Hong Kong Star Expands Horizons, Champions Pickleball at Community Event

HONG KONG, October 10, 2023 – Hong Kong singer and actor James Ng (吳業坤) engaged with the public and demonstrated his athletic versatility today at a pickleball promotional event in Kwun Tong, attracting numerous fans. Beyond showcasing his skills in an exhibition match with a coach and participating in interactive games with local children, Ng personally crafted commemorative items—a pickleball keychain and a hand-painted paddle—as heartfelt gifts for his mother and wife, highlighting the intersection of his professional life and personal commitments.

Ng, known for his diverse interests ranging from performing arts to martial arts training, discussed his recent foray into pickleball, noting its growing popularity within the entertainment industry. While he is an avid practitioner of karate, he emphasized the value of trying various sports. His mother’s presence at the event underscored the tight bond within his family, which he candidly addressed during a brief interview on supporting his career milestones.

Balancing Career Acceleration and Family Life

Reflecting on his recent surge in professional recognition, including a previous “Most Improved Artiste” award, Ng shared that his mother and wife reacted with comparable excitement and pride. He acknowledged the inherent challenges of balancing a demanding career with family time.

“While I am not neglectful, the time I dedicate to my family is often limited,” Ng admitted, expressing deep gratitude that his close relations have remained supportive without complaint. While he was unable to clinch the recent “Best TV Song” award, he remains optimistic about future opportunities, stressing his intention to dedicate significant time and focus to his music career this year.

Regarding immediate plans, Ng confirmed a celebratory family dinner was scheduled for that evening. He humorously shared his personal reward strategy: “I’ve already decided how to treat myself—I’ve invested some funds into my gaming recently.”

Commemorating a Decade in Entertainment

Ng also provided updates on his 10th-anniversary concert tour, which recently kicked off in Guangzhou. The tour is slated for international stops later this month, including performances in the United States and Toronto, before returning to mainland China for further dates.

He expressed a strong desire to conclude the commemorative tour in Hong Kong, emphasizing that the size of the final venue is secondary to fulfilling the significant milestone. Ng assured fans that he intends to host a dedicated meet-and-greet session to thank supporters, commonly known as “thank-you tickets” in the industry. However, due to a sharp increase in work commitments following his recent professional successes, scheduling this special interaction has been temporarily delayed, a situation he believes his devoted fan base will understand.

When asked about future family plans, particularly having children, Ng deferred the notion, pointing to his current career momentum.

“I don’t even have time to celebrate my wins right now,” he joked. “Let me focus on this phase of my career first. There are no plans for starting a family this year.”

The star’s candid outlook and participation in community events like the pickleball promotion continue to resonate with fans, offering a relatable glimpse into the life of a rapidly ascending figure in the Asian entertainment world.