Volunteer 'Pals' reveal Hong Kong's hidden stories and build bridges between cultures.

HONG KONG— Hong Kong resident Marco Kwok joyfully embraces another identity when he takes off his suit after a demanding day as a finance professional: host to guests from all over the world.As a volunteer for the Hong Kong Pals program, which is run by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Kwok enjoys showing tourists his city's best-kept secrets."As a cultural ambassador, I share this priceless experience with my friends and family in Hong Kong in addition to providing guests with the information they require and learning about their cultural origins. He describes it as a type of mutual enrichment. Since its inception in 2009, the initiative has brought together approximately 100 people from various backgrounds who are all passionate about their cherished city. These individuals are enthusiastic citizens who wish to promote Hong Kong's way of life and cultural legacy, provide local knowledge and guidance, and make sure that every visitor experiences the warmth and charm of the city.

Agnes Tam had many recollections from her time while volunteering. A retired executive from a global firm once used old, yellowish photographs to enable an elderly man who had been born in Hong Kong and was returning after leaving for the UK when he was five years old rediscover his early recollections of the city. She recalls, "We found 19 of the 20 locations he had photos of," with joy shining in her eyes. "When we parted, he gifted me his precious photo album to express his gratitude." With so many volunteer activities, Tam's post-retirement schedule is more hectic than ever. "I increasingly find that volunteering not only enriches my life but also allows me to discover self-worth and happiness in giving," she states. Lee Ka-lun, an education doctoral candidate