Prominent media figure Stephen Chan Chi-wan recently revealed on social media that he aborted advanced plans to emigrate from Hong Kong, pivoting back to the city he calls home due to a profound realization about his deep connection to the territory and the disruption leaving would cause. Chan, a former TVB general manager, described how bureaucratic delays in his application process provided an unexpected window for critical self-reflection, leading him to conclude that his future, professional and personal, lies in the metropolis where he built his life.
The candid post outlined how serious his preparations for departure had become. Chan detailed moving out of his long-term residence, settling into serviced accommodations, and even shipping furniture overseas, positioning himself for immediate relocation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant slowdowns at the destination country’s local consulate, requiring supplementary documentation that extended the waiting period.
The Decision to Remain: Love Over Fear
That enforced pause was transformative. Chan recounted spending the subsequent year and a half gazing nightly at Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour and the night sky, triggering vivid memories of his childhood, growth, and vibrant youth in the city during the 1980s. This period of intense introspection forced him to confront a fundamental question: “Do I truly want to leave?”
He characterized emigration as, in some respects, being “uprooted.” While acknowledging the emotional intensity surrounding recent departures from the city, Chan’s self-assessment yielded a clear answer: he would not find long-term happiness in an entirely new locale.
“Staying is not motivated by fear, but by love,” he wrote, articulating the deep affection that anchored his decision.
Chan openly shared that he had previously filmed a short video explaining his intent to emigrate to close friends. Fortunately, those same friends offered understanding and respect when he reversed course. He emphasized that family is not solely defined by blood ties, asserting that his dearest friends constitute his true “family” in Hong Kong.
New Platform for Peace and Joy
The veteran broadcaster is now channeling this clarity into a new venture aimed at supporting listeners navigating their own anxieties. His new program, Time to Say Goodbye to the Same Day Again (tentative translation), is designed to be a companion during the evening hours, offering solace, joy, and peace.
Chan suggested that the real goodbyes needed are to anxiety, unrelenting hard work, and stress. The nightly broadcast aims to help listeners recharge emotionally and psychologically, preparing them to face the day ahead with renewed optimism.
To underscore the theme of letting go of unnecessary worry, Chan concluded his announcement by quoting Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” He encouraged supporters to tune into the radio program, demonstrating his renewed commitment to engaging with and supporting the Hong Kong community through media.
Chan’s highly personal narrative offers a reflective counterbalance to the significant number of people who have recently chosen to depart Hong Kong, highlighting the powerful, deeply personal factors that bind individuals to their roots and communities even amidst transitional times. His return to the airwaves signals his intention to positively contribute to local culture and dialogue.
