Autumn Issue, 2017

“We save whoever in danger, no matter he or she is a civilian or injured militant.” Jason Yip, once worked in global investment bank, was the only person from Hong Kong who served as a delegate at the forefront of battlefields, such as, Palestine, Afghanistan, Jordan and Syria, for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the past five years. On the battlefield, guns and weapons may be “the solution”, but Jason believes that communications is the ultimate key to peace. “There are many solutions to one problem. So, why not dialogue? The problem will never be solved if only one side responds to the question.” Not only would Jason negotiate with and seek compromise with government officials in the warzone on certain humanitarian issues, he would also play volleyball with civilians, or even militants in his pastimes. “Social skill is important, especially in warzones where you have to build trust with all parties to make things happen.” Being a Chinese, Jason thinks his “neutral” nationality and look help him to meet his work goals. Indeed, his humanitarian journey started when he chose to take part in a livelihood development From Banks to Battlefields Jason Yip 葉維昌 (BBA(Acc&Fin) 2004) Photo: 《 明周》雜誌、明周文化 FB 及 mpweekly.com “ Social skill is important, especially in warzones where you have to build trust with all parties to make things happen. ” programme in Kenya for an HKU exchange programme, instead of working as an intern in an accounting firm in South Africa. Despite his plan to work at the United Nations, he worked in a global investment bank right after his graduation with a BBA degree. However, Jason finds his work in banking has trained him to be able to work under extreme pressure and to handle emergencies, which has helped him to survive in the warzone. To work in such a hectic and stressful environment, what would Jason regret the most? “If you ask me five years ago, I would say my regret is joining the ICRC too late. But now, my answer is I regret so much that I didn’t spend much time with my parents. You may find it cliché, but every time I come back from my warzone trip, my mother gets older and older.” Unlike World Wars I and II, Jason is aware that wars in modern days seem to be never ending. Currently, Jason is the Programme Manager of Government Affairs and Donor Relations Division at ICRC in Geneva. He would like to devote more of his time to raise public awareness and how the public can offer support to those who are working or suffering in the warzones. 62 Class Notes