HONG KONG – Veteran actress Alice Chan secured a substantial HK$500,000 credit limit prize during the annual TVB Anniversary Gala on Sunday evening, electing to immediately share the winnings with a group of 23 fellow performers who had voted for her during the televised event. The unique payout arrangement generated buzz following the festive competition, clarifying that the main winner was entitled to split the prize with supporting colleagues, regardless of the competition’s format.
The dramatic culmination of the “Thousands of Stars Gala,” a major celebratory event for broadcaster Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), saw Chan emerge victorious in the evening’s final signature game. The prize—a half-million Hong Kong dollar expense account, essentially a debt-free spending limit—was quickly distributed, turning one winner into 24 beneficiaries.
TVB Clarifies Prize Distribution Protocol
Initially, a degree of confusion arose regarding the precise rules of the finale game. However, TVB’s External Affairs Department issued a statement clarifying the procedure. While the ten main celebrity participants, including Chan, were technically playing for themselves, the structure of the prize allowed them to share a portion of the credit limit with those in a concurrent audience voting pool.
The network confirmed that Chan would share the total HK$500,000 credit prize equally among the 23 artists who cast votes supporting her leading up to the final reveal. This arrangement fostered immediate collective excitement rather than singular gain, transforming the high-stakes game into a broader company windfall.
Among those who benefited from Chan’s success was Choi Kwok Wai, known as the “Lottery Son,” along with singers Chris Ng and Jenny Chan. The sharing demonstrated a strong sense of camaraderie within the tight-knit industry, often highlighted during these celebratory galas.
Camaraderie Fuels Collective Win
Choi Kwok Wai took to social media shortly after the broadcast to express his delight, posting a jubilant photo with the actress. He recounted the evening’s events, emphasizing the spontaneous decision to support Chan.
“It was great to participate in the Anniversary Gala once again this year,” Choi wrote. “After rehearsing, I ran into Alice [Chan] and our other colleagues. When we learned that she was chosen to represent us in the final draw, we didn’t hesitate—we had to back her.”
He credited Chan with their collective fortune. “Thanks to sister Alice’s good luck, we hit the HK$500,000 debt-free credit line grand prize! Twenty-three artists get to share in this. We are so happy. Thank you, Alice. We hope the good fortune continues.”
This high-profile, shared victory underscores the unique corporate culture prevalent in major Asian entertainment studios, where success, particularly financial success on live television, often fuels group morale.
Implications for Future TVB Events
While the specific rules of the finale draw sparked minor debate online, the official clarification from TVB confirms that the payout mechanism was designed to distribute large prizes widely. This focus on inclusion and collective reward ensures that major flagship events like the Anniversary Gala are viewed not just as talent showcases but as opportunities to boost morale across the company’s vast roster of entertainers.
The shared winnings model serves as a generous gesture and reinforces the community spirit integral to TVB’s annual celebration, ensuring that the spectacle benefits more than just the immediate winner. The distribution now serves as a key talking point, overshadowing the competitive nature of the game with an inspiring story of collaboration and shared wealth.