Turning Passion into Purpose:
Chung Yan’s Creative Journey from Campus to Content Creation
During the quiet chaos of the pandemic, while many were endlessly scrolling indoors, Chung Yan picked up a camera and chose to create instead. Inspired by Korea’s rising silent vlog trend and fueled by a family love for photography, she hit record—and began a journey that would lead her from student life to becoming a YouTuber and KOL with a story to tell.
From CUHK Classrooms to City Streets
As a Journalism and Communication student at CUHK, Chung Yan didn’t just absorb theories—she brought them to life. Interview techniques learned in class became tools for storytelling, and school projects evolved into thoughtful content creation. What started as coursework soon expanded into a personal mission: showing viewers the beauty and heartbeat of Hong Kong.
“CUHK really sparked my curiosity,” she shares. “It taught me not to take things at face value—to think critically and to verify before speaking up. That’s shaped not just how I communicate, but why I do it.”
Her channel shines a light on hidden gems and inspiring voices across the city—from small shops and passionate people to everyday moments worth celebrating. Journalism didn’t just give her a toolkit—it gave her a lens through which she sees the world with both critical thinking and compassion.
Creativity with Integrity
Like many creators, Chung Yan faced crossroads early on. Her first paid sponsorship marked a turning point, showing that her work had value beyond the screen. “That was the moment I realized this could actually be something more,” she recalls. But growth hasn’t changed her ethos: she’s committed to sharing only what resonates with her personally.
“I get offered lots of collaborations, but I’ll only post things I truly vibe with. Staying authentic means everything to me.”
Balancing Books and Burnout
Balancing full-time studies, contribution to U-Beat (CUHK’s campus newsline), and content creation is no easy challenge. Chung Yan admits that burnout is real—especially when tasked with producing three interviews per semester. Her secret? Purpose.
“When I think about someone watching and connecting with my story, that drives me. That makes the long nights worth it.”
She also leans into practical tools: “I plan ahead to avoid chaos. I keep a to-do list and tick off tasks—it’s like mini victories that keep me going.”
Inspiring Curiosity, One Story at a Time
Through her videos, Chung Yan hopes to reignite curiosity in her audience—especially among young Hongkongers who might overlook the magic in their own backyard. “Post-pandemic, a lot of people started travelling to Mainland China. But Hong Kong still has so many stories waiting to be told.”
Her message is simple yet powerful: stay curious, stay grounded, and find harmony between your passions and your profession. Whether you’re an aspiring journalist, creator, or something else entirely—your hobbies and your hustle don’t have to compete. In Chung Yan’s case, they became one and the same.
