HONG KONG — Fresh off their crowning moment, this year’s Miss Hong Kong titleholders were gifted cash vouchers for new vehicles on Thursday, as pageant organizers and sponsors look to fast-track the winners into the entertainment industry.
Second runner-up Yuen Sze-hang, first runner-up Tang Kwan-man, winner Li Chak-yan, and Miss Friendship Award recipient Li Ching-ching each received the vouchers at a ceremony attended by veteran producer Chung Shu-kai, studio director of TVB’s 77 Workshop.
New Wheels for New Winners
Yuen, who also holds a driver’s license, was presented with a brand-new electric car valued at over HK$200,000. She proudly described her driving skills as solid and said she would be happy to chauffeur her fellow titleholders to events once she becomes familiar with the vehicle’s handling.
Tang, meanwhile, revealed she is preparing to enroll in driving lessons. The first runner-up noted that she takes the MTR wearing a face mask and has not been recognized by commuters. In contrast, winner Li Chak-yan said she has no qualms about public recognition, even welcoming photo requests from fans who spot her on the street.
Li, a Yuen Long resident, said she is considering driving to save commuting time but admitted to lingering doubts. “I took the driving test five times and only got my license earlier this year,” she said. “For everyone’s safety, I’m still not confident enough to drive alone, so my boyfriend sometimes gives me a lift to work.”
Yuen, who is eyeing a move closer to TVB’s studios for work convenience, joked that she has invited Li to be her roommate.
Acting Ambitions and Producer Praise
Both Yuen and Li expressed interest in acting. Yuen said she admires the drama “The Queen of News” and would love to take on a strong female lead role. Li added that she hopes to learn from seasoned performers and is open to auditioning for parts.
Chung, who has been closely following this year’s batch of winners, singled out Yuen and Li for their potential. He noted that Yuen’s previous experience as a theme park performer gives her a natural advantage in front of the camera.
“I like casting new faces,” Chung said. “If there’s a suitable role or script, I wouldn’t rule out inviting the Miss HK winners to work with us.”
The producer, known for his work on contemporary dramas, also revealed he is keen to return to period pieces. “It’s been a long time since I filmed a costume drama — the last one was in mainland China,” he said. “Unfortunately, Hong Kong’s production environment and resources are limited compared to the mainland, but I’ll try my best to push for it.”
Upcoming Projects
Chung confirmed that “The Queen of News 3” is in early development, stressing that the creative process takes time. “The first two seasons were so well received that we want the third to be even more refined,” he said.
He also noted that “Return of the Cuckoo,” now airing in reruns on TVB, holds special significance — it marked his first collaboration with actress Charmaine Sheh, for whom he served as director.
His latest produced drama, “Rose War,” is slated to premiere in early November as a TVB anniversary production. Chung said the show will be released on mainland streaming platforms around the same time to maximize cross-border promotional synergy.
