HONG KONG/SHENZHEN – Renowned actors and presenters Michael Tong and Sammy Leung today championed the critical role of physical fitness and healthy living as they marked the grand opening of a new 24-hour gymnasium in Tuen Mun. The public appearance provided a platform for Tong to discuss his recent family relocation to Shenzhen and the evolving educational and career paths of his two sons, emphasizing the balance between physical activity, academic grounding, and creative ambition.
A longtime proponent of exercise, Michael Tong shared that maintaining a regular fitness routine is crucial for health and setting a positive example for his children. His eldest son, 13-year-old Hong Da Yan, shows a clear affinity for athletics, particularly football. Meanwhile, his younger son, 10-year-old Hong Jing Xi, exhibits a quieter, more studious nature, although he has recently gravitated toward gymnastics.
“It doesn’t matter what physical activity they choose, as long as they are moving,” Tong stated, noting that he encourages his children to pursue sports that genuinely interest them.
Nurturing Talent and New Educational Paths
Interestingly, despite his reserved nature, Jing Xi has developed a strong interest in performing arts, displaying a keen desire for screen time and singing. Tong supports this burgeoning enthusiasm, viewing exposure and performance training as beneficial life skills, whether his son eventually chooses a career onstage or in the boardroom.
“When I wanted to become an actor, my father supported me without interference,” Tong reflected. “I believe the most important thing is a strong educational foundation; after that, they are free to choose their own career path.”
This philosophy underscores Tong’s deliberate decision to move his family from Hong Kong to Shenzhen. Primarily recognizing the increasing demand for Chinese proficiency globally, the move aims to immerse his children in a Mandarin-speaking environment.
“We want them to view Chinese as a major world language,” Tong explained. The transition involved finding a Mainland international school that allowed his sons, who previously attended international schools in Hong Kong, to gradually improve their Chinese competency.
Career Resonance and Timing
The move, initially prompted by Tong’s extensive work commitments in mainland China, has unexpectedly coincided with a surge in his professional opportunities in Hong Kong. He recently experienced renewed visibility following projects like Squid Game 2 (where he was dubbed the “Game King”) and the film A Step into the Past.
“It’s strange; I moved to the mainland to spend more time with my wife and family, but now my Hong Kong work is increasing,” he commented, stressing that success in the entertainment industry often relies on a confluence of timing, location, and connections.
Fitness Goals and Personal Challenges
Also attending the event was seasoned radio host and presenter Sammy Leung, who revealed his plans to re-enter the competitive fitness arena. After participating in the 2024 HYROX Hong Kong event alongside three friends, Leung is preparing to tackle the 2025 competition in a paired division with a former high school classmate.
Leung confessed that his training had lapsed after the last event, highlighting the need for expert guidance this time around. “I tried training alone before and ended up injuring my neck,” he shared. “As you get older, you can’t rush the process; professional coaching is essential.”
Leung acknowledged the benefits of his extensive engagement in health endorsements—from morning facials to pain management clinics—which have supported his commitment to an active lifestyle. He views the upcoming competition not as a pursuit of awards, but as a personal challenge against inertia.
In lighter news, Leung also confirmed plans to finally take his children to collect the traditional Lunar New Year lai see (red packet) from his former on-screen partner, Kitty Yuen, who recently got married. This reversal of tradition was initiated by a reporter’s casual reminder during the event.
