Sylvia Chung
Safety Manager
Ocean Park Water World
Aberdeen - Hong Kong
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, April 2024
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment from Hong Kong Open University and a Bachelor of Law from China Jinan University. I worked for a law firm for 3 years, then switched to the construction industry to work as a safety adviser for 11 years. At the beginning of 2023, I moved from the construction industry to the leisure industry.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a registered Safety Adviser under the Hong Kong Labour Department, and I obtained my first NRPA Aquatic Facility Operator Certificate (AFO) at the 2023 WWA Symposium & Trade Show.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
Ocean Park and the team were awarded the Outstanding ESG award, acknowledging the Park’s effort and performance in the field of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I handled many work-related accident claims when I was a legal executive. I realized that most injuries could be prevented by providing advice, support, and analysis to help employers establish risk controls and management processes to promote sustainable business practices. So I took the occupational health and safety course and now work as a safety professional to prevent accidents and make people as safe as possible at work.
One day I received a job vacancy alert from JobsDB which said Ocean Park Water World was looking for safety personnel. I knew Ocean Park is a place of fun, happiness, and joyful memories, so I did not want to miss this opportunity. I feel so lucky to be working at Ocean Park Water World!
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The outdoor activities and fun! Nowadays, electronic devices are all around us, as people use technology to communicate with friends, family and coworkers. But that also means many people do not get together with others to create happy memories as often as they did in the past. Working in a waterpark lets me continuously interact with colleagues, families, and kids. I am very happy that we provide a fun-filled waterpark experience for parents and kids to enjoy safe facilities and create core memories without screens.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Wow, this is a tough question because there are lots of people around me who have always given me suggestions and guided me in the right direction. If I had to pick one, I would say my father has most inspired me in my career. He taught me to think outside of the box and remain curious about different perspectives.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Seeing the smiles on our guests who had a safe day at the park and knowing my colleagues got to work and back home safely with no accidents has always motivated me to focus on my job.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. As safety personnel, you should always ask questions and explore safety concerns with curiosity and open-mindedness. Asking questions makes it easier to identify potential hazards and find alternative solutions and innovations.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
TED Talks.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I love the new knowledge, challenges, and opportunities of this job.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I would say I want to have the same career path as what I have now.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cathy Haggarty. She has provided incredible support and valuable information. I learned a lot and I met many talented and experienced people at my first WWA Symposium & Trade Show.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
It was my first time visiting the United States when I participated in the 2023 WWA Symposium & Trade Show.