Spotlight on YAFies: Zip Cheung

Zip Cheung
Founder of OHH Dear Communications, participating artist group with Jockey Club “Project Silver” Intergenerational Arts Project 2022 – The Joyful Studio

What inspired you to launch OHH Dear Communications – Hong Kong’s first social enterprise specialising in silver models for elderly-related marketing campaigns?
​During my career as a journalist, there was a time when I wrote features about retirement and realised that around the world people are using innovative ways to age well. One example that impressed me was a European modelling agency that specialises in elderly models. It inspired me to quit my job as a journalist in 2016 and launch OHH Dear Communications as I think Hong Kong needs to do more to explore healthy ageing.

How do you find working with older people?
Older people are just people, the same as young people. They’re in tune with what’s going on around them and feel young at heart. I view them as young people born decades before me and address them by name, not in a way that makes them feel old.

What has been the most unexpected thing about your work? 
Most elderly people love to try new things and achieve a lot with guidance and encouragement. We’ve worked with many older people who did an excellent job of acting in commercials, being an emcee or an editor, and other things.

The theme of this year’s Joyful Studio programme is “Happy childhood”. What’s your happiest childhood memory?
Browsing products in stationery shops, enjoying tasty street snacks, going to the bank and the wet market with my parents, making up fun things to do at home, being outside and having adventures!

The programme also asked people to share photos of happy childhood memories. Which of these photos made an impression on you?
The one shows a family of siblings holding hands together at Shing Mun Reservoir, surrounded by green hills and fields. They all had big smiles on their faces as family outings to the reservoir were rare in those days. The photo reminded me of the simple, happy life of Hong Kong people in the past.

Which elderly person do you admire the most?
Definitely my grandma. She devoted herself to her family and took care of her five daughters. She’s such an admirable woman.

What would you like to say to your future 60-year-old self?
Never lose your curiosity. Stop worrying what other people think – you’re already in your 60s!

Do you have a favourite book?
​Kiki Kirin 120 no Yuigon – a compilation of interviews and quotes from Japanese actress Kiki Kirin that reveal her insights on life. It gives me the courage and strength to live my life the way I want.