his influence beyond institutional settings. “Working within organisations allows for deeper interactions with individuals, although the impact might initially be confined to a select few.” In the future, he aims to explore more platforms to continue inspiring young people and establishing connections with a wider audience. ■
Anson Ho, a graduate of the University of Hong Kong, is a public relations manager, freelance emcee, voice talent, and volunteer. As a member of the Federation’s Youth Advisory Committee, he is experienced in youth education and district affairs.