Dr Rebecca LEE Lok-sze, MH
Founder, Polar Museum Foundation
Design graduate
Everyone is the designer of their own life. Others may follow the blueprint of “the victors in life”, seeking career success and a harmonious family. But she has fashioned her existence into three extraordinary extremes: extreme polar exploration, utmost dedication, and powerful environmentalism.
Dr Rebecca Lee Lok-sze is the first Hong Kong female explorer to have visited the three most extreme places on Earth – the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the summit of Mount Everest. The outside world is well acquainted with her explorer’s achievements, yet little is known that her legendary story began with graphic design.
After studying Commercial Design at PolyU’s predecessor Hong Kong Technical College, Dr Lee joined the lucrative commercial art industry after graduation to fulfil her dream of travelling around the world by the age of 30. Coincidentally, in 1985, she was invited to design an exhibition on the Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition’s first trip, and she was instantly captivated by the vast and mysterious distant land. Eventually, Dr Lee got the chance to visit the Antarctic as a member of the Chinese research team’s news group three years later, conducting her long-awaited studies on the extreme worlds.
In the mid-1980s, during her voyages between the North and South Poles, Dr Lee witnessed the rate at which humans were destroying the Earth, surpassing its self-cleansing ability. This profoundly affected her, leading her to abandon her thriving career to devote herself entirely to polar expeditions and environmental advocacy. Dr Lee has faced countless dangers, from mountaineers teetering on the edge of oblivion to 12-level hurricanes and waves nearly 20 metres high that have nearly engulfed her, yet she plunges in fearlessly and unwaveringly, all for the sake of the next generation: “I have no regrets; I am entirely content.”
Life’s obstacles are not confined to the blizzards of the poles. Back in her personal life, Dr Lee also encountered the hardships of a failed marriage and the onset of cancer. Through sheer determination and resilience, she single-handedly raised her two daughters to success and actively underwent treatment. What she cherishes is not the length of life but the numerous environmental protection tasks that still await completion. Her indomitable spirit and constant gratitude have enabled her to overcome each life obstacle.
One person’s power is limited, after all. Removing her expedition uniform, Dr Lee chose to harness the power of education to pass on her environmentalism. In 1997, she founded the Polar Museum Foundation, dedicated to inspiring the public, especially young people, to take an interest in polar scientific research and environmental protection. Over the years, the number of students in Hong Kong, the Mainland, and Taiwan who have attended her lectures has surpassed half a million. In 2003, Dr Lee received the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award from her alma mater, and was conferred the University Fellowship in 2009. “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my alma mater for not only equipping me with professional knowledge and skills in design but also nurturing those skills that have enabled me to think creatively, critically, and grow in wisdom. These have, in turn, enabled me to review my personal and social development, leading me to make the decision to devote my life to polar research and environmental education.”
Dr Lee has divided her life into distinct stages, each with clear goals: the first 20 years dedicated to hard study and physical training; the second 20 years to earning and broadening her horizons; and the third 20 years to realising her dreams and giving back to society. Looking back, she has achieved all: “I have completed the 20 years I designed, so I hope the next generation will understand our environment more and protect their future.” Honoured by the “2023-2024 You Bring Charm to the World Award”, Dr Lee has crafted her own life compass with her guiding principles and life philosophy. Indeed, only by heeding the call of our hearts, finding our passion, and following our enthusiasm can we truly design a life that we love.
I have completed the 20 years I designed, so I hope the next generation will understand our environment more and protect their future.
Publishing Date: September 2024
