Career Talk with Masters in Arts

Turning hobbies into professions: Is it a recipe for happiness?

Is jewellery design a job that relies solely on imagination?

Does having a talent for drawing guarantee becoming an artist?

The Children’s FUN DAY, organised by BBSG under the theme "World of Work" (WOW), brought together community partners, parents, and children to explore future career paths and experience various jobs. One of the most anticipated highlights was the Career Talk.

The event was moderated by Ms. Louisa Shen, BBSG Chinese Principal. Industry experts Mr. Ben Ho, Senior Design Consultant of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, and Ms. Deng Yu, featured artist at K11, engaged with the audience in a heartfelt dialogue about careers, passion, art, and the era. They shared insights on how to purposefully pursue one’s inner passions.

Insights from Mr. Ben Ho: 

A Designer's Journey

At the Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Design Experience booth, Mr. Ben Ho enthusiastically introduced the students to the art of enamel craftsmanship. "Which pattern do you like? Would you like to try creating it on a piece of jewellery?"

Mr. Ho shared that his global travels during his youth instilled in him a deep appreciation for beauty, which he now incorporates into his designs. In his creations, one can see drops of water seeming to come alive and flowers blooming vividly around the neck, each piece endowed with a truly “unique” charm.

Mr. Ben Ho's Award Winning Design

“I consider myself lucky that my hobby happens to be my profession,” he said. With over 30 years in the industry, he consistently exhibits enthusiasm, creativity, and energy. To him, jewellery design not only requires imagination but also carries emotions and blessings, reflects social phenomena, and preserves cultural heritage. Despite his years in the field, he finds that it still offers exhilarating, endless possibilities.

When asked about whether his design needs to cater to popular aesthetics, Mr. Ben Ho was candid, "In designing a new piece, we take into account sales data, aesthetic trends, creativity, and various other factors. No matter how limited the space for creativity, I always cherish it and strive to push the boundaries of design." This passion enables him to perceive the vast possibilities within the world of jewellery design.

However, when the conversation shifted to the idea of turning hobbies into professions, another guest at the event offered a contrasting viewpoint. 

From Natural Sciences to Art:

Ms. Deng Yu's Artistic Evolution

Transitioning from natural sciences to art, Ms. Deng Yu shared her journey which began at the age of 7. Though her career path might appear seamless—from attending prestigious art schools to becoming a recognized artist—she emphasised that courage was the essential ingredient.

Artworks created by Ms. Yu

From natural sciences to art, Ms. Deng Yu demonstrated an unwavering determination from a young age.

Discarding years of traditional art training in favor of exploring new artistic forms, she received transformative advice from her teacher: "The difference between an artist and a craftsman lies in the courage to start from scratch again."

Expanding her artistic repertoire from 2D to 3D forms, including installations, murals, and merchandising, she explained, "Stepping out of my comfort zone helps more people see my works and understand my thoughts."

Ms. Deng Yu's Installation Artwork

During the Q&A session, she offered advice on training children in art, stating,

“They don't have to become artists to appreciate art. Interest is the starting point, training builds depth, and pursuing it professionally requires discipline. Art education is everywhere in everyday life. It's about enhancing aesthetic appreciation and viewing the world from a more engaging perspective.”

World of Work (WOW) at BBSG

From the joy and fulfillment of design to the unconventional paths of artistic growth, the two guests shared their unique career journeys, showcasing their profound insights and genuine passion for their professions. After the insightful discussions, Ms. Louisa Shen presented the "World of Work" mentor certificates to the guests, celebrating their significant contributions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the ever-changing World of Work, where creativity and aesthetic sensibility will become indispensable "human" competencies for future talents. As Ms. Deng Yu observed, "Just like photography didn’t replace painting, AI won’t replace our aesthetic sensibility, empathy, and creativity." Whether our students become jewellery designers, artists, or pursue other paths, we hope they will cultivate these core competencies to navigate future challenges successfully.

As one of BBSG’s four Signature Programmes, the "World of Work" (WOW) bridges classroom learning with real-world applications, aiming to cultivate "future-ready" students. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring guest talks!