2015 news: Steven opens new IStudy branch

Two years ago Steven and his sisters opened a tuition center, I-Study Learning Center, in the Tai Wai district in New Territories, and to accommodate it growing numbers of 400 over students and 20 teachers, they opened a branch in Fotan. On January 24 2015 Steven as the chancellor officiated the ribbon cutting ceremony of the branch grand opening. The Fotan building space is much bigger than the main center so can accommodate more students, who are mostly from international schools.  While his older sister, younger sister (Fiona) and niece run and manage the center, as the chancellor, Steven takes upon himself to market the center. The center has plans to open branches in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and other mainland cities, as its goal is to penetrate the mainland market itself.

Note: Congratulations and best wishes to Steven!
Spot Steven's family members (father, sisters and niece) in above pix and here.

sources:
明報周刋2412期 scan 
TYY Eastweek magscan 
magscan pix source steven fb
source1 source2 source3; source4 
2013 related materials: Steven Ma Ascended to 'Principal' Status; SM as principal
related weibo posts: 2015-01-31 12:12; 2015-01-31 19:00

--- Chinese ------

Edited: April 6 2014 WE! Talk Channel

eta: Scroll down to the last video for transcript on Steven's conversion to Christianity.
note: From Steven's outfit, this interview is a very outdated interview taken around 2013 Mother's Day event.  Btw, Steven looks really good in vids.  Basically, he is repeating what he said in this 'footprints' radio interview -- except now we have the treat of watching him on video.  Goto youtube link1, link2, link3 to watch him on a hd 1080p resolution.  So envious that Steven's flawless complexion can withstand the scrutiny of extreme close ups - how amazing is that? And he's dressed so colorfully - haha!

WE! Talk 第一集 - 馬浚偉-十年.音樂
about his new music album


第二集 - 馬浚偉-自責.打擊
talks about his mother's last surgery and his lingering guilt that he 'pushed' her to take the surgery.
Similar to this radio interview on his late mother -- Footprints - transcript



WE! Talk 第三集 - 馬浚偉-難關.釋懷  Adversities. Steven's letting go
Segment on sister's Christian faith during SARS and how she dealt with their mother's death.



WE Channel @ youtube

Verbatim transcript

S: At that time I was very angry. I felt no one can help me, only that God was being too much (unfair). She (sister) said  Don’t worry, God will help you. When I heard that I had goose bumps. God gives you such powerful strength? Honestly, it (her speech) did not help me at the time. I did not believe in Christ then. My mother passing away subsequently afflicted me with a mood disorder. A year or so later, my maternal grandmother passed away and then came my younger sister being diagnosed with cancer.  And then my other sister because of pregnancy complications had problems too. So a successive series of problems bombarded me one after another, ultimately making me a total wreck. (tn: his and Sonija Kwok's scandal only added to his accumulated stress)

My older sister(s) (jie jie) and younger sister (mui) are Christians. At the time I was surprised at how differently they handled their problems vs mine. At the time, I said: (tn: to God)  ‘What’s wrong with you? (yao mou gau co?) You (God) don’t have to oppress me this much wo?’  But whether it’s my younger sister, (she herself has cancer but is still very positive) or my jie jie, she’s literally being poisoned (tn: edema?); there she was lying unconsciousness, her body swelled up as if being pumped full with air, and then her unborn child suddenly lost audible heat beats so immediately had to do a cesarean surgery to get the baby out. I collapsed. (tn: her son subsequently born mentally impaired)

And I still had to film a series at the same time. I was filled with rage;  I felt no one could help me; that God was being so unjust. And then came SARS (2003) when God gave me the first signal. My 2nd sister is a nurse. During the SARS period, the medical field workers were worried and their families also worried for them, and maybe they themselves were also feeling the stress so many of them declined to work.  Even watching the TV news made me scared too. So I said to my sister, why not skip work? What if you were infected, what would you do? But my sister said this to me: “Steven, think what if you or father suddenly got infected with SARS, but us nurses and doctors all fled, who’s going to treat you?" I was struck dumb. I did not know how to counter her. And then she said:  "Don’t worry, God will watch over me. He will give me strength." When I heard it I immediately had goose bumps. I thought to myself, God gave such powerful strength to you? How come you can always tell me that God would do this and God would do that. Even when my mother died my 2nd sister though of course was heartbroken was calm, she comforted me that mother was now in the heavenly home. I told her don’t talk to me of such things. This incident (SARS) was a big breakthrough, and thereafter I began to see God’s hands on little things.

But it wasn’t until 5 years ago (2007?) that I truly opened up my heart to Him. But since 2003 SARS henceforth there were many little things, be they family or outside, that there were many little angels were by my side.  Christ’s most profound power was changing my attitude and my mindset. What He gradually instilled in me was this sense of comfort. Henceforth, whatever problems or setbacks or adversity, I like to treat them as a blessing in disguise. I persistently tell myself or those with me when confronted with a problem, or a challenge, or a setback, or a hurt; I would treat it as a blessing in disguise. Tested, went through, subsequently it’s a xxx (?3:53)

First off, I also like this one aspect of Christ whereby on that day He forgave us, He said: "Just treat it like they did not know they were wrong; they did not know they did wrong." So in real life, would I point out a person’s transgression to him/her, I would. View from a different perspective, maybe that person is facing problems that I don’t know about, I apply the message of Christ that most touched me - that He forgave us and took over the burden on our behalves because we did not know we were wrong. Of course there’s no way I can do it as well as Christ but I’ll lean towards this perspective to view the situation. Actually even before I became a Christian, I had hoped that there were less extreme or negative dissemination of messages (tn: in films?). But as actor, one shouldn’t be that way. But as to how it (Christian) affects my acting career I’m truly grateful to Christ for this one thing which is, I can slowly let go; no more burdens. Actually not having burdens to me is very important. So this is a very big blessing from Christ so that I can be very relax and very professional in expressing what I want to express myself as an actor, a singer, or any stage performances. Success or failure, gains or losses, truly don’t think about it. Even releasing this album: wai, are you worried about your songs, or maybe when my series is airing, ai, what’s there to worry about? Put everything in God’s hands. So long you did the proper process, that’s enough. It all depends on how serious you were during the process, and that you did your best during the process; don’t worry about the result. Something when God wants you to do you will willingly do it. Something that God does not want you to do as to even arrange very inexplicable happenings xxxx (5:50) so instead I become light-hearted.

Updated 2013-Steven Ma Ascended to 'Principal' Status

Steven Ma Ascended to 'Principal' Status in the Year of the Snake
馬浚偉蛇年任校長  2013-2-14

Steven Ma recently invested a 6-digit figure into his younger sister, Fiona's tuition center, "i.study" Learning Center, so he is now a titular school principal.  Earlier, the center held a simple ribbon cutting grand opening  ceremony with Steven given the honor of cutting the ribbon.  The other investors along with Steven's sisters and their families were also on site for the ceremony.

enlarged photo link

Before his entertainment career, Steven worked as a textbooks salesman, whose work was highly regarded by his boss and his sales results among the top sales of the year. When asked if this (past job) invoked in him a complex? (tn: to the education field) Steven said: "My past involvements in the publishing field and in textbooks did have some connectivity. I've always believed that knowledge can change fate. I know my education level is not high so if I want to enrich my knowledge I must rely on ceaseless self-study such as in: Chinese cultural literature and history.  Also, my younger sister has years of private tutoring experiences, hence has built up quite a clientele. As older brother I must support her. (Would you also teach?) The center has already hired professional instructors but if an acting class is added I don't mind being a guest instructor."

Incidentally, Steven also sent his CNY best wishes to everybody: "Wishing everybody peace, good health and happiness! That Hong Kong's economy will get better and better, and that the quality of life will get higher and higher."



Today is Valentine's Day, so I asked him how he planned to spend it. Steven laughed and said: "Sorry, but I want to reserve some privacy. Anyway, in private and work, I'm very happy.  I wish everybody a very happy Valentine's Day."  




Credit news: wenweipo
credit pix: Mingpao, macao daily; 2013-2-16 00:07
i.study learning center fb link
related material - Steven Ma as School Principal 2013-1-30

Eta:  Steven's follow-up weibo post  2014-6-2 14:19 The center has been in operation for a year and a half now. Steven is gratified and happy to see the number of students has now grown to over 200 students. He wishes his sister success and that they are now preparing to open a branch soon. 

Steven's follow-up weibo post 2014-6-2 14:19
我這個「哎呀」校長，到妹妹的補習學校了解近況，一轉眼，原來學生已超過二百人，老師也有十多位，看到老師和學生上課時的氣氛，很是感恩！現在，他們正開始籌備開另一所分校，願妹妹一切順利，也要謹守知識與道德建立是同等重要的原則！p.s.祝各位端午節快樂！

Steven Ma as School Principal

1月26日02:10: Being involved in cultural education has also been one of my ideals. As a nominal principal can be said to realizing my wish. In the future there will be many more new challenges to face! Not very hardworking, just more hardworking. Add oil to myself! 

To read the English translation on the above article, goto Jaynestars.com - All-Round Entertainer: Steven Ma

sources:
mingpao weekly on ihktv weibo
HKchannel weibo pix album

Eta: Steven's follow-up weibo post  2014-6-2 14:19 Steven is gratified and happy to see the number of students has now grown to over 200 students. He wishes his sister success and that they are now preparing to open a branch soon. 

我這個「哎呀」校長，到妹妹的補習學校了解近況，一轉眼，原來學生已超過二百人，老師也有十多位，看到老師和學生上課時的氣氛，很是感恩！現在，他們正開始籌備開另一所分校，願妹妹一切順利，也要謹守知識與道德建立是同等重要的原則！p.s.祝各位端午節快樂！

--more--
Chinese news and pix

Steven Ma's Testimony to Christ 2012 Nov 2

video with transcript - Ascribing his sisters' strong faith for his own conversion to Christianity

Life’s Anxiety and Security – Steven Ma
It has been two years since our last interview with well known artist, Steven Ma. In this interview, this reporter took advantage of this opportunity to have Steven shared some hitherto unpublicized personal experiences and feelings. Hence, through this magazine Steven reveals publicly for the first time his conversion journey to Christianity.

In his 20 odd years of taking care of his cancer late mother since very young, Steven's life was filled with all kinds of anxieties including suffering depression from losing his mother in 1999.

But now he finds much security in his faith, and a rationale reason for gratitude on death.

When friends found out that I was going to interview Steven soon, all asked me this very same question: “Isn’t Steven a Buddhist?”

 Let Steven himself respond to the question: “Since young I attended Catholic schools. When I grew up I was an atheist all along. But many people thought I believed in Kun Yam (Chinese Goddess of Mercy); actually they misconstrued. Even my mother when alive was not a believer of Kun Yam, just that she was very fond of Kun Yam’s countenance so collected Kun Yam figurines as an art collection. So whenever I was outstation for work, I always bought a Kun Yam souvenir for my mother. At that time, the house was filled with Kun Yam souvenirs so friends thought we believed in Kun Yam. Actually we weren’t.”

SARS Evinced the Fearlessness of Doctors
When Steven was six years old, his mother unfortunately was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal (nose-throat) cancer. At junior high, Steven had already shouldered the care-taking responsibility of his mother. Having to tackle and resolve problems at such young age on his own cultivated his ‘believe in myself’ personality, therefore, he had never felt the need to follow any religious faith, until the year of SARS when his Christian 2nd older sister uttered a statement that changed his whole outlook on life.

“My 2nd older sister and 2nd brother-in-law are devout Christians. 2nd sister is a nurse while 2nd brother-in-law is a physical therapist. 2nd sister, of course, had hoped that I would one day believe in Christ but they rarely imposed their faith on me. The first time I was moved by their faith would have to be back in 2003, the year of SARS. At the time the situation was truly dire, many doctors and nurses couldn't endure it so one after another left the hospital. But of course, there were many who willingly stayed back, and some of them even contacted SARS and unfortunately died from it. When I saw how dangerous the epidemic was, I became panicky and called up my 2nd sister who was on duty that day.”

Steven said to 2nd sister: “Don’t work today. If something happens to you, what am I to do?”

Listening to her younger brother who loved her deeply, she replied: “My faith will support me.”

Steven’s voice became agitated, he said: “That’s not enough wo! Dr. Tse Yuen Yee was also a Christian but she was infected anyway. I’m not asking you for anything but at this moment would you at least let me as your younger brother be a bit selfish?”

2nd sister solemnly said to her younger brother: “Steven, if everybody thinks like you then every medical personnel would listen to his/her family member and leave the hospital. If one day you contacted SARS, or that father was infected with SARS, then who would take care of you both?”

At hearing his 2nd sister’s response Steven instantly got goose bumps; fighting back anxiety he said no more.

Steven said: “She said: “This inner strength came from God, it made me reflect deeply on my faith, which is the spirit of self-sacrificing for others."  At that moment, I didn’t know how to change her mind because she had a valid justification.”

Felt God’s Son’s Love in Movie
In 2004, the movie, The Passion of Christ, by renowned Hollywood actor, Mel Gibson, finally got on the silver screen.The movie depicts the last twelve hours of Jesus Christ’s tribulations before he died. The cast used Latin, Hebrew, and Aramaic (Jesus’ mother tongue) in their dialogs, effectively drawing the audience into the scenes as if they were personally experiencing  the whole drama.  Audiences all over the world were deeply moved.

He said: “One day I rented the movie home to watch. When I saw Jesus betrayed, saw him carrying the cross making the painful trek, and being crucified on the cross, my tears flowed unbidden. The movie depicted these scenes very realistically, and moreover, the actor portraying Jesus truly matched the image of Jesus in my heart. At the time I did not believe in Christ yet. As I watched I thought: “For real somebody truly went through all this? So pitiful! There is truly such a person (Jesus)?” If that is true then it is not just a movie but something that has a direct relationship with my life, because a real person actually sacrificed himself to wash over the worldly sins. Moreover, when he was being crucified on the cross he still pleaded with His heavenly Father to forgive those who had wronged Him for they knew not what they did. When I heard these words I fell apart. If I could meet Jesus of His time I would be a very happy person because that person though knowing I had sinned was still willing to use “for he did not know he has sinned” excuse to forgive me and even sacrificed his life for me.”

Afterwards, Steven happened to encounter some fellow Christian brothers and sisters from HK Artists Christian Fellowship, and had listened to numerous sermons from different pastors, allowing him to further understand Christianity. About four years ago Steven prayed for guidance for enlightenment, later he told his 2nd sister and pastor of his conversion decision.

Found Peace in God’s Embrace
Believing in Christ for four years, Steven is most happy he now has an older brother to share his burdens with.

He said: “Among my parents' 5 children, I’m the only son. I think a man has to shoulder all responsibility, so from young I seldom shared my troubles with family members. After believing in Christ it’s like having an older brother listening to my outpouring of feelings. I had always wished for an older brother, to be able to lay my burdens on him. God eases my hurt and wounds; my life no longer lonely. Hereafter, I have a listener, a God who understands my feelings and is tolerant of my flaws and weaknesses. Before him I can completely admit my own helplessness. This gives me much comfort.”

In March, last year, Japan had a 9 point magnitude big earthquake that in turn caused a devastating tsunami; the event shocked the whole world. After watching the news on tv Steven had a nightmare.

He said: “My house faces the street Princess Margaret Rd. That night I dreamed that there was a huge wave over Princess Margaret Rd (公主道) (tn: in Ho Man Tin). I became panicky. At that moment I suddenly heard a voice speaking in Mandarin said to me: “Child, don’t be scared! Everything’s fine!” The huge wave immediately subsided. And the dream ended. I went right back to sleep. The next day when I woke up I felt very relaxed. This dream had given me the security I never had in the past.”

The Lord truly understood what Steven most wanted in his whole life. From young, having to take care of his cancer mother Steven lived in constant fear and anxiety everyday. He constantly worried that should his mother suddenly have a relapse he might not be able to react quick enough, thus making her suffer even more. This cultivated in him a heightened sense of danger, and imbued in him a sense of insecurity. 

He said: “In all things, I still hope for the best but even more, I prepare for the worst. My thoughts veered very much towards catastrophe. Even today, there are things I cannot change. Like whenever I’m inside a plane I worry. Worry that the airflow may affect the flight. Before believing in Christ I would become anxious and would take all kinds of travel sickness pills. Once inside the plane I would instantly fall asleep. But now before boarding the plane I’ll say a prayer to God for a safe trip. But if accident happens I’ll tell Him I don’t fear death, as everybody will die once sooner or later, just that the dying be quick and not be drawn out torturous before going to the heavenly home.

“Also, when staying in a hotel, the higher the room is the greater the anxiety. So I always check out the emergency escape route in case of fire. That’s just my personality. Before believing in Christ I've had even more anxieties. Actually having a heightened sense of danger is not a bad thing, just that in my case it may be exaggerated thus putting myself in a constant vigilant mode. But what to do, it was cultivated in me since young.”

So what had happened to young Steven to make him think that life is littered with dangers?

Steven Accompanied Mother through Adversity. 

Steven was six years old when his mother was diagnosed with cancer and during that period she had had three relapses. She was 48 years old when she passed away after losing the 22-year battle with cancer. She had always lived with Steven, who together with his father took total responsibility to care for her.  audio ref para#3: Steven's emotional recount of his mother's death (revealed for the 1st time the deep-seated secret of his guilt over her death.   

Steven said: “Mother’s cancer first two relapses got worse each time it happened. And each time she lost more of her faculties after a relapse until in the end she was left with only one eye with blurry vision at that. The senses of taste, hearing, and smell as well as the neck flexibility were all atrophied. Those past 22 years I accumulated an abundance of anxieties and fear because Mother would suddenly go into convulsion, (tn: or suddenly spurt blood ) or suddenly passed out so in the middle of the night Father would come knocking on my door to have me sent Mother to the emergency care in the hospital. Or I would suddenly receive a hospital phone call informing me of my mother’s health condition such and such. That was our daily life. If she was “just a little bit off” I immediately thought ahead of what could happen to her and to be prepared. So I lived everyday in constant anxiety and fear. Now, I refuse to have a telephone installed in my bedroom because I don’t want it ringing in the middle of the night, nor do I like people knocking on my bedroom door (in the middle of the night).”

In 1999 Steven’s mother passed away. Missing his mother greatly Steven slipped into depression, (tn: and even considered suicide) and after a prolonged period he gradually came back up from the pit. Reminiscing on his mother, Steven abruptly clenched his fists, and said: “When Mother was alive, caring for her had become my life goal. When she left I felt as if I'd lost my whole heart. ” (tn: ref audio #3: and then there is the festering guilt that he had hastened her death because she gave in to his plea to take the surgery despite her intial reluctance.) 

Family always holds the first spot in Steven’s heart. Though not from a wealthy family, his family of seven was very close knitted. Growing up in Sham Shiu Po Pak Tin Estate, he and his sisters were close to each other as they played together in the public park playing the seesaws and slides. When grown, his young little sister was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. His 2nd sister close to childbirth got infected during her pregnancy, subsequently impairing her newborn son’s brain. And then there was his mother years’ long torture by cancer. (tn: And his maternal grandmother suffered some kind of illness and like his late mother also spurted blood in his presence.) Steven would rather all those things have befallen him instead. (tn: He omitted to mention his own heart disorder.)

Hope to look past life and death
Having taken care of his mother for 22 odd years, Steven is quite knowledgeable in nutritious food and basic medicinal remedies. Years ago he even published a book entitled: “I am a sick patient’s family” sharing with his readers his experience in caring for his sick mother. In recent years, Steven was also invited to an organ donors organization to share his outlook on life and death.

Recalling his mother, Steven became misty-eyed but still he hopes to transmit through different platforms a positive outlook towards sickness and death. He said: “First, don’t fear death; 2nd: cherish your family. Why don’t fear death? Because everybody will die one day. No matter how scared, still will die in the end. If live with fear everyday then it is the same as never having truly lived. Before believing in Christ, death to me is a deep sleep. After believing in Christ I know I will go to a better place,  and will reunite with brothers and sisters. Feel more peaceful thinking thus. I’ve already told my family and friends. When I die they must, must, send me off in a Christian memorial service.

“I once attended a Christian funeral service. Felt very peaceful. God tells us that the believers will return to the heavenly home, and will live in a better place and will no longer feel mortal pain, but will return to the Lord’s embrace. This gives me a comforting reason when grieving for a death.”

Steven thinks that since everybody will die someday, when alive then should live a good life, and also at the same time take responsibility for one’s deeds. As actor he said: “Don’t look down on movies or tv shows because they do impart an educational value. Every time I acted in a series I know I was embodying an educational character conveying different information to the audiences, so I will take responsibility for my series and will not participate in series that I think have no values. This has always been my principle. Which is why I’ve no regrets with any of my series. If in tv series production, we can maintain this kind of attitude and be steadfast in our stance, we can disseminate our God's given ideals.”

credit: baidu sm; Torrie_恩 2012-11-1 23:53

Updated: People related to Steven: their weibo and facebook

Info updated 2015-5-13

truestarhongkong@gmail.com
Job contact: (Ms. Lau) 劉小姐 852 53660882
Joe 852 6213 7427  小虎 13717789568
出色堂小馬工作室

Joe Chan FB (Joe);
weibo 虎虎不乖了( 小虎 name: 鄢虎)
(北京捷成时代文化传媒有限公司经纪总监鄢虎
Looks like Steven's mainland manager has changed from his Tao Yuan studio to Jetsen company? (the same company that produced 鸳鸯佩)


************************************

Tao Yuan 中港桃园马浚伟工作室
郭倩影 weibo - Tao Yuan mainland manager
(edited: No longer Steven's mainland manager as she has quit Tao Yuan to  join another mainland company)

Tao Yuan Media company 桃园黄洪
**********************************

Haha! Going thru the list of people Steven followed in his weibo, I believe the below people are related to him -- sisters and niece?  Check out the weibo entries where Steven had lunch/dinner with family. 2012

Weibo accounts:
21 year-old niece? Iris Lo
sindyma
carmenma
SandyLauYY GM of his printing company 出色堂

eta facebook accounts
istudy learning center fb

Steven's 4 sisters (fb) from oldest to youngest
carmen ma 马淑仪
maggie ma yin yi
sindy ma
Fiona Ma

 Steven Ma surrounded by fans.

Undaunted, I Forge Ahead, Against Adversity and Dangers.

Original article at bottom

Ming Pao Weekly Saturday version June 16, 2001
[明报周刊]人物专栏：艰险我奋进 困乏我多情 由痛变通 马浚伟
*writer：徐蓉蓉 Feature: Steven Ma Chun Wai

Against dangers I forged ahead undaunted, emotionally trapped and weary, transforming pain to enlightenment -- Steven Ma

Friday night - TVB’s 40-episode series, On the Track or Off, has completed its run. Its highest rating peaked at 38 points. If based solely on result for acclaiming heroes, then first timer male lead, Ma Chun Wai, can claim victory in this race.

In OTTOO, Steven portrays Gam Yuen, a naive youngster (戆小子ngong xiu zi ) who later matures into a wiser person, and who ultimately wins his fair lady, Lu Wing Yee (Ada Choi). Its all’s well that ends well finale delighted the audience.

However in real life, Steven’s life events ran less smoothly than Gam Yuen’s. Throughout his 7-year entertainment profession, he agonized over a sluggish career; furthermore, three years ago he suffered drastic blows from his mother’s death, and from his everyday life and love life. Since his loving mother’s passing, the 3 years of accumulated worldly experiences, and more importantly, the edification of mind and soul through written words, Steven has finally learned how to cope with adversity and dangers with an undaunted spirit and to bestir passion from within to dissipate fatigue and besiegement. He finally has transformed pain(痛tòng) into enlightenment(通tōng).

April 9th – a rare hailstorm day, also the premiering of OTTOO. The first timer male lead, Steven, did not seclude himself at home to watch his own work alone. In fact, he chose to invite a group of good friends to watch the premier with him. When the show was on, Ma Zai’s whole being was fully riveted to the tv screen, scrutinizing closely his every move and his concerted rhythm with the series’. Right at this very exciting moment when everybody’s focus was on the series, the ‘good’ hostess brought out the family ‘precious’ childhood photo album, and showed it to Ma Zai, saying: “Look! These are my….”, but was politely rebuffed by the male lead who said: “Wait until I finished watching this scene then I’ll look at it…hou mm hou? (alright?).

His scrutiny was so earnest, so relaxed, showing not a bit of nervousness. A first timer male lead was ‘brave’ enough to publicly accept the challenge of friends’ feedback and critiques. During the ongoing conversation, he even cheerfully joked about the afternoon hailstorm: “Yay! A hailstorm! Now people can’t get out. They’ll sure to watch the series lo! Even heaven (tin) aids me.” He was very confident of his own performance. I appreciate his show of self-confidence.

Nobody is born knowing how to face adversities and challenges with equanimity. Steven is no exception. If it was not for his 22-year battle alongside his mother fighting the disease demon, he would not have possessed such strong morality.

“In the past, my life and mind consisted only of mom. Since I was 6 years old, I lived in constant anxiety and fear. Sometimes when I saw people mistreating their parents, I would rile at the unfairness: “They are so disobedient yet their mothers are so healthy. Why is that I am so filial and yet mom is..”". Besides being filial, he would never do anything to worry his mother. “Anyway, maybe it’s better this way; I received more than I lost. During the teenage wild years, I deliberately controlled my wildness, and during the self-expressive years, I deliberately restrained self-indulgence. As the years passed, I began to ‘age’ prematurely.”

He loves to draw; after graduating high school, he had the opportunity to enter a design /graphic / art school for further study, thus realizing his dream of being an artist. However, his family really could not afford the HK$7000 school fees for his training. “No problem! I can self-study.” Instead he stepped into society to diligently earn money to help out his family. No doubt it was hard work, but he did it with a willing heart.

This child’s family background might be underprivileged but his upbringing was excellent. Father worked day and night to provide for his wife and children. His wife was a chronic patient and he did his best to take care of her, sticking with her through thick and thin. Mother was strong and gentle. They were a good couple. Besides being affectionate to each other, they were also fair to their children. Every child in the family was treated like a precious gem. But because Ma Zai was the only nam ting (boy) and because being a traditional Chew Chao family, the ‘ting’ naturally engendered him a preferential treatment.

His four sisters (3 older, 1 younger), they all love to take care of him. When little brother had just finished his bowl of wonton noodle soup, the empty bowl would vanish in the blink of an eye; turned out that his 3rd elder sister had already taken it to the kitchen for washing. When heard he was sick, 2nd elder sister who was a nurse and despite being married already, would in the shortest amount of time pay a nurse visit to check up on her little brother. But the undefeated got to be his younger sister; “4th young master” loves to praise how pretty his little sister is before other people, and how much he cherishes her. The fact is, his younger sister looks upon him as an idol. “Amongst men, my brother is the best. If looking for a husband, I want to find one just like him.” Given her adulation of her older brother, she is undoubtedly his biggest ardent fan.

“I admit, because of my family’s poverty, I was often looked down upon. I did not feel secure and also minded people’s condescension. But now, I am enlightened. (tai tong) I won’t let it bother me anymore.”

Whenever he felt aggrieved, just hearing his mother said: “My Wai Zai hou guai! (Well-behaved) hou guai zai ga!" A word is worth 10 thousand gold ingots. His mother was his most trusty reinforcement. To this child who had encountered all kinds of situations, having grown up in a public housing environment, her words were like a stimulant shot; taking a deep breath and bracing himself, he once again was ready to charge to the frontline. Familial love was what sustained him through life’s vicissitudes. He knows the meaning of appreciation, but more so, he knows the meaning of giving back. Their financial situation finally improved, however, mother’s illness relapsed, which greatly terrified and tormented him mentally. In 1999, Ma mama’s illness worsened, today dismissed from hospital, tomorrow re-admitted. If she was away from home, Steven’s soul fled in tow.

During that period, he was filming HH1. Whenever his scenes were not slotted, he would rush to the hospital, desperately seizing every minute to be at his mother’s side. Because of his chaotic emotions, he was reluctant to interact with people at work. If his scenes were not shot, he would squat by the curbside, dazed. All this was taken in by a thoughtful person (有心人). Ma Zai’s desolation touched her heart. She, of her own accord, walked over to this agitated person. She engaged him in conversations to comfort his panicky heart. This person was Ada Choi. She talked to him, using her own optimism to enlighten him. Gradually, he saw her decency. He knew he had begun to appreciate her. (欣赏)

As his appreciation of her grew, he also thought of strengthening his communication with Ada, but his mother was sick; should he allocate his time to filial piety? Or should he allocate it to personal affair? The Time God really did a number on Steven. Making a choice is a painful process; but nonetheless, helplessness notwithstanding, it still needed to be made. Finally, he resolutely allocated every minute and every second to his mother. Mother passed away, and that one, she had found her true love! Totally disheartening! But whom could he pour out to. Thereafter, he took to drinking to numb himself. Only his beloved pet dog, Ah Ben, knew of his desolation, because he would only speak out his feelings to it.

One night, he was drunk again, and in his stupor he saw his mother. He saw his mother smiling at him. He smiled back at her. And briefly regaining consciousness…. Ah! He recalled his mother, recalled how she fought to prolong her life by courageously enduring painful treatments. How on her last day because of ingestion problems, the doctor considered doing a throat aperture surgery to insert a feeding tube inside her. But this surgery’s risk was very high. To increase her chance of survival, Ma mama accepted the doctor’s alternative recommendation. He hoped that within a short period of time, to use a small lever to widen the space between the two front teeth so as to enable a doctor to insert a tube for nourishing infusion, hence avoiding the risk of surgery. The pain of “teeth prying’ could only be imagined, yet she still persisted in undergoing the ‘prying’ treatment. Because of her love for her family, she displayed an utmost inner strength to live. No matter in the end that it was all for naught, but her incredible fortitude is forever imprinted in the son’s heart.

His heart, also thought of his father… Father loves him so much. A retiree; knowing that son had just gotten his driver’s license, he, without a word, promptly withdrew a portion of his retirement fund and gave it to him to buy a car, just so that son had a reliable car to improve his driving skill. “Father never frets over money situation because he never doubts I would take of him in his old age. He has the utmost confidence in me. How could I worry him so, and disappoint him so…. How could I self-destruct myself so. That I grew to be so big now was because of my parents! I loved parents so much, so why did I do things to worry father and to sadden mother?"

Suddenly he woke up, and began his life anew! Furthermore, through the elucidation of Teacher Tang Jun Yi (唐君毅)’s philosophy of life, he learns to transform the “most loved” feelings to “respect”; to elevate the male-female feelings to platonic friendship; and to store all the good memories deep inside his heart. This by far, he thinks is his most valuable realization.

Even though true love has yet to be found, he insists that he will certainly get married one day. “I don’t want to date just yet because I want my heart to be fully cleansed first! Else it will be very unfair to my future partner.”

But, 2nd sister and 5th little sister have both given birth to a ‘ting’ (son) this year; their arrival arouses 4th young master’s heart.

"Recently, I dreamed. In my dream I saw my left arm cradling a daughter; right arm, a zai (son). I laughed so loudly that I woke up! I really wish to get marry, really wish to have children with my beloved. I long to have a daughter first, then a son; because I love to see the growth of a new life, to see life filled with meaning. I want to teach the new generation well and not let them take a wrong turn. I want them to understand what is morality (道德 dou dak), what is value / worth /price (价值ga jik), what has meaning…”

For he so loves the newborns’ relatives (tn: sisters), this uncle despite having only 2 hours of sleep during the OTTOO production period would rather skip his resting period so that he could rush to a baby store to buy disposable diapers for his elder sister's and younger sister's respective babies. Did they really need to trouble this “sei xiu” (4th young master) for diapers? Obviously, it is just a personal choice. And thus, this reporter got to witness a "diaper purchase extraordinaire scene".

Really love to witness extraordinary sights. Life’s cumulative efforts are done for what purpose; they occurred for the realization of value. The value being love, moreover, it is the mutual love among family members.

~Prologue~
Perception of moth
The Chinese have this saying.
When people die, their souls attached themselves onto the moths, and then they go home to see their family…

Superstition? Or coincidence?

Since OTTOO’s premier on April 9th every night for one whole week, Steven saw a gray moth resting on the wall in the family room. He believes: “It’s mom coming home to see me. All along, I knew she would come home to see me. And she did.” Life has transcended to the spiritual level, human and spirit finally contacted across dimension.  生命升华到精神，人灵之间相互贯通了

He already knew how to transform regrets into cherishment; this is a profundity process. Other transformations to come will be the ability to comprehend but can't explain, feel the exhaustion but is not tired; every minute, every second, strives to bring happiness to the living, and to let the deceased rest in peace. Will not let sorrow returns, its realm differs from mine.

Translated by: Tamaya

Reposted from: 温馨马仔小屋 (SM's Warm House)

school song of 新亞書院（New Asia College）part of The Chinese University of Hong Kong（CUHK）

香港中文大学新亚书院的校歌，由名儒钱穆所填，
手空空，無一物。路遙遙，無止境。亂離中，流浪裏，餓我體膚勞我精。
艱險我奮進，困乏我多情。千斤擔子兩肩挑，趁青春，結隊向前行，

*writer：徐蓉蓉 is the Steven former PM cum manager of his publishing co. since its establishment in 2003.

**********************************
eta 蓉蓉細語 7/31/2015 11:45 
related material tsui yong yong weibo

2000年，明報周刊龍景昌老總送我這份禮物一我第一本作品「採星記」，內中有一個人，有一篇稿，令我真正愛上寫作，人是他，序是他送给我的，鼓勵力之强、令我從此筆耕不停，今天重温，仍然激動，一個點影響一個面，真不要少看文字對思想的衝撃力。

Mom Was So Very Young Then!

Huran Magazine, issue 306
2001-06-08 忽然一周第 306 期
有偈傾那時媽媽很年青！ : 人物專訪

TN: This interview was to be published on Mother's Day but so as not to upset readers on that day it was shelved until June.

Mom Was So Very Young Then!

In the series, “On The Track or Off”, Steven grieves inconsolably over the death of Little Flying Elephant, wailing and weeping loudly. That show went on to become a hit, earning instant fame for the series and its cast.

Two years back, when his mom passed away, Steven did not wail nor weep; instead he isolated himself in his house for 2 months. Gradually, he came to accept his mom’s death, slowly letting go of his denial and anger, and decisively headed to a new chapter.

Today, Steven can discuss his mother without pain, except for a twinge of regret that just when his career was taking off after years of struggling, Mom would not be there to see it. Steven says maybe it is so fated. Two years ago, he was not famous, so he had had plenty of time to spend with his mom before she passed away. Mom is gone, but he knows how to deal with his grief now, but truly Mom died too young. She was only 48 years old.

I request a copy of his mother’s photo to be published in the magazine. Steven refuses, for many a time in the past, the photos that he lent to the media for publication were never returned to him. He wants to preserve his mom's memory, therefore can’t afford to lose any mementos.


22 Years of Pain
One can only mature through life experiences. Having experienced his mother’s twenty years' struggle with cancer, Steven thought he had seen through life and death. Actually, he had only unwittingly cornered himself into a dead end, unable to let go... until in 1999 when his mom died without saying good did he change his outlook on life.

"To have survived 22 years of cancer was indeed a miracle. All these years, I had become accustomed to having a patient in the house, accustomed to taking care of her. I thought I could handle life and death; however, thinking and reality are two separate issues. Even seeing her health worsened, seeing her suffered, I was not ready to let her go. But to have her carry on was to make her suffer.

"In 1977, when I was still very young, she was diagnosed with nose cancer. Only electrotherapy could help her then, and prolonged her life. After 15 years of being in remission, the cancer returned in force. The electrotherapy aggravated her already dried skin causing it to ooze pus. Gradually, she lost her hearing and couldn’t hear our voices. Her taste sensation was next to go. Her speech suffered, only her children and husband could understand what she said. The treatment also inflicted her brain causing enzymes unbalance, which in turn affected her moods. That was around 1997, 1998. I was shooting Healing Hands 1 then. There were people who questioned Steven’s frequent mysterious disappearances; but truly I had my own reason.

"For me, Mom suffered and endured the most during that period. When I heard people griped about their suffering, I often erupted, “Suffer? Do you know what true suffering is? Suffer more than my mom?” I often became panicky. I could not relax. I found faults with everything around me. I couldn’t concentrate on my career; no fame no accomplishment; no wonder it was so. Anyway, nonentity allowed me to spend more time with Mom. The prolonged electrotherapy gradually stiffened her jaw and neck causing problematic salivation, and ingestion of food. The doctor recommended drilling a hole in the stomach; she refused. She could not bear more pain, but we persuaded her to have the procedure. She finally consented to it. But before dawn after the procedure, suffering an acute pneumonia, she died. Her death was painless as she unconsciously slipped away. We did not get to say goodbye. I believed she wished it that way because she could not bear to leave us behind, or see our devastation at her leaving. Mom had always placed her children’s happiness ahead of everything. She was contented to have Dad be there for her at her deathbed.

"I don’t feel guilt or regrets towards my Mom for despite her illness, she had known happiness; still to die at 48 years old was just too young.”

Top Earnings
Steven says: Fortuity leaves when one’s heart overflows with resentment and jealousies. But when the heart is emptied of anxiety and concerns, the resentment will naturally dissipate and disappear on its own. Since January, 2000 beginning with “The Return of the Cuckoo”, he has worked nonstop. He earned the most money within the next 2 years.

Having reached bottom in his personal life and career in 1999, Steven recouped after 2 months of intensive introspection. From year 2000 till 2001, he worked nonstop making 85 tv episodes, 3 movies, 4 commercials, and cutting 1 album, all in one go. “So far in my life, I made the most money within these two years. Ever mindful of showbiz’s fickleness, I made the most of what I could earn upfront, at the same time, carefully contemplating a fall-back career route. My present success came about because of my own diligence and compliance. Whatever TVB wanted me to do, I did. Frankly, TVB is jam-packed with budding actors. It will not mess up its production schedule for anybody. Also, one less actor gone does not mean one extra position to be filled. When people became famous and enjoyed some success, they might become arrogant and demanding. But they should remember who assisted them in their time of needs, and gave them their start. I started from the bottom up to today’s male lead; I know how to be appreciative and grateful.

No Regrets
When asked if it was pity that he became famous only after his mom’s death, Steven said he looks more to the present than the past. What is more important to him now are his father and sisters; and that he can share with them his accomplishments. It means a lot to him that he has them to join in his success. “When Mom was alive, she was happy. Big sister was a nurse, and her husband was a physical therapist, so Mom was well taken of at home. Her afflictions such as: infected wounds, atrophied extremities, so on and so forth, as well as, medicinal care were all taken care of by family members. We had never employed a maid to tend to her. Also, the staff in Elizabeth Hospital knew that Mom had a good husband and filial children during those 20 odd years. That was happiness….She’s gone now but I have no regrets.”

reporter: 馮慧詩

Translated by Tamaya
Source: xici fansite

related material: VV @asianfanatics

In 1999, Ultra Protection did not win a good viewers rate. On top of this, Steven has to bear the pain of losing his mom who has been cancer-strickened for more than 20 years but finally succumbed to cancer. What pains Steven most was he wasn't able to see her off. He isolated himself at home and landed in a state of despondency. "A good friend encouraged me by telling me a story by his teacher -- You can never diminish the pain brought to you by the death of your loved ones, and that this type of pain cannot be consoled by any logic, because in life, there must be tolerance. And being faced with death of loved ones, you will learn to treasure the ones remaining around you. It will also make you stronger. "I was in tears on reading that. I started reading his teacher's writings. They are all very aspiring. They made me realise that true life has to go through experiences and understand and accept that the cycle of life, old age, sickness and death is natural."

----chinese--

news 2003 SM's younger sister diagnosed with breast cancer,

2003-9-24
马浚伟闻妹妹患乳癌伤心欲绝
Steven Ma lost his mother to nasal cancer some years ago, which left a shadow in his life and had him worried that he might have inherited the same condition after experiencing nosebleeds earlier, but after being checked out he is fine. However, the heavens seem to be playing tricks on him as he finds his younger sister has developed breast cancer and he is worried for her health.

At the beginning of this month, Steven revealed happily that his elder sister had given birth and he was uncle for the fourth time, but who would have thought that not long after the good news, he receives the nightmare that his younger sister has developed breast cancer and he is devastated. Known throughout the circles as the filial son, Steven has in the past encouraged many sufferers and their families and published a book about being the relative of a patient that tells of some moving experiences, but offering encouragement, but now the cloud of cancer strikes his family once again. After Steven found out about his sister's condition, his mood has been low and it is his sister's determination that is comforting him in return. She will be undergoing two operations to stop the spread of the cancer cells and is currently receiving treatment as she vows to fight the illness with her determination.

Although Steven is busy caring for his sister, he has also had to perform at the Fujian Television's anniversary show that attracted many loyal fans who all wanted his autograph. Among them, one fan accidentally poked Steven in the mouth with her pen tip, cutting him slightly before he was whisked away for treatment by the crew. Steven was not angry because he knows that the fan didn't mean it and it was all an accident.

Credit to Em at TVB Space News Roundup
spcnet 
pic source

Steven Ma: "Jia Bao Yu's" Happy Life

马浚伟：“贾宝玉”的幸福生活
2004-01-03 23:55 　　

The Ma Family has 7 children, and Steven is the fourth child. Because he is the only son and from young possessed a stalwart and honest look, his parents naturally spoiled him more.

Every time Steven talked about his being spoiled when young he had on this facial expression: "Every time my parents went out for an outing they always brought me along but my sisters were not that lucky. They had to wait for their turn."  

Steven was also given a larger share of stuff to eat than his sisters as part of his parents' favoritism towards him.  Even though Steven seems to have a "Jia Bao Yu's" status in his family he was no Jia Bao Yu.  For a period of time Steven was extremely introverted and often kept to himself in his bedroom. His behavior greatly alarmed his family that he might have a withdrawal disorder.

Steven’s father is a former public bus driver, who was frequently away from home. During this period Steven had the freedom to escape the cabin fever of being stuck with his sisters at home.  Even in his middle school years, Steven was already very independent, and he often roamed the streets with his schoolmates having fun together. That was Steven’s childhood most favorite activity. Besides that he also liked to play video games for entertainment. The whole neighborhood knew he was a video game expert. It was because of these two activities that Steven gradually became more cheerful and not become a withdrawn person.

Despite his elevated status at home Steven did not abuse his preferential treatment as to bully his sisters. On the contrary, he was very protective of them. If faced with a problem, just a word to Steven and he would help them in every possible way, moreover, he would also think through a situation for them. Like how his younger sister had wanted to participate in “Miss Hong Kong” contest but Steven had strongly opposed that idea. He even used their familial relationship to dissuade her: “If you consider me your older brother then don’t participate.” His strong tone finally persuaded her to heed his advice.  Although his action was very chauvinistic Steven strongly believed that his younger sister’s character and naivety would not be suited to an entertainment career. He did what he did because he did not want his younger sister to get hurt.

related news - Steven forbids sister to join miss hk

2008-2009 SM's Former Manager sued him

Posted 11 January 2009 - 03:55 PM
AF751


HK$30m in debt, Steven Ma's former Manager is officially bankrupt.
Artiste Steven Ma's former manager, Frankie Fan (范志荣) with HK$30 million in debt, was pressed by one of his 71 creditors, Senior Accountant, Mr. Rong (容永道) to apply for bankruptcy protection last year. At that time, Fan said he would present an IVA debt reorganization proposal that will repay 75% of his debt within 5 years. But the high court revealed that since September last year, a 3 month's lapse, his proposal had yet to be presented, therefore indicative of bad faith. Accordingly, the court has officially declared him bankrupt. But Fan is still permitted to seek out IVA, and to belatedly present his proposal to the court; if approved, his bankruptcy status will be duly removed.

Currently filming “Stars of Love”, Steven declined any comments when asked about the bankruptcy case. As to Fan's last year lawsuit against him for half the equity of an apartment, Steven said he will consult his lawyer before making his decision.

*An IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) is a legally binding document between the debtor and his/her creditors

*******************************************************
AF 604 Posted by tamaya on 05 October 2008 - 11:56 AM
马浚伟被前经理人告上法庭 直言莫名其妙(图)
http://www.dayoo.com 2008-09-28 07:47

Former manager sued Steven Ma
Steven Ma and his then manager, Frankie Fan 范志荣, set up a joint company in 1999, but because of stock share conflict will contest latter’s lawsuit against him. Yesterday, Frankie (Sep 27) filed his lawsuit in high court claiming that when Steven divvied up the company new stocks, his (Frankie) share proportion was inequitably low, and that Steven had also illegitimately stripped him of his title of company president. Therefore, Frankie appeals to the court to rule that he should be given his ‘proper’ share of the company stocks, and to order Steven to turn in the company account books, and to re-compensate him for past proceeds.

Plaintiff (Frankie Fan)’s lawsuit against defendant (Steven Ma) claims that in Feb 1999 they jointly (each with 50% ownership) set up an entertainment company (式比奥娱乐有限公司). The same year in March, they purchased a unit with car park in 何文田山道加林阁 building complex under the company’s name. Plaintiff claims that in 2001 November, defendant re-issued 9998 new stocks to himself, thus, greatly diluting plaintiff’s own stock share from 50% to 0.01%. Subsequently, defendant (Steven) transferred plaintiff’s original shares to his sister’s name (马淑仪) . In 2005 September, plaintiff’s president title was (illegitimately) stripped, and sister (马淑仪) was given that same title. Plaintiff sued defendant for a breach of contract and will have the court decide the outcome.

Steven was preoccupied with filming “Dogs” and responded thus: “My lawyer received the litigation notice on Friday (Sep 26). I’ve only these 4 words to describe this whole situation “mo ming kei miu” (bizarre) Since he wishes to use the legal system to settle this matter, accordingly, I’ll let my lawyer handles it.”

He revealed that he has not seen Frankie for ages: “These 5 years we had not collaborated or seen each other. Thus, all news concerning him, I read from the newspapers.”

*****************************************************

AF#595 Posted by tamaya on 02 October 2008 - 11:07 PM
Steven is baffled by ex-manager's lawsuit against him. 2008-09-28
马浚伟遭前经理人控违诚信 变被告称莫名其妙 

Steven's ex-manager, Frankie Fan (范志荣) formally filed his lawsuit against Steven in high court yesterday (9/27). He claims that he and Steven had, in the name of their then joint company, purchased a unit with car park in 何文田加林阁. But Steven asserts that the plaintiff has no legal rights to half of the property. Frankie filed against him for a breach of contract and for due proceeds on the property. Steven acknowledges that he has indeed received the litigation notice, and that this lawsuit can only be described with these 4 words, “莫名其妙” (bizarre). However, since the other party wishes to settle this matter through the legal system, he will, accordingly, let his lawyer handle it. It appears that Senior Accountant Mr. Rong (容永道) had pressed Frankie for settlement of his defaulted debt of HK$3,500,000, consequently resulting in the latter's court filings of chapter 11 for his company and of personal bankruptcy, respectively. When asked whether Frankie deliberately dragged him into litigation because of his present financial straits, Steven says that he does not know as they had not been in touch for 5 years. So whatever news he heard about him is through the newspapers, and that is exactly how he knew of his troubles. Anyway, he hopes he (Frankie) will be able to resolve his problems.

source: http://ent.tom.com/2...E/10782486.html


*********************************************************

Steven's ex-manager owes HK20,000,00 in debt; declares bankruptcy.
2008-9-30 马浚伟前经理人欠债二千万被申请破产

Earlier on, accountant Mr Rong(容永道) had petitioned the court to declare Steven's former manager, Frankie Fan, (范志荣), bankrupt. The case was reviewed in court yesterday. Mr. Fan was absent from the hearing, but through his lawyer, it was disclosed that his debt amounted to over HK$20,000,000. His lawyer petitioned the court for a debt reorganization allowance, and for a later court date in Oct 20th. The case states that last year Mr. Rong (容永道) filed a lawsuit against Frankie. He claimed that Frankie, as the guarantor of 建星娱乐公司 company, took up an estimated HK$3,000,000 loan from him. Now that the company has defaulted on the loan, he is after Frankie for repayment of the debt. The court ruled against Frankie last March, subsequently, Mr. Rong filed a motion to have the court declare Frankie bankrupt.

 picture of the contested HK$6,000,000 unit w/ carport.

2001 Next Magazine: No Miracles Steven Ma

No Miracles - Steven Ma
Steven Ma portrays a stable boy in his new series, ‘On the Track or Off ‘ (勇往直前), so we came up with the idea of dressing up as a horse - the photographer assistant took the horse head, while I, the horse back. We all laughed and said we looked more like an ox instead. Steven said he thinks he is more of an ox. Is that not true? He has been in the industry for eight years, starting as clerk A (in the series), and only now did he finally take on the male lead. (tn:8 years (from 1993 - 2001),  but then it was not until 1997 that he formally joined TVB as a per series contract artist, so technically he became male lead after 4 years in tvb – pretty fast imo.) So, to be a lead horse on a fast track to fame is not for him – within a year he filmed 85 episodes, 2 movies and three commercials; truly hard-working like an ox. Other than the time when he first debut his music company dubbed him as the “2nd Lai Ming/dawn” (pun in Chinese= Leon Lai's name, which means dawn/daybreak) where he was sort of ‘blasted into the space’, he is like an ox with four hooves firmly-planted on the ground; in series--- portray a motivated protagonist, in government propaganda---advise viewers not to take drugs, even his tv commercial product endorsement is righteous too as 排毒美顏寶 (detoxify and beautify face product) youtube link.

When a group of fan girls all prefer to look at Edison Chen smiling his crooked smile, or Nicholas Tse strumming the guitar with his fingers, won’t he being cultured, honest, loyal, and upfront be too boring? Steven simply says: One can never be too polite.

Interviewer=I Steven=S

I: Becoming first male lead only after eight years of struggling; is that considered slower than other people?

S: If work at tv station then not considered too slow but as a singer, it is indeed very slow. Usually singer would debut as main lead. I’m different. My first series was 《 新 同 居 關 係 》as clerk A, the kind that only uttered a few lines in each episode. Perhaps about five years ago I advanced to the second line in Duke of Mt. Deer 《 鹿 鼎 記 》 as Hong Hei.; Healing Hands 1, and Return of the Cuckoo are of similar status.  This time around I’m the main lead. (OTTOO)

I: You believe in advancement by seniority?
S: I've always believed that. This is quite orderly. There’s foundation and there’s structure. My progression is very straightforward, no miracles there. Miracles never happened to me. The good point is that the viewers are given time to gradually accept you; the bad point is that you have to endure the seniority queuing advancement. If the whole process has 10 levels, most people may give up on level 5 or 6.

I’ve a younger sister who is very pretty. Someone suggested to her to enter the Miss Hong Kong Beauty Pageant. I forbade. In the future if I have children I would definitely forbid them to enter the entertainment circle. Because not everybody can withstand the pressure inside the circle. And now my younger sister is happily married

I: You too want to give up?
S: Yes. Maybe 5 years ago, that is three years after debuting. I felt that three years in the entertainment circle is an era, if after three years there is still not much result then I should fade out. That time, I had a contract with Warner Music, frankly speaking, they did not retain me. I heard lots of derison – but still, I shouldn't shift responsibility to others. Moreover, my mother’s unstable health also made me think of changing to a more stable job, so I 'd have more time to spend with her.

I: What made you stay?
S: I was formerly a sales executive in Tin’s Chemicals Ltd. Once inside the make-up room, a certain colleague not knowing I was there said loudly: “Tell Steven Ma to go back to sale屎 la!".  You understand? Sale-屎(shit) ya! Wei! I was indeed previously in sales, so what? This remark I remember to this day. I’ll always remember there are people looking down on me; that’s my motivation.

Prior as an artist my monthly salary was about HK$20,000; as a newbie artist, a show could get HK$3000, and in some month I could do 20+ shows. I may not be the most outstanding, but at least I didn’t waste my time. The earning is enough reason for me to stay.

I’m not the kind of person who’d just daydream. The owner of Tin’s Chemical told me that there will always be a position reserved for me; I like that kind of feeling. I don’t want to deadlock myself to one road only. I hope after I’m 40 years old I can retire from acting. Currently, I have stocks in my own music company, though only a small amount but still it is a business investment. I like to drink tea; this year I plan to open a tea shop; my older sister will run it. I’ve written a lot of essays waiting to be published into a book. I don’t have any super quality but I always know how to create opportunity for myself.

I: There’s a saying that TVB uses you because you can take hard work with no complaints, also compliant and obedient especially....

S: Especially recently when so many first line siu sangs have left the nest, that's why I got my turn? I know, everybody says I’m an ox. Indeed I’ve never complained. Wei, how many people would have like to be able to shoot 85 episodes within a year? If you say I’m hardworking, know that in this circle no one is indispensible. A person who is not hardworking should not even be given opportunity to start with.

What’s the meaning of ‘compliant and obedient’? Do they even know that last year TVB doubled my paycheck? It’s not like TVB did not pay me for my work, so what’s wrong with being compliant and obedient? I can only say it’s a sour grapes attitude. Other people are also just as compliant and obedient but still did not get work to do. Regardless, I believe I’ve the ability.

I: If talking about the fickleness of human nature, do you suddenly feel people showing more warmth?
S: The sudden kind of warmth I can differentiate. Those who truly care about me won’t only now start showing their concern for me. Besides, it’s not all that warm anyway. When I saw formerly familiar artist friends and I greeted them warmly, they only said a simple “hi’ and left. I thought to myself didn’t we use to play together? Is it because then I wasn’t threatening that you were my friend? Is it because now I give you pressure? If that is the case then sorry everybody hopes for a good result for themselves.

I: Don’t have many friends in the circle?
S: True. When I first joined the industry my family of 7 lived in a 300 square feet public housing in Bak Tin. Once, there was this fellow artist whose sister lived in Kowloon Tong, and that night she gave me a ride on her way home. She continuously asked me the directions. I knew she just wanted to hint that she seldom came to this district. When we got to my place, she said: “You live here?” From then onwards I knew to keep my distance.

I: Would your grassroot family background affect your confidence?
S: In this field, it's best if you're from an affluent background and also have a suitable qualification, that way it's easier to exude a star quality.  As for myself, my mom still cut my hair until I turned 18 years old.  (tn: 2013 interview Steven said it was until he was 20 years old that he had his first haircut in a salon.)  In my early years, many people asked me what overseas school/uni I graduated from. I said I studied in HK. And then they would ask which university? (in HK) I said I graduated high school only. It may be because people saw I was refined. (si-si man-man) Actually whether a person is decorous or well-bred or not is not necessarily correlated to education or family background.  The music company said to me that since people perceived you as such, why don't you just don't mention you only graduated high school. Well, I studied in C.M.A.Prevocational Schoo (中華廠商聯會職業先修中學) band 5, so what? I studied  metallurgical, capentry, water and electricity; so what? I feel that my parents brought me up well, at least I know to speak the truth.

My father has had been the only breadwinner in my family, drawing a monthly salary of about HK7000. My mother was a chronic patient. I started working in Form 3 selling ice cream. Every twice a week I pushed a 6-feet high ice cream cart from Haip Hong Road (海防道) all the way to Star House (星光行) .  During Form 5 I decided to find a job to help out my family.

I: Your image being too righteous, won't that have an opposite effect?
S: People have told me that. But truly I'm not the kind that love constant entertainment. (娛樂無窮) Eric Tsang's Super Trio game show invited me as guest but I didn't dare to accept because I knew I would only spoil the atmosphere. The kind reporters may describe me as low-key; one can even say outright say I'm boring. I'll answer all questions thrown at me, with no exaggeration at that, unless being asked my bank account which I'm sure no one will answer.  I did not intentionally pretend to be righteous. I continue to drink and smoke.  At 16 I got into sales, at 18 I represented my company (Tin's Chemical) to do business in mainland. What drink haven't I drunk?  Same with smoking; necessary in social entertaining. Later, smoke even more when filming intensified.

I: As to your respective romantic rumors with Ada Choi, and Astrid Chan, can it be considered as you trying hard to embellish your own blandness? (tn: 點綴 -use something merely for show)

S: The main thing is because I had looked them up to be in my mvs. Also, I truly appreciate them, other than that, there's nothing going on.  But the press kept at it, incessantly.  Company said it's a good thing, at first I thought fine, have some news as publicity but then later I found problems with that, especially since Ada is in a steady relationship with Nicky Wu. We treat and read the news as entertainment but the news may affect them, right? As artists, we already forgo too many things, I don't want to also lose my own true self, too.

Mother (Steven's) battle cancer for many years (tn: 22 years) .  Two years ago, she finally passed away. He could not shed tears during the funeral service or in the wake. The night after, he suddenly felt like drinking, so isolating himself inside the house, he drank bottle after bottle of beer until he became totally drunk, only then could he let his tears out. And he was that way two or three times per week for two months consecutively - like a treatment process. Finally he got past the mourning period for his mother's death. For this 30-year-old man, probably never again would a person or a situation make him be this super drunk or to cry that inconsolably.

Written by: 余家強

I've come across this reporter's news articles on Steven four times, (2001, 2002, 2006 , 2011). Except for this one (2001) article, the later articles were all written in a negative tone, taking jabs at Steven, and also peppered with snide remarks and outright hypebole. Don't know why Steven still let him interview him. 

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