HONG KONG – A new season of a popular dating reality show has ignited a social media frenzy, not over celebrity contestants, but a 26-year-old air-conditioning technician. Oscar Fong, a mixed-race heartthrob, became an instant sensation during Monday night’s premiere of “Goddess Matchmaking Plan 2” on TVB, prompting a wave of humorous online posts about broken air conditioners.
The show, hosted by TV personality Bob Lam, kicked off with a “courageous suitor” audition segment. A panel of celebrity judges—including Lam, actress Kong Mei-yi, artiste Lam Sau-yi, and returning “goddesses” Maggie Leung and Carman Kwan—evaluated a pool of hopefuls. But it was Fong who stole the spotlight, captivating both the judges and viewers with his chiseled physique, confident smile, and articulate responses. Lam and Kwan were visibly impressed, with Lam jokingly swooning on set.
Within hours, Fong’s appearance triggered what netizens dubbed the “Broken AC Effect.” Threads of comments flooded social platforms, and a humorous “Home Suddenly Needs AC Cleaning Check-In Zone” emerged. The trend even caught the attention of married actress Jinny Ng, who wrote on social media, “My air conditioner at home is broken.” When a user asked why she didn’t tag her husband, Ng cheekily replied, “I handle things at home; no need to bother him.”
Fong’s sudden fame also brought scrutiny. Some netizens noted he had previously debuted as a member of the boy group OneUp, sparking speculation of a pre-arranged role on the show. Lam addressed the claims directly on social media, writing, “Yes, in principle, his main job is repairing air conditioners; his part-time job is being a singer.” He added, “In this entertainment industry, many people—whether actors or singers—hold several jobs to make ends meet and chase their dreams. Not everyone is at the top. I don’t see any issue, and there was no setup. He signed up online himself.” Lam concluded, “I thank all the brave suitors who auditioned. In my eyes, everyone was very courageous. Get to know him—his name is Oscar, and he really is quite handsome.”
Despite his exotic looks—Fong is of Portuguese, Filipino, and Chinese descent—he embraces local Hong Kong culture, even jokingly calling himself an “old cookie.” A self-proclaimed foodie, he frequently shares culinary photos online and lists yum cha dim sum favorites like “one basket, two pieces” as top picks. Beyond air-conditioning repair, Fong also demonstrated skill in painting walls, sharing before-and-after photos that drew praise from DIY enthusiasts. One netizen commented, “Suddenly I feel like my home needs a renovation.”
Fong’s previous entertainment credits include a stint on King Maker V and winning a radio award for best new artist. His multi-hyphenate career—balancing manual trades with show business—has resonated with viewers navigating economic pressures in Hong Kong.
The viral response highlights a broader cultural trend: audiences increasingly gravitate toward relatable, blue-collar talent over polished idols. As Fong’s popularity surges, the show’s producers are likely capitalizing on the moment, with future episodes promising more suitors and celebrity interactions. For now, Hong Kong’s air-conditioning repair shops may want to brace for an unusual spike in service calls.
