During the day, Yeung Tze-chung works at a multimedia production company, but in his spare time, he is the convener for the Concern Group of Newly Emerged Religions, an NGO that investigates local cults. He talks to Queenie Man about his own time as a cult member.

HK Magazine: What inspired you to become a cult investigator?
Yeung Tze-chung: I never intended to become one. I was even in a controversial religious group myself for 10 years before I finally left. I had a hard time. I couldn’t contact anyone outside the group; it’s so enclosed and they’re extremely controlling and dominating. The weirdest thing is, like insurance agents, we had to meet quotas for inviting new members to the cult. After I left, I found that there are hardly any regulations for these mysterious groups. I’m here to maintain the order of authentic religions, stop the spread of outrageous information from these sects, and fight for the truth.

HK: How did you rid yourself of the beliefs you were indoctrinated with?
YT: I spent over 12 months reading the Bible and detoxifying my mind—to wash away the toxic beliefs, so to speak. I suddenly lost all my so-called friends in the cult, too—they all thought I’d been possessed by evil spirits.

HK: How do you define a cult?
YT: A cult is a group that separates itself from the mainstream, and dangerously distorts the views of mainstream religions.

HK: Why is your job so important?
YT: Currently, these groups are under barely any supervision by the government. My role is like a sheepdog, searching for black sheep. I’m trying to save as many souls as I can. People who haven’t joined the right religion are lost. I’ve experienced that before, and I’m trying to make sure that other people don’t stray from the path.

HK: Worst case ever?
YT: A few years ago, one church claimed that consuming hydrogen peroxide could cure a range of diseases. If you’re thinking straight, you’ll know this is an illogical and irrational claim because the chemical is toxic. Luckily, no one died. When the media exposed the case, the group was under a lot of pressure. But it’s scary to see how strong they are; they’re not afraid of outsiders, especially the media.

HK: How can we avoid getting recruited by a cult?
YT: It’s hard, because cult members are really good at masking themselves. Perhaps it was someone who helped you pick up your purse after you've dropped it, or the teacher who patted your shoulder in your music class. They usually show extra kindness to you, just to grab your attention. When they invite you to a gathering that practices mystic or mind-altering ceremonies, or where there’s a dominating figure, then you have to be careful.