In a world where success is often measured by material wealth and corporate titles, Du Cong’s story stands out. A Harvard graduate and former Wall Street banker, Du Cong’s life took an unexpected turn, leading him from the heights of financial success to the depths of rural China’s AIDS crisis.
Early life and career
Du Cong was born in Hong Kong and moved to the United States with his parents after middle school. His journey was remarkable — from an immigrant to a Harvard graduate to a coveted position as a Vice President in a Wall Street investment bank. His career trajectory was the epitome of the “American Dream.”
However, 1996 marked a pivotal year in Du Cong’s life. While attending an AIDS conference in Beijing, he met a farmer and his son from Henan Province, both infected with HIV through unhygienic blood-selling practices. This encounter opened his eyes to a world far removed from the skyscrapers of Wall Street — a world where poverty and disease were rampant, and hope was a scarce commodity.
The reality of AIDS in rural China
Du Cong’s subsequent visits to the so-called “AIDS villages” revealed the grim reality of rural China. Muddy roads, dilapidated houses, and a pervasive despair characterized these villages. The villagers, many of whom were infected with HIV, lived in poverty, faced social stigma, and had little access to proper medical care.
Moved by the plight of these people, especially the children orphaned by AIDS, Du Cong made a life-altering decision. He resigned from his lucrative job to dedicate his life to charity work. This decision was met with bewilderment and opposition from his family and peers, who couldn’t fathom why he would abandon a successful career.
Challenges in charity work
Du Cong quickly learned that charity work in China was fraught with challenges. On one occasion, a local doctor coldly advised him not to visit the village, hinting at the government’s surveillance and the taboo surrounding AIDS. He persisted, driven by a commitment to make a difference despite being followed and warned.
In 1998, Du Cong established the Chi Heng Foundation (CHF), a registered charity based in Hong Kong with offices in China, where he channeled his savings and fundraising efforts into supporting AIDS orphans across China. The foundation initiated education, psychological counseling, vocational training, and social enterprise projects. Despite financial struggles and the emotional toll, Du Cong remained steadfast, inspired by the belief that helping even one person was significant.
Du Cong’s vision and legacy
After 25 years, the impact of Du Cong’s work has been profound. In 2023, the foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary with an art exhibition in Taipei, showcasing paintings by AIDS orphans, a testament to the healing power of art. The event also served as a platform to discuss the elimination of HIV/AIDS stigma.
Du Cong’s vision of a world without discrimination, where “rose gardens” of equality and vibrancy flourish, continues to inspire. His journey from Wall Street to rural China changed the course of his life and illuminated the lives of many who had been left in the shadows.
In a world where success is often narrowly defined, Du Cong’s story is a powerful reminder of the profound impact one can have when one looks beyond oneself and acts for the greater good.
