As a refugee in Hong Kong, A.M. doesn’t enjoy the same privileges many of us in this city take for granted. In fact, he hasn’t for close to two decades, and for the 14,000 other refugees here like him, life can be a constant struggle – which is why r é n is so committed to helping them in any way we can.

Earlier this year, the law firm Linklaters connected with our founder Jo Soo Tang over A.M.’s case, and learning that he wished to change employers, we immediately got to work. Eventually, we managed to find him an opportunity at The Repulse Bay, where he now works as a steward.

“We first came across A.M.’s case through the Centre for Refugees at Christian Action in 2019,” Linklaters’ Janet Wang recounts. “We were asked to help him apply for exceptional permission to work from the Immigration Department and have continued to help him obtain such approval. I had the privilege of meeting Jo through a mutual friend at the first r é n dinner and it was very evident that Jo wanted to use whatever resources she had to help people. When she heard about A.M.’s situation, she immediately jumped into action and persisted until she found A.M. a job.

“Like everyone, A.M. just wanted a chance to make a better life for himself and work at a place where there was an opportunity for both personal and professional growth,” Janet continues. “However, the process of obtaining approval is laborious and time consuming. It is extremely difficult to find an employer who is willing to wait the requisite amount of time it takes and to comply with the requirements of the Immigration Department. With the help of r é n, we were able to secure a wonderful employer for A.M..”

Months after A.M. was first taken on, that wonderful employer – The Repulse Bay – has now decided to extend his employment contract. We’re delighted for him, and it’s clear that his extension is well-deserved, given the exceptional feedback he’s received from his employers.

“A.M. regards himself as a good team player and gets along well with his team,” The Peninsula group’s Sindy Tsui tells us. “He’s a fast learner and the team is very willing to share their experience and knowledge with him. He’s passionate about learning new skills and is pleased to have been given the opportunity to work at The Repulse Bay, which is located in one of the most visually beautiful areas of Hong Kong and provides a comfortable working environment.”

With a new contract on the horizon, A.M. is now offered a sense of stability that many others with a similar background often lack, and it serves as a strong reminder why we need to continue expanding our efforts in helping refugees and those in need.

“Jo’s kindness and willingness to help people is just wonderful,” A.M. says. “She really encourages me to be strong both physically and mentally, and I am very thankful for that. When I first arrived in Hong Kong, life was very tough and I didn’t know what would happen, but now I’m working and I’m very happy. For the first time in a long while, I feel hopeful for the future.”