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Jimmy Chow

For Hongkonger Chuin Chi-wai, education has always been more than textbooks and classrooms; it is about unlocking the full potential within children, regardless of their abilities.
The principal of Hong Kong Red Cross Margaret Trench School, a haven for students with physical disabilities, has dedicated his career to transforming not just the way his pupils learn, but also how they see themselves.
This approach to blending education with empowerment has earned Chuin a finalist spot in the nurturing category of this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards.
The awards are an annual event jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and property developer Sino Group to honour remarkable individuals whose endeavours might otherwise go unnoticed.

At Margaret Trench, Chuin has overseen the integration of advanced assistive technologies into both the curriculum and the broader rehabilitation programme.
His work has made it possible for students who were previously confined to wheelchairs to walk using exoskeleton gait training devices, a first for a Hong Kong school. The transformation in these students’ lives is visible in their new-found independence and self-confidence.
“Each student has different abilities and our job is to identify and nurture their strengths,” Chuin explained.
“We’ve pushed inclusive education to its fullest, integrating both mainstream and special needs students. We do not look at what they cannot do, but rather what they can.”
Chuin’s approach is underpinned by a rigorous system of Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), tailored for each student in close consultation with parents, therapists, and teachers. The plans are reassessed regularly to ensure they meet the changing needs of the students.
The goal, as Chuin sees it, is not simply academic success but the development of life skills that prepare students for the realities of adulthood.
“Our priority is helping them gain independence,” he said. “Whether that means entering the workforce or learning to live on their own.”

His approach has been particularly transformative for students such as those whose severe physical disabilities had left them struggling to imagine a future of independence.
One such student, diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, has made incredible strides with the help of the school’s exoskeleton training devices, allowing him to walk when previously he was in a wheelchair.
“The exoskeleton gait training devices we introduced have changed lives,” said Chuin.
“Seeing the joy and pride in our students when they take their first steps, like anyone else, is indescribable.”
Christy Ng Yin-yi, head of special education and rehabilitation service at the Hong Kong Red Cross, acknowledged the broader impact of Chuin’s work.
“What Chuin has done goes beyond education,” she said. “He made sure that these students are not just prepared academically, but also socially, with the life skills to integrate into society.”
Chuin’s efforts have also helped shift perceptions among parents of children with special needs. For many, the idea of enrolling their child in a special school was initially met with reluctance.
Lo Wing-sun, the school supervisor, has worked closely with Chuin over the years and spoke highly of his ability to connect with parents.
“Many parents are unsure about special education at first,” Lo said. “But Chuin has this way of making them feel confident in their decision. They see their children thrive in ways they hadn’t thought possible, and that is because of his vision and dedication.”
Chuin’s broader goal is to continue developing the school’s role as a leader in both education and rehabilitation. He said he believed more work was needed to be done to provide postgraduate opportunities to students.
“We’re always thinking about how we can expand what we do here. It’s about preparing students for the future, and that does not end when they leave us,” he added.


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The exoskeleton gait training devices at Red Cross Margaret Trench School have changed lives. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

Photo: SCMP

School principal Chuin Chi-wai says each student has different abilities. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

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News

Hong Kong

Society

Chuin Chi-wai, head of Hong Kong Red Cross Margaret Trench school, combines education and assistive tech so pupils develop confidence and social skills


Chuin Chi-wai, head of Hong Kong Red Cross Margaret Trench school, combines education and assistive tech so pupils develop confidence and social skills.
