LONDON – Hong Kong music icon Kenny Bee wiped away tears as he watched his daughter Blythe Chung finally don her cap and gown at the University of the Arts London, nearly a year after her official graduation. The 21-year-old film and television graduate missed her original ceremony because she was working in mainland China, but the university granted her a special make-up ceremony—an honor reserved for students with outstanding academic records.
Bee, 70, who rose to fame as a member of the legendary Cantopop duo The Wynners, flew to London with his wife and family to witness the emotional milestone. “The moment I walked into the hall, I started crying,” Bee said in an interview following the event. “Seeing how she has grown up, I felt so blessed, and I’m so grateful that our family has always stayed together.”
Blythe, whose mother is Bee’s wife, Fan Jiang, completed her degree in television and film production last year but could not attend the commencement because of a prior work commitment in China. On Monday, she stepped onto the stage in a traditional black academic gown and mortarboard to receive her diploma, a moment her father described as “unforgettable.”
Bee said his daughter’s determination to finish her education on her own terms has been a source of immense pride. “Blythe has made me unbelievably proud. She never thought she deserved any special treatment just because she’s the child of a celebrity,” he said. “She insisted on completing her degree, and now she is determined to go back to Beijing to pursue a master’s in film directing.”
The father of four admitted he worries about the rigor of a graduate program but was moved by Blythe’s resolve. “She told me, ‘Not everyone who enters the industry becomes famous. So while I still have the choice, I want to study more and build a stronger foundation for my future.’” Bee added, “I consider myself very lucky to be her father. To have such a mature daughter—from her birth until now, these 21 years, I’ve been singing day and night, working day and night, and it has all been worth it. Everything.”
A rising star with an eye on directing
Blythe, who has already appeared in several mainland Chinese variety shows and short films, plans to enroll in a directing program at a Beijing institution later this year. Industry observers note that the decision to pursue postgraduate studies reflects a growing trend among second-generation celebrities in Asia who seek to carve out independent careers rather than rely on their parents’ fame.
The University of the Arts London, one of the world’s top art and design institutions, confirmed that make-up graduations are occasionally granted for exceptional circumstances, though the university declined to comment on individual cases.
For Bee, the ceremony was more than a diploma handover—it was a testament to family solidarity and youthful ambition. “Blythe, your father is proud of you,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.
The family plans to remain in London for a short holiday before returning to Hong Kong, where Bee is expected to resume his music schedule. Meanwhile, Blythe said she is “excited and a little nervous” about her next chapter, adding that she hopes to one day direct a feature film that bridges Hong Kong and mainland storytelling traditions.
As for Bee, the tears he shed at the ceremony may have been bittersweet, but they were also a reminder that for this veteran entertainer, the greatest performance is still the one unfolding before him: his daughter’s future.