A constellation of Hong Kong television personalities, including Benjamin Yuen and rising stars Franchesca Wong and Kelly Fu, gathered in Tsim Sha Tsui today to launch the annual TVB fundraising spectacular, Fun for Charity. The press conference highlighted the ambitious and varied performances planned, underscoring the cast’s commitment to philanthropic efforts through high-stakes stunts and musical collaborations set to air later this year.
Leading the charge in risk-taking is veteran actor Benjamin Yuen, who is reviving his high-difficulty motorcycle stunt for the event—an act he last performed seven years ago. Yuen confessed that becoming a husband and father has shifted his perspective on dangerous performances, introducing a new psychological hurdle.
“While I have that innate adventurous spirit, the responsibilities of being a parent now impact how I approach these risks,” Yuen stated. “But with adequate rehearsal time, I am confident we can deliver a spectacular show.”
Bridging Generations Through Music
Beyond his stunt work, Yuen will participate in a unique musical segment designed to span three generations of Hong Kong talent. He is set to perform alongside seasoned legends such as rock icon Tai Lung Ng (Summer Fung) and Pal Sinn, sharing the stage with several contemporary, younger artists.
Addressing recent online commentary regarding a singing segment during the Anniversary Gala, Yuen defended his colleagues. Though he admitted he hadn’t yet watched the performance, he was aware of the discussions. “On-stage performance has standards, but live shows inherently offer an authentic feel,” he noted. “That segment was primarily about introducing younger artistes to the audience, and in that sense, their direction was correct. It relieves pressure when I think of my own performances this way.”
Parenthood and Personal Reflections
The actor also shared heartwarming details about his family life, having recently welcomed his second son, prompting him to reflect on the benefits of having children close in age. Yuen’s wife, Bowie Cheung, has been actively involved in preparing their elder son, nicknamed “Yuen Gu Lou,” for big brother duties.
“My elder son constantly introduces himself as ‘Brother Hei-yau,’ which is very comforting,” Yuen shared. Teasingly, he added that if they were to have a daughter next, she would be nicknamed “Yuen Kuen,” and following her arrival, he joked about emulating his colleague Tony Hung by getting a vasectomy.
Regarding his career, Yuen addressed concerns about his recent low profile, explaining he is awaiting new script assignments from his network. He confirmed that in December, he will travel to Malaysia for several months to film a movie, aiming to complete the project before the Lunar New Year holiday. His recent work has enjoyed a resurgence thanks to the re-airing of his drama Line Walker 2, which has also sparked fond memories of his deceased co-star, Lui Siu-hung (Benz Hung).
Emerging Talent Takes Center Stage
Hosting the charity spectacular is Kelly Fu, who will reunite with her broadcast partner, Jessica Ho. Ho recently garnered significant attention during the Anniversary Gala after winning 20 round-trip tickets to Bangkok.
“I’ve received so many congratulations that I realized I would need 200 tickets to satisfy all the friends who want to join me in Thailand,” Ho joked when asked about her prize. While she plans a trip with female friends, she confirmed she would share a ticket with her rumored boyfriend, Karl Ting, if he requested one.
Adding to the list of participants were rising stars Franchesca Wong and Lau Yeung, both making their debut at the major gala. Wong expressed his excitement about witnessing the collective effort and energy backstage, noting, “The extended rehearsals for the musical segment generated a palpable sense of anticipation and drive.”
Lau Yeung, who earned praise for his meticulous preparation and striking resemblance to his character—a butcher—in a recent sketch, described his commitment to realism. “I observed butchers in the wet market, even copying a detail like the cupping marks on one artisan’s back to ensure authenticity,” he said. While his role for the charity show is focused on singing, he hinted at adding a dance routine should the director approve.
The forthcoming charity gala highlights the enduring spirit of community and the willingness of Hong Kong’s entertainment industry to utilize their platforms for positive societal impact, promising an evening of high entertainment for a vital cause.