How King Chan plans to mainstream mental-health solutions in highly stressed Hong Kong

September 25, 2026 - 10:33

King Chan, a postgraduate student in clinical psychology, is working to make mental health support more accessible across Hong Kong. He is one of five recipients of the AIA Scholarships initiative, a program that recognizes young people with ambitious goals for their communities.

Chan sees a clear gap between the level of stress in the city and the help available to ordinary residents. Long working hours, high living costs, and academic pressure have created a population that struggles silently. He argues that counseling and psychological care should not be treated as a luxury for the few who can afford private sessions. Instead, they should be built into schools, workplaces, and community centers as routine services.

His studies focus on practical ways to reach people who might never seek help on their own. That includes training teachers and managers to recognize early warning signs, and using digital tools to offer low-cost support. He also wants to reduce the stigma that keeps many from speaking openly about their struggles.

Chan believes that small, consistent steps can shift how the city handles mental health. By making support visible and normal, he hopes future generations will treat emotional well-being as part of everyday life rather than a crisis to manage alone.