Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary: Episode #347 with Mei Yeung
Podcast Title: Chief Change Officer
Host: Vince Chan
Episode: #347 "May Yeung: Sculpting Impact from Dim Sum to Disability Inclusion"
Release Date: May 5, 2025
In Episode #347 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan engages in a profound conversation with Mei Yeung, a multifaceted individual whose journey spans art, finance, social activism, and personal resilience. This episode delves into Mei's transformative path, highlighting her dedication to using art as a tool for social change, her battle with cancer, and her role as a mother shaping her mission to inspire the next generation.
1. Guest Introduction and Background
Vince Chen introduces Mei Yeung as the founder of the charity Art of My Family, a teaching artist, cancer survivor, mother, and friend. Mei's mission is to harness the power of art to foster an environmentally sustainable, mentally healthy, and socially inclusive society in Hong Kong.
Vince Chen [00:12]: "Mei has experienced many life changes over the years. She's determined to use the power of art in her own way to change lives and create an environmentally sustainable, mentally healthy and socially inclusive society here in Hong Kong."
2. Artistic Journey and Education
Mei details her lifelong passion for art, tracing back to her early childhood in Hong Kong. Her artistic inclinations were nurtured through activities like drawing, ceramics, and photo origami with her parents.
Mei Yeung [03:26]: "Growing up, I have always really enjoyed art more than anything else... art was one of the ways my parents and I bonded."
Her formal education at the University of Chicago in visual arts and political science played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic philosophy. Influential professors, such as Jeff Oppenheimer, inspired her to integrate daily life materials into her art, leading her to specialize in Pop art and large public installations.
Mei Yeung [03:26]: "...Professor Jeff Oppenheimer gave a lecture on integrating art into daily life and daily life into art... major factors in my decision to become a sculpture specializing in Pop art and large installation for public spaces."
3. The Intersection of Music and Art
Music has been a significant influence on Mei's art. Trained under renowned Hong Kong conductor Mr. Jimmy Chan and pianist Mr. Daisy Chung, Mei's musical background complements her visual artistry, allowing her to create multimedia performances that blend sound and sculpture.
Mei Yeung [06:26]: "I used a lot of my dramatic experiences to create sculptures and direct stance and musical performances that amplified significance of each other."
Notable projects include Cocoon, showcased at the Netherlands Council General in Hong Kong, and intricate performances at the French Media Art Festival, where she fused Chinese and French musical instruments to enhance collaborative artistic expressions.
4. Career Transitions: From Finance to Art
Before fully committing to art, Mei amassed experience in the corporate world, including roles in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and corporate social responsibility (CSR) at Deliveroo. These roles provided her with insights into leveraging corporate resources for community support.
Mei Yeung [09:30]: "My transition from finance to startup and into art was a kind of gradual realization of my calling in life and what I really wanted to do through my career."
Her involvement in CSR initiatives, such as organizing community art events during Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, ignited her passion for social impact, ultimately leading her to establish Art of My Family in 2018.
5. Personal Resilience: Battling Cancer
A pivotal moment in Mei's life was her battle with cancer, which profoundly transformed her outlook. Previously a perfectionist, this experience instilled in her a deeper sense of faith in herself and an appreciation for life's small joys.
Mei Yeung [12:28]: "My cancer... gave me a new perspective on life. I transformed into someone who really place emphasis on faith... celebrate small things in life."
This personal struggle reinforced her commitment to using art to make a societal impact, emphasizing resilience, affirmation, and thankfulness in her work.
6. Embracing Motherhood and New Beginnings
Mei's marriage to Vince and the birth of her son, Archer, marked the beginning of a new chapter. Motherhood inspired her to create art aimed at enriching the lives of the next generation.
Mei Yeung [16:34]: "From my pregnancy to the birth of my son, Archer, I realized that my work should be created with the goal of enriching the next generation."
Her artwork Leap of Faith, featuring a massive handmade bamboo steamer, symbolizes growth and the transfer of cultural heritage to future generations.
7. Celebrating Hong Kong's Cultural Heritage
Mei incorporates elements of Hong Kong's rich culture into her art, such as dim sum and traditional games like Chinese checkers and ping pong. These motifs not only celebrate local heritage but also aim to preserve and share it globally.
Mei Yeung [18:17]: "One of the motifs that I have in my artwork is definitely Hong Kong's culture... dim sum, Chinese checkers... something I really love playing as a little girl."
Collaborations with fifth-generation bamboo artisans and initiatives like recycling seashells into art showcase her commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.
8. Art of My Family: Mission and Impact
Art of My Family focuses on making art accessible, promoting social inclusion, fostering cultural exchange, strengthening mental wellness, and championing environmental protection. Over six years, the charity has expanded its programs to include partnerships with universities and initiatives targeting mental wellness among underprivileged youth.
Mei Yeung [25:22]: "Art of My Family actually has launched programs like Hearts at Home program... to help strengthening the mental wellness of children with disabilities and also those that lack family care."
Key initiatives include the Art to Youth Artist Scheme, which nurtures creative talents in partnership with institutions like the Hong Kong Design Institute and Metropolitan University.
9. Fostering Mental Wellness and Social Inclusion
Acknowledging the rise of mental health challenges, especially post-COVID, Mei's charity emphasizes early intervention through art. Programs like Hearts at Home aim to integrate children from diverse backgrounds into society, providing them with creative outlets to express and heal.
Mei Yeung [28:19]: "We want to help those help them to integrate into society and to walk out from the shadow of the family negligence."
By placing unique sculptures across Hong Kong's districts, Art of My Family not only beautifies the city but also serves as a testament to the healing power of art.
10. Balancing Multiple Roles and Defining Life Mission
Managing her roles as a teaching artist, charity founder, mother, and cancer survivor, Mei emphasizes the importance of inspiring the next generation of artists and educators. Her life mission revolves around fostering creativity, dialogue, and growth both for herself and her students.
Mei Yeung [31:03]: "My life mission is to inspire the next generation of artists and art educators."
Through collaborative projects and specialized curricula, Mei strives to bridge the gap between creative processes and art-based learning, ensuring that her impact resonates beyond her immediate community.
11. Conclusion: A Legacy of Change and Inspiration
The episode concludes with Vince expressing admiration for Mei's dedication and impact, highlighting her role as a true Chief Change Officer.
Vince Chen [33:01]: "I'm really looking forward to seeing more of your artwork and attending your exhibitions."
Mei's journey exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have through resilience, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to social change. Her work continues to inspire countless individuals to outgrow themselves and strive for a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Notable Quotes:
- Mei Yeung [05:30]: "Art is a way of self-expression as well as a way of communication with others."
- Vince Chen [14:19]: "A near-death experience gives you a new perspective on life... someone who embraces life more fully and finds greater happiness."
- Mei Yeung [33:01]: "Teaching Artists... model the creative journey and also demonstrate the importance of their stiffening."
This comprehensive discussion with Mei Yeung offers listeners deep insights into leveraging art for societal transformation, the importance of mental wellness, and the power of personal resilience in driving meaningful change.