The passion he had for teaching was readily discerned by his school, when Ma was interviewed for a teaching post. Mr Chan Tze-leung, as an educator, reminisced, "When Ma Chi-hang told us candidly his convoluted academic path, we knew immediately that he was the right candidate for our school." Unlike ordinary schools in which teachers teach and sometimes have to deal with minor disciplinary problems of some naughty students, the school where Ma teaches is a constant daunting challenge. Students from relatively complicated family backgrounds, unmotivated with behavioural and emotional problems, are not uncommon in Ma's school. He said, "One day I have to fight back my tears by leaving my classroom when one of my students threatens me by holding a chair in front of me."

Such incident could have destroyed the enthusiasm of a young teacher. But what the Joy of Learning editorial team saw was a youthful face, composed yet determined. "I learn not to be judgemental and accept my students as they are." His words were echoed by what we saw after the interview.