There are hundreds of unsung heroes we walk past every day in our busy routines. The street cleaners keeping Hong Kong immaculate, the taxi drivers getting us around, the receptionist greeting us every morning, the waiter bringing our drink, the cleaning lady at our office. The list is endless.
Cynthia, lawyer and writer, and Maxime, lawyer and photographer, invited Mei Fung, the security guard for lunch at a Cha Chaan Teng and heard her story. Hong Kong Shifts was born in July 2019.
Our Story .
For five years, he walked past his security guard on his way to and from work. Where is she from? What does she like? What even is her name?
We pass by hundreds of unsung heroes every day in our busy routines. The street cleaner keeping Hong Kong immaculate, the taxi driver zipping us around the city, the receptionist greeting us with a smile, the barista brewing our morning coffee, the workers keeping our harbour clean. The list is endless.
Cynthia (lawyer and writer) and Maxime (lawyer and photographer) invited Mei Fung, the security guard, for lunch at a cha chaan teng (茶餐廳) and heard her story.
Hong Kong Shifts was born in July 2019.
Listen to our radio interview
Noreen from RTHK asks Cynthia and Maxime what Hong Kong Shifts means to them and what the project is all about.
Our Mission .
To promote kindness, empathy and inclusiveness in our living and working environments through storytelling.
Why?
Social Inclusion and Diversity
To recognise and celebrate the diverse and colourful voices of multi-faceted Hong Kong.
Connection
To tackle the loneliness epidemic by building bridges between communities and creating opportunities to connect.
Positive Impact
To drive positive, meaningful and sustainable changes in our living and working environments.
Our Values.
Authenticity
Authenticity is at the heart of the connections that we build with our interviewees, partners and community.
Empowerment
Every story can be shared in a way that brings strength, growth and connectedness.
Dignity
We portray our interviewees in a way that makes them proud of who they are and what they stand for.
Listen to our radio interview
Noreen from RTHK asks Cynthia and Maxime what Hong Kong Shifts means to them and what it’s all about.
Meet the Team
Cynthia Cheng
Co-Founder and Director
Cynthia is a former lawyer and currently works as an executive for an international NGO. She loves words, colours and the beauty and authenticity of human stories. Cynthia has spent close to a decade living and working in London but her heart will always be with her home in the alluring city of Hong Kong.
Maxime Vanhollebeke
Co-Founder and Director
Maxime is a photographer and lawyer. Originally from Belgium, he has lived in Bologna, London and Chicago before settling in Hong Kong in 2009. In parallel with his career as an international lawyer, he developed a passion for photography and was immediately drawn to the energy and beauty of Hong Kong and its people.
Gabrielle Sutton
Events Co-ordinator
Originally from the United States, Gabrielle spent years volunteering and working in Europe before landing in Hong Kong. She is passionate about using her communications and marketing skills to work with communities. She has been involved in the project since April 2020.
Miu Wan Wong
Translator
Miu is a freelance translator. She enjoys making all kinds of connections, and is enthusiastic and energetic like her hometown, Hong Kong. Miu has been supporting the organisation with her translation skills since March 2020.
Kwan Chun Ho (Avery)
Community Associate
Born and raised in Hong Kong, with a passion for languages, communication and customer service, Avery cherishes human connection and appreciates the power of words. He joined the team as a freelancer in March 2024.
Watch and share Cynthia's TEDx Talk
