Connected to my mentor

“I met my mentor for the first time at the Mentorship Inauguration Ceremony. He introduced me to another mentor and mentee pair, and we four enjoyed a wonderful meal together. Mr Leong explained that he had partnered with the other mentor, Doris, for years, as he felt when he was younger it was not too appropriate to dine with female mentees alone. Although nowadays he did not feel the need to avoid any awkwardness that may arise, dining with Doris on the Mentorship Inauguration night turned out to be an annual event.

This left a good impression on me as I look up to Mr Leong as a great and considerate gentleman. He introduced us to all sorts of good food and asked about our preferences. In the latter meetings, he often emphasised that it is his responsibility as a mentor, to treat us to great food. Despite being of an older generation, he replies to WhatsApp messages promptly with cool emojis, and always willing to learn more about technologies (such as photo editing and using Instagram). I learnt that “great men are great because they put their hearts into the little things in life”.

Mr Leong shared with us that he has just started his 33rd year of tenancy at his Chambers. Looking back, he acknowledges there were ups and downs, astonishing achievements, and missed chances for other paths. But he lives every moment to the fullest and is grateful for all he has. And the best of all, he contributes to society and to his alma mater – HKU – in different roles.

Mr Leong is a very friendly and caring mentor, and enjoys life. Despite his great workload, he is a lovingly father of three and a great husband. He chats with me in such a relaxing and causal manner. To be honest, once I saw that Mr Leong was going to be my mentor, I felt like the happiest mentee, overwhelmed with excitement. It started out that I was quite timid when I first met Mr Leong as he is such renowned barrister and political figure. To my surprise, he likes to be with young people and is willing to share his experiences with me.

As a law student myself, I feel much closer to Mr Leong, and can relate to his life as an HKU law student many years ago. I was surprised by how much the HKU Faculty of Law has changed during the years, but I believe that the Faculty will continue to nurture passionate legal practitioners and outstanding political leaders like Mr Leong. As a law student, I felt closely connected to him and learnt that I should always follow my heart.

Mr Leong invited me to watch Anna Karenina, presented by Ballet Zurich, at the Hong Kong Arts Festival. We took this photo at the intermission while enjoying a drink and chatting casually next to the balcony. Mr Leong has long been a sponsor of the Hong Kong Arts Festival and, appreciating all forms of arts, he booked the best seats in the theatre as soon as the tickets were on sale and encouraged me to grab the chance to enjoy performances through the student discount offer. We had a wonderful night (and for me, so rewarding) and took the MTR together after the show. He intends to exercise more by walking home and is really down to earth!”

Mentor: Mr Alan Leong SC
Mentee (2017-18): Wendy Chan, BSocSc(Govt&Laws) & LLB Year 2