Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: how a para-athlete fought for disability rights, social inclusion in city
- Ajmal Samuel has taken businesses to task for not providing wheelchair-friendly or accessible facilities throughout the years
- The seasoned athlete has represented the city in para-rowing at Asian Games and other sports competitions
Ajmal Samuel is a firm believer in hard work.
The 56-year-old entrepreneur, endurance athlete and disability rights activist said he considered a positive attitude at work just as important as a level playing field for ensuring anyone living with a disability could earn their keep.
An erstwhile jobseeker who had the door slammed in his face repeatedly in Hong Kong decades ago because of his nationality and disability, Samuel advised his peers to make sure they were employable, rather than focusing on the lack of opportunities.
“They need to work hard,” he said.
Born in Pakistan, he has achieved career development in Hong Kong through the sweat of his brow and rose from being a computer technician at a network service company to becoming an executive at several technology firms, before starting his own business.
