Dubbed "Magistrate Iron Fist" from his time before the Bar, Symon Wong has in recent years transitioned from the legal field to higher education sector. He taught at City University of Hong Kong's School of Law and served as a member of the council at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. This year, Mr Wong assumed the chairmanship of the council at HKAPA.
The "Iron Fist" nickname was inspired both by his passion for boxing and his firm-handed style in court. Though his roles may have changed, his purpose has not. "I was a mischievous kid who would never have come this far without the proper guidance," he admits. "I intend to motivate the young by example. Life is sometimes kickstarted by an 'aha' moment."
Symon Wong took lessons in martial arts from childhood, finding a calling in both Muay Thai and Taekwondo. By his teenage years, he was getting into fights a little too frequently, so his family sent him to Canada to continue his studies.
It wasn't an easy transition. He was at first plagued by the adjustment issues that plunged him into frustration.
"One of the causes was my elder brother's contempt for me," he recalls. "I just couldn't get over it. Then one day, I had an epiphany: I must get my act together and make up for lost time."
Mr Wong enrolled in university, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Canada. He entered the accounting field but soon discovered that law was his real interest. To earn tuition money, he found work as a property agent in Toronto. After a few years, he went to the United Kingdom to study law. In the early '90s, Mr Wong returned to Hong Kong where he became a practising barrister before being invited to join the Hong Kong judiciary as a magistrate. Following his retirement in 2016, he saw the chance to pivot to higher education.
Personal Passion for Music
Mr Wong currently wears many hats, a legacy of his time in the judiciary. He is a member of the Equal Opportunities Commission as well as the Competition Commission. He provides training in criminal law to the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, and Hong Kong Correctional Services Department.
Those roles all draw on his legal training. It may come as more of a surprise that music is one of his passions.
"I learnt how to drum, and formed a band with several like-minded friends when I was young," he notes. "We dabbled in simple rock 'n' roll before transitioning to complex heavy metal sounds, like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin."
Mr Wong stayed involved in music throughout his student life in Canada. While working as a barrister in Hong Kong, he took singing lessons on the side.
"As a boy, I didn't understand what my teachers meant when they said art can mould one's temperament," he explains. “It was much later that I found resonance in that statement. For instance, my mood affects how I feel about the same piece of music or song from day to day; but the song can also transform the way I receive it.”
About Artistic Principles
Mr Wong continues to support the arts, since he believes artistic creations influence society in a positive way. But he underscores that art must abide strictly by certain principles.
"What happened in 2019 had a huge impact on local university students," he says. "My role here as Council Chairman is to prevent similar incidents from happening, and ensure attempts at soft resistance will not infiltrate creative works."
Mr Wong emphasises that he takes gatekeeping very seriously. He also advises students to inform themselves about social realities.
"All tertiary institutions should be clear about one thing: as recipients of government subsidy, our policies should align with those of the government because their policy is part of national policy. It is the duty of institutions to comply."
Mr Wong also hopes to bridge communication between the authorities and the Academy. "We will ensure the depth and diversity of art and encourage creativity, only on the condition that art toes the red line."
Understanding is a crucial part of adaptation in any relationship. Mr Wong is of the view that the local arts industry offers limited opportunities for development. He advises performing artists to explore opportunities in the Mainland before looking farther afield.
"Success would not come to those too focused on money, who would only head north when a job presents itself," he warns. "Young people should endeavour to understand all facets of their country, and seek out prospects there."
He draws again on his experience in the legal field. Mr Wong points out that sitting qualifying exams in the Greater Bay Area has allowed Hong Kong's legal practitioners to practise in many cities. Similarly, the Academy should set its sights beyond Hong Kong by fortifying connections with local and the Mainland groups to give students a bigger stage.
"Performance is application," he says. "You don't play to your strength or progress by sitting in the classroom. In martial arts, if your moves are never put to the test, they're useless. Theory doesn't get you anywhere in the real world. I encourage students to interact more actively with the Mainland."
Brand with Great Potential
The performing arts industry is often considered a "dream factory". Mr Wong observes that many parents today still question the commitment of their offspring if they take up performing arts studies at the Academy. Likening HKAPA in jest to a promising investment bond, he says he aims to set right misconceptions and win the support of parents.
"The six Schools have no shortage of first-rate equipment and professional talent," he points out. "They have nurtured big-name graduates such as Tse Kwan-ho and Wong Cho-lam who started out in Hong Kong and landed on even greater platforms in the Mainland. Students can certainly take a leaf out of their books."
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Performing Arts, released at the end of March, HKAPA ranks first in Asia, and 10th worldwide. Mr Wong believes this is a recognition of the Academy's years of unwavering hard work.
"This outcome is not only a convincing reason to study in Hong Kong; it highlights the city's growing leverage on the international higher education sector," he insists. "We are immensely grateful to the government for its continued support, and look forward to enhancing collaborations with our various partners to advance arts education and cultural transmission, thereby further strengthening Hong Kong's role as a hub for international cultural exchange."
Mr Wong observes that the value of HKAPA brand rises as more and more graduates are recognised for their achievements. He reminds students that, while building on the success of their predecessors, they should also pay attention to fundamentals, abide by the principles of professional ethics, and be productive team players.
"It's a process where consistent actions accumulate to produce long-term results," he states. "But a single misstep can destroy everything. Trust takes years to build, seconds to break." With that, he encourages students to value what they have and honour every opportunity.
Disciplined Self-care Regimen
No matter how packed his schedule, Mr Wong is always full of energy and has a mind sharp as a tack. Apart from regular exercise, he maintains healthy dietary habits. "I make sure I'm 70% full at every meal," he explains. "Excessive intake burdens the body. I finish my dinner at least three hours before bedtime to give the digestive system ample time to work, and not overload internal organs during sleep." He also makes sure he gets sunlight daily as it helps to regulate his moods and his circadian rhythm.