HONG KONG – Amidst the glitz and fanfare of the 2025 MAMA Awards, the prestigious Asian music ceremony momentarily transformed into a solemn tribute, acknowledging the devastating fire that recently struck the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court housing estate. On the evening of Thursday, October 28, during the first night of the event held at the Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium in Hong Kong, screen icon Chow Yun-fat led the audience in a minute of silence and offered condolences to victims and residents affected by the tragic blaze, which resulted in scores of casualties.
The biennial MAMA Awards (Mnet Asian Music Awards) proceeded as scheduled on October 28 and 29, following internal deliberation regarding the catastrophic fire that afflicted the Tai Po residential area just days prior. The decision to observe a formal moment of remembrance underscored the collective grief felt across the territory.
As the final presenter of the evening, Hong Kong legend Chow Yun-fat took the stage to present the ceremony’s most coveted award. Dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, distinguished by his signature white hair and glasses, the actor wore a black ribbon pinned to his chest—a common symbol of mourning and solidarity.
Before announcing the winner, the veteran star dedicated a significant portion of his address to the tragedy. Speaking first in Cantonese, and then repeating his message in Mandarin and English for the international audience, Chow issued a heartfelt plea: “Good evening. Before presenting this award, I wish to take a few moments of your time. I ask everyone to please stand up and join me in sending our deepest blessings to the residents of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.”
He continued, expressing hope and sympathy for the fire victims and their families. Upon his request, the entire stadium, packed with thousands of K-pop enthusiasts, industry professionals, and artists, rose to their feet. Chow Yun-fat then presided over a poignant one-minute period of quiet contemplation.
The emotional sincerity of the moment resonated strongly throughout the venue. As the silence concluded, multiple audience members could be heard shouting “Ga Yau” (加油), a Cantonese phrase meaning “add oil” or “keep going”—a common expression of encouragement and support in times of hardship. The spontaneous show of communal strength and empathy created a deeply moving scene, bridging the celebrity spectacle with recent local adversity.
The MAMA Awards, renowned for celebrating musical excellence across Asia, recognized the importance of acknowledging the local community’s pain. By integrating the tribute, the ceremony highlighted how significant cultural events often serve as platforms for broader social reflection and solidarity during difficult times. The gesture by Chow Yun-fat ensured that the focus briefly shifted from entertainment to humanitarian concern, offering a public display of respect and support for those profoundly impacted by the catastrophic residential fire.