imcsap.org – ZHENG HAO XIAN  CYNNYC CHENG, after graduating from Father Maryknoll High School, Cynnyc entered the Mathematics Department of the University of Hong Kong in 1973. He became an Officer of the Association in 1974 and served as Secretary for International Affairs and Permanent Secretary at its Fourteenth and fifteenth sessions. At the Pan-Asia Conference held in Hong Kong in May 1976, Cynnyc was elected Asia Secretary of the IMCS. In the same year, he and several members of the association organized the “New Youth Society” to run night classes for workers. The following year, he participated in the formation of the Baffin Road “Liberated Area”.

On October 31, 1979, when Cynnyc was on his way to Mexico to attend the World Congress of the Alumni Association of the Catholic University, his airplane mistakenly landed on the closed runway and crashed into the airport building, causing the untimely death of Cynnyc at the age of 25. [Yang Shao Xiong, The fifteenth President]

Who is Cynnyc?

He was born in a family of parents who were factory workers. And his twin sister was sent to others to be raised. He said he was born ahead of his sister, but his sister said she had kicked him out.  In his adulthood, he was still squinting and laughing about it. The English name of Cynnyc was created by Cynnyc himself, and he sets up the name of cyn in chy, which is symmetrical and unvowel. Luo shuji, who went to overseas with Cynnyc, said the name was always mentioned when people met first.

Mai Huixian, who is also the 55th director of the same group, described that he had a good character, never seen him getting angry, and when he was criticized, he was always silent and he would have note for his self-reflection. Cynnyc often brings a notebook and the bible with him wherever he goes.

Guan Shangyi had the most contact with Zheng Haoxian and cooperated well with both the Federation and IMCS. In his impression, Zheng Haoxian is not only able to listen humbly, but also good at analysis and summary. In meetings, when people were arguing, he would listen to their opinions, analyze them as he listened, and often quickly grasp the different aspects of perspective, and make a conclusion. Guan Shangyi also described Zheng Haoxian as someone with strong persuasive and organizational skills. There are endless stories to be told.

Guan Shangyi also remembered that the Pan Asia Conference in 1976 was originally held in Thailand, but because of the unrest in the local government, the IMCS had to find another place to hold the meeting. Cynnyc suggested that it should be organized by the Association. He enlisted the help of Mai Huixian, a student at CUHK who had finished the examination first to prepare the Asian regional conference which organized by the two groups (IMCS &WSCF) in limited time. While he was working with Mai Huixian, Cynnyc had to prepare for his exams. Because of this,  he failed some subjects and graduated a year late. In the years leading up to his death, as part of his work for the Asia regional secretariat of the IMCS, Cynnyc was constantly on the move, attending conferences and connecting with various public college student organizations . The constant exertion took a toll on his health. He suffered a low-grade fever from time to time. Although Cynnyc was losing weight, his eyes were bright.

His influence on the Association

In every word and deed, Cynnyc showed the strength of his inner faith and set an example for his brothers and sisters in the Association. It is difficult to list all of them here, but only five of them are listed as examples.

Be proactive and loving

Cynnyc showed his enthusiasm for the people around him and took the initiative to organize and participate in the work of the association. In addition to being fully committed to his duties, he also makes time to support the work of other officers and gives constructive advice when needed.  When Cynnyc was in charge of buying vegetables and cooking for the camp, all vegetables he bought were old and yellow, which he said he bought from the old and weak street vendors. Everyone laughed at him for buying “charitable  food”.  This inspired many students to reflect on the true meaning and practice of “standing with the poor and oppressed”.

 Friendly and faith-based

Zheng Haoxian is also an opinion leader. When people have an argument in a meeting, they always want someone to solve it. He would calmly summarize each person’s arguments and then offer his own opinion. He often draws references from the Bible and even liberation theology. With a bright eye and a nod and a cheerful smile, Cheng Ho-yin naturally resolved many differences. He spoke English fluently. He was always good at fostering a peaceful and harmonic atmosphere.  Cynnyc’s affinity helps people freely exchange ideas and promote each other in a peaceful atmosphere.

Apply what you learn to your life

Cynnyc majored in mathematics. Many people think that mathematics has nothing to do with daily life, but he often uses numbers to reason, to bring common sense into life. In 1975, Cynnyc and his  fellows attended a  TV debate during the deliberation of the Abortion Bill by the Hong Kong Legislative Council. The establishment figures who spoke on the stage tried to argue that abortion should not be legalized under the pretext of caring for women who were impregnated by rape. Based on the number of rapes in Hong Kong and the number of people present, Cynnyc estimated that at least 10 women had been raped. This immediately caused everyone in the room to look at each other and discuss who had been raped.

In addition to telling those present not to turn around, Cynnyc also further raised the more important issue of security. He stressed that the authorities should actively discuss how to improve the police’s ability to protect the public rather than passively resort to abortion as a solution to the aftermath of rape. This left those on stage speechless. This shows that Cynnyc can analyze and think about a thing outside of the box.

Strong organization and influence

Every December, the Association is busy with  preparation of various Christmas activities. Guang Shangyi remembers that just before Christmas in ’74, he received the news from the Philippines that his friend, Fr. Ed de la Torre, had been arrested. Those arrested with the priest had been tortured.  They were going on hunger strike in protest. Guan Shangyi asked in the executive meeting whether they could take action in solidarity. Cynnyc called for an emergency meeting of the council, which included representatives from all colleges and universities. At the meeting, Fr. Yu Li-him, former master of the Association, spoke on the prophetic role of Christians and college students. The motion was passed by a large margin by members of council who decided to show their support through non-violent action by fasting in parallel with those tortured in the Philippines. With the cooperation of all, the Association held a 24-hour hunger strike and prayer in the cathedral and also held a press conference, and delivered a letter of protest to the Philippine Consulate. Posters were displayed around the cathedral and at press conferences, including press releases and excerpts from the Vatican’s text on the Church’s Pastoral Charter in the Modern World, explaining why the Church is concerned with social justice. Reporters recorded the scenes and newspapers splashed them on the front pages. Under the pressure of international public opinion, the Philippine government released the persons concerned, which convinced the strength of mutual support of the Association .

The thought is agile, pinch pennies

In the days before computers, the typewriter was a symbol of professionalism. Cynnyc has been skillful in his quick and accurate typing in English.  When others express their opinions, he can silently type them.  At the same time, he gives his suggestions and also participates the discussion. He is good in multitasking.  Guang Shangyi shared a story which happened when he was the Asia secretary of the IMCS. In order to make more representative across Asia to attend the global meeting held in Spain, Cynnyc worked day and night.  The final number of participants was double the number of people the General assembly can support. This was because he arranged everyone by plane to gather in Bangkok, then took a Polish flight together, and then transfer from Poland to Spain. At that time, this flight just began so that the ticket was so reasonable.

In addition, computers and radios were just beginning to come into existence.  Cynnyc bought some and he let each person carry one, then transferred them in Spain to subsidize the shortfall. He racked his brains so that more students could broaden their  visual which played a catalytic role in the movement of students everywhere.

There is no fear in love

Guan Shangyi also recounted an experience when he was  in the Philippines with Cynnyc. They were received by an Irish priest, who introduced them to a young man. The young man uncovered his coat, at his back there were three holes, and then pull up the front, and there were three holes too. He told the two of them he was under local government’s persecution.

 In fact, he was a witness. The soldiers took him to a remote place and shot him. Fortunately, someone took him to a priest. When they were surprised, the priest said, “I took a picture of myself. Can you “ship” it out? Can you take it to Hong Kong for other people to see?” At that time, it was dangerous to “ship” these photos out of the country. When Guan Shangyi was still in doubt, Cynnyc quoted St. John’s letter, “There is no fear in perfect love.” (4:18)

Guan Shangyi put the photo on himself, covering himself with layer of clothes to pass. Fortunately he was not inspected. When they returned to Hong Kong, they made many copies of the photos and sent them to newspapers, many of which printed the photo, making the event a news story, and publicizing the reality of Marcos’ dictatorship in the Philippines known to the world. Cynnyc’s perfect love dispelled fear and set an example of faith practice for the Association.

Why is he so missed?

Cynnyc sees the Association as his second family.  Every day after class people could see him at the office. As Secretary of international Affairs, he often reports on the latest human rights situation in different places to broaden the horizons of the public. He leads discussions on solidarity. He also gives time to attend meetings of other officers in their work, such as external affairs and publications. Whenever there was a social event to be involved in, he was always there.

He also makes appointments with individual officers to attend the activities of Catholic alumni associations of various colleges and universities so that the college officers can feel that the Association cares about the affairs and direction of the Catholic alumni Associations, so as to strengthen the relationship between the Association and its members.

In addition to reading the Bible for reflection, Cynnyc also actively explores the challenges faced by the modern people and ways to practice faith, which has particular resonance with liberation theology. At that time, a young man in the Third world joined the guerilla in  face of social injustice, starved to death under siege, and wrote a diary entitled My Life for My Friends. When the book was published, Cynnyc read it in one sitting and shared the contents with others. He meant what he said.  He dedicated his life to fighting for human rights, justice and love.

When hearing the news of Cynnyc’s death, everyone moaned with the exclamation that “heaven envies  the talented”. All the masters, presidents, officers, councilors, members of the Association, as well as friends from the academic community attended the funeral and memorial service. People threw soil at the burial unto his coffin as if they had lost a beloved one in the family and they wished him “rest in peace”.  The Association published a special commemorative issue for him. He is the only member of the Association to have the honor.

Yang Meixi, the 16th secretary, recalled that when she first came into contact with the Association, she was a quiet and shy girl who graduated from a typical convent school. At a meeting to discuss social action, which was not in her character to participate in at that time, Cynnyc used the words of Jesus in the Bible: “The God of the Lord came to me because he anointed me and sent me to preach good news to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives, sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.” (Luke 4:18-19) He explains that this is our Christian duty. This drove Yang to think rationally: as followers of Christ, we should follow his words and deeds in accordance with the words of the Bible. Yang Meixi couldn’t find a reasonable excuse not to participate the meetings.  That was her first involvement in the student movement.

“Cynnyc had an endless amount of work to do for himself, but an endless amount of time to do for others,” Ms. Yang said in eulogy at Cynnyc’s memorial service. Although he has a lot of work, he was still very concerned about everyone’s needs. So there was great sadness and regret at his sudden departure!

There are three more reasons for regret. First of all, Cynnyc’s visit to the IMCS was his last before stepping down. If he hadn’t gone, he might still be with us. Second, he himself said that the trip was not necessary, and that it might be due to a sense of responsibility, so he still wanted to attend. Third, his passport was due with than less than six months, he needed a special application to make the trip, and his application might not be approved. He said if approved, he would go, otherwise he would not go. It was granted, and he went, but didn’t come back!

Cynnyc is remembered not only by friends in Hong Kong, but also by friends in Taiwan. Chen Ju-ju, who became head of the Taiwan Supervision and Inspection Board in 2020, served as the director of the International department of the East Asian Human Rights Association in 1979. In an article entitled, “In Memory of Cheng Hao-xian, a friend who devoted himself to human rights,” she wrote in the magazine “Beauty Island” :

“I left Taiwan in the middle of June. When I arrived in Tokyo, I received from your friend some information about the lack of human rights in the backward parts of Asia. I was very moved. Although we were born in different places, we share a concern for all suffering and oppressed people!”

“… A few days ago, I received an urgent call from a friend. I learned that you were going to Mexico to attend the human rights conference on behalf of the Asian region…… Unfortunately, you lost your life in a plane crash!”

“I shook my head repeatedly, do not wish to believe…  I hated it in my heart :  I  hate the impermanence of life, I hate the ruthlessness of death. How is it that those who bully goodness and crush sentient beings can live in peace?  But you lost your lfie with unfinished wishes?””

“I know, even in the last moment of life,  you were still working in order to maintain humanitarian and hustle!”

Luo Shuji  mentioned that Cynnyc had a friend from Taiwan who lived in Hong Kong at that time, she is a famous writer whose name is Shi Shuqing. The two were very close, just like siblings. The sister of Shi Shuqing who is also a good writer was speaking on a panel at the 2003 Hong Kong Book Fair of her  impression of Hong Kong,  she expressed she missed a Hong Kong youth named Zheng Haoxian . This shows his importance in the hearts of many people.

Finally, with this report, the Board of Directors would like to pay our deepest tribute and deepest respect to Zheng Haoxian who passed away recently. With the hignest regards!

[An excerpt from the book, An Oral Account of the History of Hong Kong Catholic Students Federation 1962-1980, pp.337-344]