The Good Citizen Award (GCA) Presentation Ceremony 2021 (Phase II) was held on August 28. Artiste Eddie Kwan Lai-kit (Eddie) and his daughter Tiffany Kwan Fung-hing shared the joy with the public as performing guests. An exclusive interview with Eddie, who has been cast in many TV drama series themed on the Force with his superb acting, is published in this issue of OffBeat. Beyond the screen, Eddie is a loving father who pays much attention to his two daughters’ growth and teaches them by being their role model.

Eddie acted as “Hou-Ze”, a role with weak and mild characters in the drama series Police Cadet ʼ84. “I was troubled when trying to get rid of the identity framework formed in acting “Hou-Ze”, but now I understand that every role in every drama has its fate. Playing that role enabled the audience to know Eddie Kwan, so I was happy to embrace that role.” In recent years, Eddie also played the gentle but firm, upright and dignified Man Sir in the drama Airport Security Unit (ASU). The change in the role he played also witnesses his maturity and progress. “With perseverance, we will eventually come across people and matters that are more suitable for us. Whenever I have an opportunity to perform, I am very happy to participate. Even though I’ve got older and feel more tired at work, I still hope to pass this persistent spirit of mine onto my daughters.”

He points out that interaction and listening are important means for parent-child communication. His relationship with his daughters has been accumulated bit by bit, rather than being established through a few words and scolding. He believes that he will move forward more smoothly and steadily as long as he manages attentively, no matter in parent-child relationship or in his performance career.

Eddie Kwan believes that parents exemplifying as role models help pass on virtues to their children. As the saying goes, “If you are not righteous yourself, how can you make others righteous?” Parents should start with themselves, and let their words and deeds become examples for their children to learn from. In today's society, “from communicating to understanding” is emphasised. Parents should focus more on teaching by role-modelling, listening, and guiding their children to choose good virtues and stick to them steadfastly. “My relationship with my daughters is close, and Iʼm satisfied to see that they are right-hearted and sensible.”

He also says that the moral character of children should be cultivated since their childhood. “My father was a righteous firefighter, and I referred to his characteristics when I played an officer of ASU. To a certain extent, I could play the role of Man Sir lively because of his influence. I hope to continue promoting this virtue and strive to do better in strengthening communication with my daughters.” It is the common wish of parents in the world that their children will become talents. With themselves as role models and with proper words of guidance, parents will enable their children to strive sturdily.

The Force will keep passing on the spirit of justice and helping others through the GCA scheme. Children are the future pillars and valuable assets of our society. It is imperative for all sectors of the community to make concerted efforts in protecting children and creating an environment for them to grow up healthily and happily.