Prominent actor Edwin Siu provided familiar support to aspiring personality Sheree Hui, daughter of the late, beloved actor Hui Shiu-hung (known popularly as “Benz Hung”), as they made a joint appearance at a Lunar New Year celebration in Tsing Yi today. This public event marked Sheree Hui’s first solo engagement without her father, coming just over two months after the veteran actor’s passing, highlighting her emotional resilience amid profound loss and her burgeoning foray into the entertainment industry.
Navigating Loss During Festive Season
Appearing as a “celebrity chef” alongside Siu, a long-time family acquaintance and neighbor, Hui candidly addressed the ongoing emotional difficulties her family faces. Her father, a cinematic stalwart, died late last year. Hui admitted that while she and her mother are slowly adapting, major holidays amplify the void left by a close relative. The approaching Lunar New Year, she confided, is expected to be particularly tough.
To cope, Hui described adopting a protective mindset. “I am trying to view this as if my father has simply gone away to work,” she explained, referencing his frequent lengthy film shoots that often kept him away from home during major holidays. “It’s about learning to adjust my feelings and giving ourselves time to digest this new reality.”
The family’s sense of loss was compounded recently by the death of their 12-year-old family dog. Hui expressed relief that the pet passed peacefully in its sleep, sparing it undue suffering. “I like to think the dog went to keep my father company,” she added, finding comfort in the timing.
Entrepreneurial Shift and Career Ambitions
With the holiday approaching, Hui confirmed her decision to remain in Hong Kong with her family. She revealed a significant shift in her career path, stepping away from her restaurant business interests in Singapore to focus on entrepreneurial pursuits back home. Crucially, she also expressed a keen interest in exploring front-of-screen opportunities in Hong Kong’s vibrant media landscape, signaling a potential move following in her father’s footsteps.
The Lunar New Year celebration will be a subdued, family-focused affair this year. Hui detailed their plans, explaining they will gather at home with her grandparents and mother. Traditional Chinese dishes will be prepared largely by their household staff, who is proficient in the cuisine, allowing Hui to focus her culinary efforts on preparing specialized holiday treats.
“My parents always loved my sweet potato and coconut nian gao (New Year’s cake),” she noted, committing to preparing the traditional sticky rice dessert that holds such strong sentimental value. This act of culinary tribute underscores how families maintain connections and honor memories through shared traditions and favorite foods during times of mourning.
Supportive Debut and Future Focus
Edwin Siu’s presence offered tangible support during Hui’s public debut. Their established neighborly relationship provided a level of comfort essential for her first large-scale public appearance while managing profound grief.
Hui’s decision to return to Hong Kong for business and potential media work represents a brave step toward a new chapter. The coming year will undoubtedly test her adaptability and resilience as she balances family needs, entrepreneurial demands, and the emotional challenges that accompany such significant loss, all while stepping into the public eye for the first time. Her open discussion of grief and commitment to moving forward offers a relatable narrative for many navigating personal tragedies during culturally significant times.
