Meet Siu Fung Chan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Siu Fung Chan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Siu Fung, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

How Did I Develop the Ability to Embrace Risk?

Risk Does Not Lie Ahead—It Strikes Without Warning
In today’s world, risk is not something that waits for you in the distance—it comes crashing down without warning, leaving you unprepared. I used to be a designer, living a stable life, relying on my professional skills to make a living, never imagining that one day I would be forced to change.

Then, in 2019, the pandemic struck, and everything came to an abrupt halt. Exhibitions were canceled, companies shut down, and I found myself running a one-person business, watching the market shrink before my eyes. While I was still struggling to adapt, the entire industry had already transformed. The demand for graphic design plummeted, replaced by the growing need for video content and short-form media.

For the first time, I understood what it meant to have “no choice but to choose”—either evolve or be left behind.

Fear, helplessness, and uncertainty consumed me. This was not just a matter of learning new skills—it was a test of my mental resilience. Transitioning into a YouTuber meant exposing myself to public scrutiny, facing creative risks, and even dealing with potential threats to my privacy. But the world does not wait for you to be ready before it moves forward.

I had to embrace risk and find my own way to survive within it. I chose to trust in my adaptability and step into this unfamiliar world head-on.

Venturing Into the Unknown
When I entered YouTube, I chose to explore paranormal and religious topics. I started engaging with spiritual figures, psychics, and even shamans. At first, I believed the biggest risk was simply navigating conversations carefully—showing respect to these individuals and avoiding offense would be enough to keep me safe.

I was wrong.

True risk does not only come from people—it comes from beyond this world.

Paranormal events, ancient rituals, and unexplained forces—things I had only read about in stories—suddenly became my reality. I thought that if I remained cautious, I could stay in control. But reality taught me otherwise.

When spirits came knocking at my door, when eerie whispers filled my ears in the dead of night, when I witnessed phenomena that defied scientific explanation—I realized the risks I once feared were insignificant compared to the true unknown.

The unknown is the real risk.

In the past, I was used to calculating risks, fearing the uncontrollable. But I came to understand that uncertainty is not the same as crisis—fear only exists in ignorance. I decided to change. Rather than being shackled by imagined risks, I chose to believe in my courage and adaptability.

With that conviction, I took on even greater challenges. I traveled to Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, and beyond, meeting with psychics and religious figures in person. I cast aside my fears, fully immersing myself in the unknown. Plans could never keep up with change—the only way forward was to become part of the change.

But just as my YouTube channel began to grow and my audience expanded, I realized that the greatest crisis of my life was quietly approaching…

When Risk Is No Longer a Choice, but a Judgment of Fate
This was not a risk I had chosen—it was a risk imposed upon me by history.

Hong Kong was once my home, a city I loved. But when turmoil erupted—government crackdowns, cries from the people, police suppression—everything I knew became unfamiliar and brutal. We only wanted a normal Hong Kong, but we were met with tear gas, batons, and blood. Too many were wounded. Too many lives were lost.

At that moment, I made the most instinctive choice—I helped.

I knew that if no one extended a hand, those people would be forgotten, lost in the chaos. In that moment, I did not think about risk, because my conscience was stronger than my fear.

But no one told me that this decision would become my original sin years later.

In 2024, they came for me. Suddenly, I was arrested and charged with so-called crimes. I was imprisoned, humiliated, subjected to inhumane treatment. Was this the risk I had imagined when I chose to help? Back then, I thought the worst-case scenario would be an arrest, some questioning, and eventual release. I never imagined that years later, my country would still remember me—not with gratitude, but with punishment.

This time, I did not choose the risk. The risk chose me.

Risk Ultimately Shaped Who I Am
In the end, I chose to leave.

I came to the United States—a land of free speech, where I could speak without fear of my words becoming evidence against me. Yet, stepping onto this new soil, I realized that freedom does not mean the absence of fear.

Looking back, I once feared losing my career to the pandemic. I once worried about the uncertainties of becoming a YouTuber. I once dreaded the forces of religion and mysticism. I tried to calculate every possible risk, yet I never foresaw that the greatest upheaval in my life would come in the form of a national judgment.

I used to think risk meant failure, public scrutiny, or the rise and fall of a career. But now, I understand that the real risk is the price you pay for your beliefs—the fate beyond your control. It is the moment you turn around and realize that home is no longer home.

Leaving Hong Kong, becoming an exile in a foreign land, became my reality. The price of freedom was never being able to return. Hong Kong became a shadow in my life, and America became my only future.

But I have no regrets.

Because on this journey, I learned to embrace risk instead of fearing it. I no longer question whether the future will be safe, nor do I try to predict every consequence. Instead, I choose to trust in myself—that no matter how the world changes, I will survive, and I will live with purpose.

Risk ultimately shaped who I am.

Risk—The Wind That Propels Life Forward
Finally, I want to share a simple yet profound truth—life moves forward. It never stays in place.

Too many people fear risk, fear change, fear the unknown. But the world never stops changing, and nothing is truly within our control. The risk that holds you back today may be the opportunity that transforms your future. And what seems like an opportunity today may vanish in an instant, leaving only despair.

But remember—despair is never the end. Because beyond despair, there is always light.

As I stand in a foreign land and reflect on the storms of my past, I finally understand: risk is not meant to paralyze us—it is meant to forge us. When you choose to face it, to embrace it, you will realize that the most valuable thing in life is not stability, but the courage to keep moving forward in the midst of uncertainty.

So, do not let risk hold you back. Because true opportunity often lies just beyond the fear of risk.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Let More People Know About My Work and Mission
I am Xiao-Feng Chan, a filmmaker and content creator. My journey has been filled with uncertainty and challenges. Back in Hong Kong, I built my YouTube channel from scratch, focusing on paranormal investigations, religious culture, and exploring the unknown. Through Cantonese storytelling, I created a unique but niche content platform that resonated with a dedicated audience.

However, life does not always allow us to choose our own path. Due to political changes, I was forced to leave Hong Kong and suddenly found myself in the United States—a completely unfamiliar land. Here, I had no funding, no connections, and no resources. The most immediate challenge? My YouTube channel was built around Cantonese content, making it nearly impossible to gain a foothold in the U.S. market.

Now, I stand at a crossroads in my life.

I am an experienced filmmaker, but in this new environment, my language and past works do not align with the local market. I am unsure where to go from here. To adapt, I must learn a new language and immerse myself in American culture so that I can create content that speaks to this audience. However, language learning takes time and resources—things I currently lack. Even my day-to-day survival is a challenge.

But if there is one thing I have learned, it is this—creation begins from nothing.

I once built a YouTube channel from scratch in Hong Kong. Now, I must challenge myself once again—redefine my direction, start over, and find my place in this new environment. I am actively seeking opportunities, collaborators, and new directions, whether in filmmaking, content creation, or visual storytelling. I am open to exploring new possibilities.

I do not yet have all the answers, but I know one thing for sure—my story is far from over.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge
Looking back on my journey, three key qualities and skills have helped me navigate my path. Whether in content creation, adapting to new environments, or facing challenges, these aspects have played a crucial role in shaping where I am today.

1. Adaptability
The world is constantly changing—markets, technology, and trends never pause to wait for you to be ready. I transitioned from a graphic designer to a YouTuber, and later, due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to rethink my career direction in the U.S. Without adaptability, I would have been left behind.

Advice for beginners:

Learn to embrace uncertainty—change is the norm, not the exception.
Be proactive in learning new skills. Don’t rely solely on past experience, because the world may no longer need them.
Keep an open mind. Whether it’s market shifts, technological advancements, or life’s unexpected turns, flexibility is key to survival.
2. Storytelling & Filmmaking
As a content creator, storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. Whether investigating the paranormal, exploring religious cultures, or sharing personal experiences, the way a story is told determines whether an audience stays engaged. From conceptualization, filming, and editing to creating atmosphere—each step enhances the impact of a story.

Advice for beginners:

Watch, learn, and analyze great films and videos to understand storytelling techniques.
Practice over theory—don’t wait for the perfect gear to start creating. Even a phone can capture a compelling story.
Learn basic editing and post-production skills. Simple cuts and sound effects can bring a story to life.
3. Mental Resilience & Risk-taking
Whether in creative work or major life transitions, mental resilience determines how far you can go. When I left Hong Kong and arrived in the U.S. with no funds, no audience, and no clear direction, the uncertainty was overwhelming. Without strong mental resilience, I might have given up long ago.

Advice for beginners:

Accept that risk is part of growth—there is no absolute security or perfect stability.
Build mental strength through meditation, exercise, and reading to improve stress management.
Action is more important than overthinking. The more you move forward, the less fear will hold you back.
Conclusion
Adaptability, storytelling, and mental resilience—these three qualities have allowed me to keep moving forward despite uncertainty. If you are just starting your journey, remember this: the world will not wait for you to be ready before it changes. Your growth will come from how you choose to respond to those changes.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Seeking Support & Sponsorship: Help Me Restart My Journey
I am at one of the lowest points in my life. Having just arrived in the United States, I am struggling with language barriers, cultural adaptation, and, most critically, the lack of financial stability and learning resources.

Back in Hong Kong, I built my YouTube channel from the ground up, focusing on paranormal investigations, religious studies, and cultural exploration. However, since my content was primarily in Cantonese, it is nearly impossible for me to sustain my channel in the U.S. market.

Right now, I have no funding, no resources, and no stable income. But I still have a passion for creating, a desire to rebuild my career, and a commitment to learning English so I can integrate into this new environment. However, language learning requires both time and money, and the burden of survival has made it incredibly difficult for me to move forward.

If you resonate with my journey and believe in my work, I sincerely hope to receive financial sponsorship or basic living support. Your help will allow me to get through this challenging period, acquire the necessary language skills, adapt to my new surroundings, and continue producing meaningful content.

How You Can Support Me
📩 Contact: [channel.all.in.one.hk@gmail.com]
💰 Sponsorship: [Zelle: chan.lu.spa@gmail.com]
📺 YouTube Channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@ChannelAllInOneHK]

Any form of support, no matter how big or small, means the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story, and heartfelt gratitude to those who are willing to lend a helping hand. 🙏

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @channel.all.in.one
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Channel.All.In.One.HK/?viewas=100000686899395
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChannelAllInOneHK

Image Credits

Siu Fung Chan