2005 Steven doing social works - Updated

2005 Steven doing social works  星想事成 (Realizing Celebrity's Dream) at TVB8



Transcript on Steven's commentation only
My first job to apply after graduating high school was for a social worker assistant position. But I did not get it. First, because I was too young (tn: was 16 years old). Second, because my grades were not good enough. So did not get the job.   At that time, I was disappointed. But today, I'm rather happy because finally I have a chance to feel how it's like being a social worker. 

I dare not say I like to help people since young, I'm not that great. On the contrary, what I want to say is that when young I often had the opportunity to receive other people's help.  Including at school, at work. I feel that I was quite lucky at people helping me. Enabling me to do a lot and resolving many problems. Hence, I didn't get on the wrong track. So to me, helping others or giving opportunity to others is very important. Because I myself have received a lot. So if it is within my effort, I hope to help other people. 

I think when I was young I was still very naive. But in Form 3 (Grade 9) I got into society, studying and working at a part-time job simultaneously.  I experienced a lot and encountered many people. And also got to know a lot of people older than me. Their influence on me was rather big. They taught me a lot. Even working at a part time job, my supervisor was a very decent boss. He too had given me a lot of opportunities.

Actually, after my Form 5 graduation, the first job application letter that I mailed out was for the position of a social worker assistant.  That was only for an assistant. If want to be a certified social worker, one has to pass an exam to get the license. It's not like just because you want to be one, then you can do it. So at that time, I thought to myself I couldn't even meet the requirement to be a social worker assistant what's more a social worker. Because my grades were not high level enough. Because the minimum requirement was at least Form 7 but I had only Form 5 level grades. They also returned a rejection letter to me saying sorry and thank you for your sincerity but we couldn't accept your application. At the time, I thought to myself wanted to help but couldn't even help? Maybe because social work is a professional job so you (applicants) need to take exams, a certain level of qualification, only then would they let you slowly work from the bottom up.  But then I couldn't got back to school again, so would have to see in future if there were other opportunity in some other avenue to help out to realize this dream. So today can be considered a success to realizing that dream.

They said generally after a fund raising event, they would do something to commend the involved colleagues because the latte had put in their best efforts. To me this is very important because when one did something but it was completely ignored by others and nobody encouraged, naturally one would feel some disappointment. But they have a practice in that they seldom especially point out the part where someone did not do it well. On the contrary, they (social workers) would use a positive reinforcement thinking to encourage them by emphasizing the stuff they did well. And seldom point out the stuff they did not do that well.   To me, this is a very motivational aspect which I appreciate very much.

Juvenile problems are undoubtedly very serious.  Because I feel all of us between the ages of 15 to 20 that period is when we are most likely to absorb the bad influences. If during this time period we received, be it from our teachers or the social workers, some positive outlook, I think our paths in the future would be much smoother to travel.

I think juvenile delinquency is one of the more serious problems faced. (tn: in society) . I feel if we can bring to them a positive outlook, hope, or some influential aspect, this may greatly influence their future path.  This (impact) cannot be underestimated.

Because I grew up in Sham Shui Po, some of you may know, at that time Sham Shui Po was truly...when I was young, it (tn: the place) was truly very complex.  Yellow (tn:pornography), gambling, drugs all there, truly they were all there. The problem of secret societies, many many. I've had also witnessed my schoolmates around me because of weak willpower, can say they turned bad but I always said how come I myself also grew up in the same environment but didn't turn bad.  I think it is because I had a good family, good teachers and good friends, people around me were willing to guide me. Many were willing to give me opportunities. I believe if one can be good, nobody chooses to be bad. 

You can let them test out their direction to take.  Of course, you have to guide them from the sideline.  For instance, I say I want to go to disco to see how it's like.  To me this is fine. I think you can let him check it out.  Because the more you tried to prevent him from checking it out the more he wants to do it.  And once he sees he would say it was no big deal after all. 

I've just participated in an activity. Like Coach Liu said, the team spirit is very important, and mutual trust, too.  He insists that before participating you must say I'm very confident, do you all support me?  Everybody must give him a very big response which is "support".  After he succeeded and came down, they all would give him a celebration  which is, congratulate him.  Actually these two small acts represent the sharing of mutual support and contribution and outcomes - I feel they all came through in this activity. It's very meaningful.

Don't mistakenly think I'm having lunch right now.  Actually, I'm with the real social workers in the cafeteria below the social center located inside the building. There are some social work trainees working in this cafeteria so I came down with a social worker to better understand their situations.

I've never thought that helping you is to give you something. Honestly, I never see it that way. I feel if you want to help people the way to do so is to make sure that in the future they can help themselves, they can take care of themselves.  This is the real help.  If I want to help you, I take care of you for life now that is not helping you only harming you. I want to help you to be self-sufficient and can independently take care of yourself.  Know how to take care of yourself and later take care of other people.  That's how it should be.

Actually, I think their dancing is really wonderful; it's great. I feel this street break dance, erm, maybe many seniors or parents feel that this kind of dancing, turning and spinning on the floor, feel that only a group of juvenile delinquents would gather together to dance this kind of dance.  To me this kind of thinking is wrong because this kind of motivational force is very strong. This is a very difficult dance to perform.  Also they are passionate about this kind of dance so I very much like to talk with them.  To find out their reactions to other people's viewpoints on them and about their feelings or aspirations for this dance.

When people grow they will have their own experiences, and often times look upon their own thinking as the right viewpoint. Basically, can't say it is wrong to think this way.  We have experiences, we have traveled some roads, we are aware of problems and we don't want those young people or those younger than us to travel the same erroneous paths as we did. So often times, we thought of our own thinking  to be the standard answer, so always difficult to connect (tn:between adults and youngsters). We always seem to be on the opposite sides of an issue, and thus conflicts exist. So the only way is to first cast aside our own belief. Because we are more mature, more experienced. We should be able to back down a step, to let go of our belief so that we can listen to what they have to say, and to see from their viewpoint.

Female voice: Social workers are not salespeople so cannot hard sell on life outlook. This, Steven is much aware of. Towards a sad case, they (tn: sw) can only silently wish that person well.

Steven: There was this 12 year old girl. I talked with this 12 year old girl, for a long time.  She has just taken some pills.‘FING头丸’ , still woozy. She's only12 years old. But she told me she has been taking soft drugs for 2 years already.  So, that means she started at 10 years old. 10 years old only she has already started taking drugs. I feel really saddened. So I asked her if there is any way for her to stop doing drugs? I said don't do it.  She said, started as a 10 year old girl, can't stop it anymore, has become a habit.   That kind of... made me feel very disheartened. I really hope.. I said to her I really hope you would find you would ask them to help you to get rid of your drug addiction, go back to study, go back to school.  I don't know if she did or not look them up. But I hope she did. Such a waste. So young in age.

Female voice: Finally the most difficult stage. Steven along with the social worker talks to street juveniles. Before setting out, must listen to instructions. 

Steven: So inside this social work building I've had discussions with the social workers and have talked to the youngsters, so now there is this more challenging situation, which is to be an outdoor social worker trainee to talk to some youngster. A bit scared but will do my best.

Social worker: There are three techniques. First, don't ask them why so late at night they are still not home. Second, don't you need to be at school tomorrow?  It is good to be at school, everybody knows that.  Third, whatever they say we will not immediate rebut them with suspicion or sarcasm. Maybe our experiences are more than them or that their thinking or deeds we know is implausible but we will not bluntly say that. Maybe that was just a way to protect themselves or not real but nevertheless we would not point that out right there and then.  Like how can that be, you must be lying.

Steven: Maybe because I have performed in many tv series so I was quite happy to see them treating me like a friend or a big brother. Anyway, I grew up in the same environment as they.  So maybe that's why, at least to me, I didn't feel any distance.  None at all. So maybe that's why they felt as if talking to a friend.

After today, I feel they are great.  My aspiration at that time (tn: verses today) really.. a lot of feelings. Hopefully in the future, as an artist I hope I can continue to do more of this kind of work. 

We really must be aware of our own words and deeds. I won't dare to say I did well,  but I am truly very careful of my own words and actions. I know they may influence other people. I don't want to inflate these two words, "helping others" to sound so great.  Because everybody needs to help someone, at the same time, also needs help from other people.  During the process of so-called helping people, you yourself also benefited from it.  We all  must cherish ourselves. Even if many people want to help us we must help ourselves first.  First do well by ourselves, and when faced with problems, someone stretches out a helping hand to us, that way will  be perfect.  I believe many people know it is not easy to be a social worker. After today as a social worker trainee I feel happy.  But there is one thing I can ascertain is that if we want to communicate with the youngsters and people younger than us, we must first put the adults' acknowledged beliefs.  We truly must cast that aside first to break down the barrier first, only then can we share our experiences with them so that they can have a better life.

source: Uploaded by oldmor on Feb 19, 2012 @ youtube

related material: News: Steven empathizes with youth.
book essay: Insist on calling it angst
Book: [向好走　向坏走] Headed the Right Path, Headed the Wrong Path.

Acting is not my objective, helping people is

2005 interview
Abashed, because if not for this interview taken after a public social event, I would not have found out inadvertently that Ma Chun Wai has written several books; moreover, books that are totally unrelated to entertainment or stars' life stories. What’s more, his purpose for writing is to reach out to those who have fallen by the wayside. This discovery evoked in me an impulse to immediately get down on my knees to pick up my imaginary shattered pieces of eyeglasses.

Journalist: Publish books, singing, acting, all these you have experienced, which of these give you the greatest sense of accomplishment?
Steven: Undoubtedly, writing a book is the biggest challenge. I depend on the people in my company to help organize my book materials. Because of time constraint, I could only co-author one fifth of the writing in the book. But that’s where the real challenge lies. Right now, I am preparing a fourth book, as I have already published three books in my series. Recently, one just came out in China. I just saw my fans (China). They knew about my book. I'm truly happy to know that. The book is based on real life stories; therefore, the stories themselves are intrinsically educational. I, myself, like to see young friends reading a book. When I was young, I, too, like to read.

J: Most stars when publishing a book are more likely to write an autobiography, or a pictorial album/journal, even diet books, and the like. Why did you choose to write books that are totally unrelated to entertainment?
S: It’s related to my background. Because I grew up in a place, don’t know if you’ve heard of it; in Hong Kong, there’s this place called Sham Shui Po; I grew up there. It’s a chaotic place; all kinds of people lived there. When young, we lived in this public housing. My family of seven resided in this tiny living quarters. It didn’t even have a bathroom. We had to use the common bathroom outside by the staircase. The building housed eighty households, and four bathrooms which residents took turns using. So during that period, I was exposed to all kinds of unpleasantness, but why didn’t I turn bad? Because it had a lot to do with how my parents brought my sisters and myself up. While at Form 3 (Grade 9), I was simultaneously attending school, and selling ice cream to earn money. Right after I finished Form 5 (Grade 11), I joined a publishing company. I sold books. I guess there’s that source and origin.

J: But why this kind of books?
S: I feel that people in general need other people’s perspectives and assistance. I’ve no interest whatsoever in writing entertainment gossips, travel guides, or on beauty and fitness, and the like. I only wish to write about my feelings and thoughts. If they could somehow benefit just one person, I would be very happy indeed.

J: Would you continue with your writing?
S: Yes, until I can’t do it anymore. I’m right now preparing the fourth book….. It will be written in the same genre as the earlier ones.

J: When you’re no longer an actor, would you like to go into publishing?
S: Yes. In fact, at the time when I established my publishing company, I’d planned to quit acting when I’m forty. But just two days ago, I had this discussion with Director Lang. He gave me a good scolding for my thinking. He retorted how could you even think of not acting at forty? He said that’s the time when an actor is truly in his element and is able to exude a totally different kind of charisma. He was totally against my plans to quit. After re-thinking, he did have a point. Because if I truly want to communicate my viewpoints through books, there are actually other mediums I could use, too. Besides books, I could also do it through TV series by choosing different kinds of characters to portray. I could even write scripts. And also, my characters could convey what I want to communicate to the public. Really not necessary to strictly do it through printed words. Printed words are indeed important, but images/videos could also be used, as well as, audio.

J: As such, it could be done through different mediums.
S: Exactly. Singing could do that too. Like for instance, I could compose a song about family love, or include some words about the meaning of life. Actually, a lot of stuff are interrelated, no need to relinquish any one of them.

Flashback
Long ago, I was taught an invaluable lesson, but it didn’t stick in my memory. I often took people at face value; that people’s appearances reflect some of their inner selves. I was being shallow. Reality tells me that I should not completely trust what I see with my own eyes. For instance, like regarding this one popular TVB actor, I should not immediately jump to the conclusion that he is gregarious in nature; that he likes to sing, dance and frequent the nightclubs. In reality, he might have just finished reading Nietzsche the night before. The person who taught me that invaluable lesson was Ma Chun Wai. After that interview, my deepest impression of him was that his eyes beheld something not found in ours; his presence was here, but his heart was elsewhere. That we only chatted banally on his recent series was truly a bit of a downer.

Present
~~~I’m old-fashioned, but I’m a good man~~
Who would have guessed gauging from his appearance, twenty something at the most, that he would possess an old soul. He thinks himself old-fashioned, and that women will not be attracted to his type of men. Is it because I didn’t get it, or is it that the world is changing too fast? But doesn’t he know that nowadays his type of good men are most welcome?

J: It seems your social conscience is inborn. Is it because of your family?
S: Well, my dad is a very responsible person, as was my mom, and both very traditional Chiu Chew people. I am greatly influenced by my dad. From young, I saw my dad, after a hard day at work, would come home and take care of my mom, and cook for us. When I look at my dad, I see how a real man should be. That’s how I want to be, just like him.

J: Ah? You know how to cook?
S: Yes, I do. I even know how to make soup. The soups that I know, I can basically make all of them. But I’m better at Cantonese dishes. I know how to make chicken soup, celery soup, carrot soup and even apple soup. In fact, the people at my company have all tasted my soups.

J: During your free time, do you make soup for your family?
S: Yes. My third sister and my dad live with me. Almost once a week, I would make soup. …(tn: not anymore)

J: When you find a loved one, would you make soup for her?
S: Sure. Of course, if she knows how to enjoy them. As you know, most women these days prefer men who are a little bad. My kind of men who are more traditional are considered outdated. Nobody wants them anymore. Haha! Actually, I know some friends, men in their twenties; they would sometimes complain that I’m too old-fashioned. Because oftentimes I preferred staying home to going out. I even enjoy brewing tea (Chinese). That’s why, sometimes people abandon me.

J: So, you seldom frequent the nightclubs?
S: I don’t go there. All these years in Hong Kong, no snapshots were taken of me inside a nightclub. It is too rowdy in there. I don’t like it. .. Usually, when I’m not working, I would get up around 7 and jog; even here in China. Just this morning, I went jogging. In the past, I enjoyed the karaoke bars, but I've outgrown that as I mature. Nowadays, I don’t pursue novelties just because they are new and different. Instead, I prefer to indulge in the feelings of the moment. My attitude toward acting has also changed, now I know to enjoy every moment of it.

Translator: Tamaya
Journalist: Tian Shui
source: Modern Music Field 2005

Credit to: sm baidu post #12

Steven Empathizes; Steers Youths to A Better Path.

马浚伟同理心 领少年向好走

2004-07-12 文：郑依依 

Translator: Tamaya

It's been half a year before Du Shu Ban (Books Section) did another interview with Steven. This fellow has lost weight, but still looks good. Like his Tales of Society book series which is now onto its third book [向好走　向坏走] (Headed the Right Path, Headed the Wrong Path), likewise Steven’s commitment to social issues, expressed through his publications, has steadfastly strengthened.

The book tells the stories of 10 young men who somehow along the way took the wrong turn. Steven, together with a colleague and a social worker, had pounded the streets, ‘accosted’ late night young loiterers, and chatted with juveniles placed on probation; their encounters were later compiled and narrated into that very book. Whether these young men are straddling the fine line of good vs evil or are convicted felonies, Steven strongly believes that, "They are not bad."

He believes that human basic nature is good. "Since birth, people have strived to be good, but somehow, somewhere, they strayed, and got lost because of lack of direction. No one showed them the right way. In order to guide young people onto the righteous path, or to straighten them up from wrong to right, one must first understand their problems."

"Thump, thump", he knocks on the desk top; his face solemn: "Problem teens and teens with problems are two separate issues," he reiterates. Steven wants the reporter to really get his reasoning behind it. "Teenagers make mistakes only occasionally. Therefore, the adults should not so magnify those mistakes that they stick out like labels, and then forcibly imposed demands on the offenders. These actions will not help them to understand or solve the offenders’ problems."

"Spending the night at the beach chatting till dawn; wearing earrings, dying hair does not mean he’s bad; this kind of thinking is outdated." Steven continues: "Using my point of view to solve your problem will never work because the starting points are not the same. To solve a teen’s problem, the most important thing is empathy."

The ability to put oneself in another’s shoes is the very subject of the book EQ (Emotional Intelligence) by Daniel Goldman which was published six seven years ago. In EQ, its author advocates: "Empathy enables feeling another’s experience and emotions; seeing with own eyes is more strongly felt." Sure, youths squatting by the roadside are an eyesore, but surprisingly, squatting is really quite comfortable. And if one chooses to shoot the breeze with some buddies, it can be quite fun if one does not have to go to work or school tomorrow morning. Steven, who has had such experiences squatting with a group of youths by the roadside, can easily relate to the book’s concept, which is why he recommends empathy when dealing with youths.

"Without empathy, one cannot communicate on equal plane with the teens, much less understand their problems. We do not need to try the drug ‘FING头丸’ to understand how ‘high’ it makes the kid, just so we could persuade him to get off drugs." Steven grew up in the poor Sham Shui neighborhood where gangsters and drifters were part of its street scenes. He did not turn bad instead, many a time, he managed to pull back friends from a wrong turn at the precipitous moment.

"During introspection, I realized I possessed a knack for eloquence, and can be quite persuasive." A hooligan in the eye of the public once told Steven: "When my parents reasoned with me, I refused to listen; however, the same reasoning coming out of your mouth sounds good to my ears."

He likes to observe and take note of his peers’ strengths. Some friends sing better than him, or look better than him- only that they did not have the opportunity to fully develop or display their talents. Steven, being a recipient of such an opportunity through someone’s generosity, is especially grateful. "After graduating, I went for an interview with Longman publishers. The employees had to be at least 18 years of age. Attired in suit and tie, I looked 21 (Translator note: I can’t imagine that!) but really I was only 16 then, however, the interviewer was very accommodating. After getting his boss’ approval, I was hired."

"People need empathy and assistance. It would be a pity if people chose the wrong path just because they were not given any help." He sighs. Steven, who strongly believes that being good or bad ultimately lies in one’s own hands, strives to inspire the lost teens with hope for a better life. The publication of this book, "Headed the Right Path, Headed the Wrong Path", realized Steven’s aspiration to contribute to society. Everytime he helps a teen resolved his internal conflicts, Steven feels a sense of accomplishment. His reaching out is purely driven by genuine concern. "Do not seek public eye – just so one could raise the hand in triumphant v when successful, and to lose interest afterwards. One should reach out even when outside the public eye…this is true altruism. What's important is: someone gets the help he/she needs."

The Tales of Society book series does not set a time frame or schedule for its last publication. "The problems in society are ongoing; we should do whatever we could do to help until they are beyond our help." As if entrusted with a mission, Steven wishes to use his artiste’s status to set a good example for the young people, and to influence them with his leads. "It’s important not be a bad role model."

But immersed as he is in an entertainment work environment, Steven often feels stifled by showbiz lifestyle of extravagance and dissipation, which can inevitably promote a detachment from real society. So publishing books allows him to once again be in touch with society, thereby greatly enriching his life. "I used to be a low-housing resident, living in close proximity to society", so his social consciousness for society comes naturally out of him.

"Most Chinese people have an urge to trace their roots and to understand their society. Their own community is a good place to start with." He recommends a book entitled, "香港左派斗争史" (The Chronicles of Hong Kong Left Wing’s Struggles) to the young people, so they would know of the struggles and oppression of a group of old patriots whose collective voice is now lost to the public, and how they were oppressed for the last hundred years under the British rule.

Or maybe, what Steven hopes is that through the book, the young generation will learn from its historic chronicles of blood and tears; and upon reflection will treasure their own fortune more; thereafter like him, will steadfastly walk the good path.

wenweipo paper
TN: A few years back, Shantou University Press bought the copyright to “Why Suicide”. Steven had planned to write the 2nd book first because of his own experience but first hand information was hard to come by then, (patients and their family were reluctant to talk) so he re-directed his focus on suicides. At that time, Hong Kong society was plagued by an abnormal amount of suicides, therefore, materials for that subject were easier to gather.

related news - Steven Ma's new book cover design contest in alma mater 艺人马浚伟重返母校 新书封面师弟来设计

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A fan of the book posted the below in her weibo, Why suicide?
郭骁荻这本书放了好多年，中学时代的我非常喜欢这书，它让我明白了生命的可贵，现在我即将从学生蜕变为上班族，生活的压力就在眼前了，以前或许不懂书中那些人为何要自杀，现在以后我会明白，但我更会坚强的走过困难，生命是可贵的！希望能像@马浚伟 说的那样，希望下一代完全不知道自杀是什么！

Steven Ma visited a poverty stricken mainland village

马浚伟清远扶贫送字典 称欣赏学生进取精神
AF repost # 1618
credit pix: steven-ma.org & Steven Ma's Warm house
2009 July 11

Steven Ma has been invited to participate in the 《清遠、連南、三排瑤寨》campaign for the poor. Earlier, he visited Nanshan District (a 6-hour drive from Hong Kong Shenzhen City in Guangdong) where he attended the end-of-school year ceremony. Due to the area's barren landscape, its economic development is lagging and poor, therefore, unable to meet the students' educational needs. Fortunately in the earlier years, funds were allocated to renovate its only mountain school. Steven has thoughtfully brought along with him numerous copies of dictionaries to reward the outstanding students.

Ma Zai expresses that he admires the indomitable spirit of the students and their family in their struggles for education. Though life is tough but their spirits are strong. Ma Zai also brought along his beloved camera in this rare opportunity to capture the scenery and customs of Yao Zai (瑤寨), and most of all, the kids’ resolute spirit and faces. He says: "This is a very meaningful photographic trip. It gives me a deeper awareness towards life and education."

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Even though it was only a 2-day trip, but per Ma Zai's request, the local leaders prearranged badminton matches for him to play against the local skilled badminton players. (lol!)

-- in Chinese ---

news lu xun

06-21-04
Ever since founding the 'kinston culture' publishing house, steven ma is not only interested in marketing his books, but he was also interested in developing educational shows.

to be able to gather more information abt chinese history and culture, steven recently went to nan hai dao to personally understand the development of the chinese ethnic culture. though the trip only lasted for 5 days, but he had already gone to 'tien ya hai qiao'. it's just like standing in the tops of tien, the peak of hai (if anyone got my meaning) hence steven was really excited/happy.

It was known that steven has an elder working in nan hai dao, that's why he has a warm feel for the culture of the place. He also went to the 'red military base' and met with 3 90 yr olds women who once served as soldiers and risked their lives to protect the ppl. steven has utmost respect for these elders. To be able to understand more abt the culture of nan hai li tribe, steven also personally went to the li barrio miao tribe. a young and beautiful child personally welcomed him. as steven excitedly sat on a carriage pulled by a cow, this 8 yr old girl suddenly reached out and pinched his ears. he was hurt by that act. 

As he was in the state of shock and don't know what to do, the people around him started laughing. that was because according to the miao rules, when young girls/women met guys that they like, they will voluntarily express their love by pinching the ears of the guys they love!

This time, steven's charisma/appeal had managed to attract a early matured girl to voluntarily 'propose'. upon hearing this tradition, aside from having red ears from the pinch, steven's face also turned red.
 


04-25-04

Steven Ma was invited earlier to attend an event as a guest of Guangdong Television and was given the title of "2004 Green Community Ambassador". In the past, these events have only had local guests, but they broke tradition this year, inviting Steven to take part and helping him with all the preparations. Two weeks before his performance, the radio station had already been playing all his songs and he was arranged to perform the title song "Blanket" for the show, creating quite an atmosphere as his fans joined in and sang along with him.

Steven said: "This is a new song and I have been filming hard in the mainland, so even though I know all the words, I was still afraid of making a mistake. Luckily, they had arranged a music stand for me, so even if I forgot the words, I could still perform. I would never have thought that the audience would know it better than me, if I had known they would be singing along, then I would not have used the stand." As he has not appeared on the mainland for a while, the audience were eager to catch him and ignored the police barriers as they tried to rush onto the stage and get close to him. Steven became the highlight of the show that almost turned into a Steven Ma mini-concert.

Afterwards, a press interview was arranged and among them was a group of young school reporters. During the questions, one of the children said to Steven seriously: "You have to rest more and look after your revolutionary body." He was shocked and then touched by the words.

Credit to em @ http://tvbspacenews.blogspot.com/

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Steven Ma recorded the themesong to Guangdong Radio's environmental event entitled "Blanket" in April and since then, the song has not only reached the top of the charts in Guangdong province two weeks running, but has also entered the 'World Chinese Songs Chart' at number 10 this week. The lyrics to the song are very encouraging, saying that all one has to do is work hard and enthusiasticaly and any problems and hardships can be won through. "Even the heavens will help" as these words have been engrained into the hearts of listeners in the Guangdong and Guangxi provinces.

Achieving these results, Steven admits he is rather surprised as this was an unintentional success as his main goal was simply to help promote the benefits of the environmental project and he never imagined that the song would do so well. He is very excited and finds this a great encouragement to him. This success has given a new inspiration to Steven in his musical career: "It turns out that apart from commercial songs, educational songs are also popular, so in the future, I will add an educational factor into my songs."

Having just extended his contract with TVB for a further two years, Steven will be returning to TVB shortly to film some series as well as taking some Mainland series. He laughs: "Some friends see me working low profile lately and are worried that I will retire from showbiz. Don't worry, I will not let go of my performance work until I am at least 40 years old as I have never thought about pulling out." He also pledges that he will continue to work hard!

http://www.tvbspacenews.blogspot.com/
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 Steven's News on February 12, 2004

Having shown a great interest in Chinese History, Steven Ma was invited by RTHK's Educational Programme Unit to appear in a series profiling Chinese historical figures. This show is aimed at primary school students and covers the lives of four characters from China's history books, including Xiang Yu, Emperor Tang Taizhong, Lin Zexu and Lu Xun. Steven will be playing the part of Lu Xun.

Taking part in Educational TV for the first time, Steven was very excited and said: "Lu Xun is a great patriotic literary hero in recent history and to be able to play him makes me very happy. Also as this is an educational show, there is a great meaning to it all that cannot be weighed up with money." The series will be aired from April.

Reports indicate that the ETV team asked Steven to play the part because they felt that his appearance and manner was very resemblant of Lu and when the photographs of his character were released, it caused some gasps from the educational inspectorate. Steven laughs: "At the new year, I had a flat top haircut and originally it was for convenience, but I never thought that this would cause the inspectors to think that I looked like Lu Xun, even without the make-up."

Steven will be playing Lu in his youth during his time studying in Japan and for realism, the director built a classroom set in a Japanese Shinto temple and borrowed an antique 8mm projector for the setting. The titles will show an older image of Lu and Steven will have to add a moustache. When he tried on the make up, everyone immediately called out how good it looked so this then became the image they used. With his recent interest in Chinese history, Steven admits that he has gained so much from this show, because he has been able to live the patriotism and spirit of Lu Xun and this has inspired him to learn more in his spare time.

Translated be Em @ http://tvbspacenews.blogspot.com/

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 Steven Ma was a guest at the "YWCA Hotline 20th Anniversary Carnival" yesterday and a poll was made as to the words people most like to hear when they are down. Steven chose "No matter what, I will be here by your side supporting you!" because he feels that support is very important.

Steven says that if he meets with difficulties, he will talk to his friends and sometimes they will try too hard to offer advice, but when people talk about their problems they only want to get it out of their system, so we should all learn to just listen. In the past, Steven didn't know how to handle his emotional problems, thinking he was very strong, such as the time five or six years ago when his mother died and his work seemed to have ground to a half. His Chiu Chau chauvinism and pride got the better of him and he rarely spoke to other people about his probems, making him turn to drink to drown his sorrows. Asked if he became an alcoholic, he admits: "Yes. (Did it work?) It blocked out the problem, but it was tough waking up the next morning and didn't resolve the issue. I feel that I didn't address the problem properly so I have not drank any alcohol in recent years." Steven laughs that he prefers to discuss his problems with women: "Women are more sensitive, caring, patient and sympathetic so they are better than 'brothers'." He will also do sport to keep his energy levels up, with a recent interest in fitness, table tennis and badminton.

At the time, Steven did not go out for several months and his friends were very concerned for him, finally he managed to get through the bad times by taking up reading. One of his friends had given him a book that told of how to face life and death. This enlightened him and he feels that death cannot be controlled, so why not face difficulties with a positive and optimistic outlook?

Later, Steven will meet with more difficulties because he will be filming in the mainland for several ancient dramas. Away for six months to a year, Steven is worried about his family. He had earlier been to Beijing for a promotional event and had met with directors and producers who said that his face is very traditional and suited to period dramas, with someone suggesting that he is suited to playing poet Li Bai. When asked if he has been offered this part, Steven says: "We are in discussion, there are still a lot. (What about TVB?) I extended my contract in February, but we have an understanding and I have a great level of freedom. (How are you going to pay back your series debt if you are always in China?) I will do my best to fit in the time, I will film at least one series for them."

Steven appeared at the event on a voluntary basis and he indicates that many artistes take part in voluntary work, but he hopes that more can do it and not worry about receiving a fee. Also, if he has time, he will go to the YWCA to help man the phone lines.

Credit to Em @ tvbspace news roundup