Sun Hung Kai Properties’ (SHKP) online reading platform Read For More had the privilege of interviewing Regina Ip, Convenor of the Executive Council and Member of the Legislative Council, about her new book, Regina’s English Works for You 8, as well as her personal journey and insights on English learning skills.

Read For More creates multimedia content, including interviews with leading figures and authors, to promote the joy of reading among young people. 

Graduated with first-class honours from the University of Hong Kong's Department of English, Mrs Yip taught English in a local secondary school after graduation, and was beloved by her students. Encouraged by her party members, she began writing about learning English after entering politics. Using her columns in English newspapers on common grammatical mistakes and vocabulary usage, her debut book was released in 2010. Her latest work, Regina’s English Works for You 8, will be launched at this year’s Hong Kong Book Fair. 

Mrs Ip said the key to mastering English lies in diligence - read more, listen more, and write extensively. She emphasized that the priority should be on conveying messages accurately, rather than using ornate language. She expressed concern over the decline in English proficiency in the city, despite the abundance of learning resources and technological advancements. She also stressed the importance of not only developing strong communication skills, but also cultivating an understanding of diverse cultures.

Mrs Ip also urged young people to confront their weaknesses head-on. She recounted how she was once criticized for being “socially awkward” when she first joined the government as an administrative officer. Determined to improve her social skills, she took on the role of social secretary for the Administrative Service Association, organizing many social activities. 

Sharing words of wisdom from English poet Walter Savage Landor, Mrs Ip inspired young people saying “I strove with none, for none was worth my strife. Nature I loved, and next to Nature, Art”.  She said young people should remember that they do not have to compete with others. The enemy is yourself and it is oneself that one should strive to overcome. 

Mrs Ip’s interview video and article (in Chinese only) are available on the Read For More website.