Hong Kong actress and singer Ashley Lam, widely recognized for balancing a burgeoning entertainment career with rigorous academic pursuits, announced her successful completion of a Master of Arts degree in English Literature and Linguistics. The artist, known as Ashley, shared the achievement on social media yesterday, using the milestone not only to celebrate her hard work over the past two years but to articulate the profound, unexpected relevance she now assigns to literary study in contemporary society.
The demanding regimen of filming, performing, and recording studio sessions alongside postgraduate coursework culminated in the advanced degree, which many in the industry regard as a significant feat. Lam, who frequently fielded questions about her choice of study, initially confessed that her motives were driven by a straightforward passion for literature, noting that a deeper understanding of texts inherently aids her craft as an actress and singer. However, she emphasized that recent events in Hong Kong prompted a deeper introspection into the role and purpose of literary engagement beyond mere personal fulfillment.
Redefining Literature’s Purpose: Truth, Beauty, and Civility
Lam’s perspective on literature shifted from viewing it as simply an art form, a romantic expression, or just a “seasoning” for daily life. She now feels that studying literature is essential for maintaining cognitive clarity and a belief in enduring human values.
“I increasingly feel that reading literature is about staying sober—allowing me to still believe that some things are worth pursuing,” Lam wrote. She distilled these worthy pursuits into three core tenets: truth, beauty, and civility.
- Truth: Not viewed as dogma, but rather as the relentless and perpetual quest for knowledge, grounded in reason, inquiry, and verifiable evidence.
- Beauty: Defined as the profound appreciation and affirmation of the human condition, encompassing the ability to identify elements that are inherently good, kind, and just.
- Civility: Characterized by exhibiting empathy and sensitivity, coupled with a genuine willingness to overcome cultural divides and distances.
While hesitant to claim that “a good story can combat the world,” Lam strongly maintained that literature must not remain confined to an ivory tower. She asserted that every storyteller and every reader silently carries a form of societal responsibility.
Academic Rigor Amidst Stardom
Lam’s achievement quickly garnered praise from her peers in the entertainment industry. Numerous Hong Kong celebrities, including Winson Wei, Cherry Chan, Joey Wang, Yoyo Chen, Louis Cheung, and Adason Lo, offered congratulatory messages. Wei specifically lauded her academic prowess, jokingly calling her an “academic overlord.”
Reflecting on her journey, Lam cited a playful quote she used upon receiving her bachelor’s degree three years ago: “The sea of learning knows no bounds, turning back is the shore.” She concluded her announcement with a sense of determined optimism: “Alas, I did not turn back; I could only continue to swim forward.”
Lam’s dual success underscores a growing trend among prominent public figures who advocate for the intellectual and social contributions of the humanities, demonstrating that depth of knowledge remains highly valued, even in the fast-paced world of entertainment. Her master’s degree not only strengthens her professional capabilities but offers a thoughtful commentary on the necessity of critical thinking and empathy in today’s increasingly complex global landscape.
