Hong Kong’s public figure and former television weather presenter, Icy Wong, announced this week that she has successfully completed a Master of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Known for her previous roles in news and entertainment, the 40-something mother of two shared her milestone achievement on social media, reflecting on the personal journey and family support that underpinned her advanced studies, nearly a decade after her marriage to horse owner Alex Fung.
Transitioning from Broadcast to Academia
Wong, whose career initially blossomed as a recognizable weather personality on TVB News, has dedicated recent years to serious academic and culinary pursuits. Prior to her latest achievement, she had enhanced her professional skillset by undertaking a Le Cordon Bleu course in baking in Japan. Her recent foray into religious and philosophical studies marks a significant shift, showcasing her commitment to continuous self-improvement and intellectual exploration well into her 40s.
The announcement was accompanied by a photograph of Wong in her graduation attire, symbolizing the culmination of her intensive graduate work. In a deeply personal reflection, she contrasted this recent graduation with her undergraduate ceremony two decades prior.
“I have a Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies from CUHK,” Wong stated on her platform. “Twenty years ago, Dad and Grandma witnessed my bachelor’s graduation. Today, they are no longer here for my Master’s graduation. I am over 40. Accompanying me today are my husband and two daughters. This is life.”
This poignant statement underscores the broader human context of academic achievement. While her primary supporters from two decades ago are gone, her current phase of life is characterized by the support of her immediate family—her husband and two young daughters—highlighting the evolving nature of life’s milestones and the enduring importance of familial bonds.
The Appeal of Buddhist Studies
Wong’s pursuit of a Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies reflects a growing trend among accomplished professionals seeking deeper meaning, philosophical grounding, and a comprehensive understanding of Eastern thought. Buddhist Studies programs typically encompass areas such as the historical development of Buddhism, philosophical analysis of core texts, and the integration of Buddhist principles into contemporary ethical and social issues.
For individuals like Wong, who operate within the high-pressure environment of public life, advanced study in this field often provides a valuable framework for resilience, mindfulness, and ethical decision-making. CUHK’s Faculty of Arts, known for its rigorous program, prepares graduates not only for further research but also for applying these principles in education, counseling, and various public service roles.
Wong’s dual commitment to her family life and advanced education serves as an inspiration for others contemplating a significant career or academic shift later in life. Her journey demonstrates that high-level intellectual pursuits remain accessible and beneficial regardless of one’s professional background or age. As she transitions to her next chapter, the deep knowledge acquired through her studies is expected to inform her public contributions and personal philosophy.