can hardly believe that I have been selected as an Outstanding Staff Member. After all, my job is insignificant," comments Mr Kwok Chun-yu modestly, although he adds that he is thrilled to receive the Award. But, in fact, he demonstrates that no job is insignificant, as long as we put our heart and soul into it.

Ah Fan, as he is known, joined Siu Lam Hospital (SLH) at a very timely moment. It had not been renovated for a long while, and many of its fixtures and furniture were dilapidated. So, his sound experience and expert knowledge and craftsmanship were put to good use right from day one. Whenever a colleague needed something repaired urgently, he or she would always think immediately of Ah Fan.

Ah Fan is also famous for his creativity. The patients at SLH are severely mentally handicapped with multiple physical disabilities. As a result, the furniture and rehabilitation equipment available on the market do not always suit their special needs. When that is the case, Ah Fan will find out about a patient's needs from his nursing colleagues, and then modify the design of the furniture or equipment accordingly. Sometimes he even tailor-makes it.

Although everyone at SLH already regarded him as a master carpenter, Ah Fan was forever looking for ways to hone his skills further. He has therefore attended a one-year vocational training course. Like many other people, he enjoys shopping in his free time, except that he does not look to buy clothes, or anything else. Instead, he visits furniture stores to see whether there are any designs he can learn from and apply in his work.

The Administrative Services Departments of SLH and Castle Peak Hospital (CPH) were merged three years ago. Since then, Ah Fan has also had to work at CPH for one or two days every week. He enthusiastically accepted the extra workload. He also demonstrated his willingness to learn. For example, he didn't know much about painting, yet he was more than happy to learn. All the staff members of CPH appreciate Ah Fan's attitude towards his work. He is devoted to it, and he always thinks positively. Nobody would realise that this cheerful man suffers from chronic back pain. When he had spinal surgery some years ago, he insisted on returning to work soon afterwards, even though he had not fully recovered. This is another example of his zeal for his job.