Hong Kong celebrity and entrepreneur Grace Chan marked the buoyant start to her 2026 work calendar today by co-hosting the official launch of a major sportswear brand’s flagship store. The star, appearing alongside renowned fashion designer Vivienne Tam, celebrated not only the opening but also her recent resurgence as one of Asia’s most commercially successful digital influencers, reflecting a sharpened focus on her multifaceted career following industry recognition.
The high-profile appearance on Monday, January 16th, underscored Chan’s potent commercial appeal shortly after she secured the top position in a respected media advertising platform’s “2025 Top 10 IG Brand Content Ad Sales KOLs” ranking. The list tracks the highest earner from branded content engagement on Instagram.
Digital Dominance and Perseverance
Chan, a former Miss Hong Kong titleholder, leapfrogged competitors including Miriam Yeung, Charmaine Sheh, Joey Yung, and Coffee Lam to reclaim the prestigious number one slot. While acknowledging the metrics are sometimes “vague,” Chan emphasized that her success is rooted in dedicated effort and persistence.
“Seeing individuals across different entertainment sectors—singers, actors, and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)—successfully navigate media crossover proves the sheer dynamism of the entertainment industry,” Chan noted. She accepted the flagship store opening as her first official engagement of the New Year, symbolically affirming her strong trajectory.
The year 2026 holds particular significance for the actress, marking over 12 years since she first entered the industry after winning the 2013 Miss Hong Kong pageant. She reflected on her journey, noting the cyclical nature of her career. “My debut in the industry coincided with a previous Year of the Horse, and now, it appears I am entering a new accelerating stage in the Year of the Horse again,” she shared.
Chan admitted her path has included significant challenges and shifts, including transitioning roles and weathering harsh public criticism. However, she affirmed a commitment to overcoming obstacles and challenging her limits, stating she is prepared to “push boundaries to the point of exhaustion” to succeed.
Balancing Motherhood and Ambition
Discussing the relentless demands of her schedule, the mother of three highlighted the contrasting forms of exhaustion she experiences. While she recalled once working continuously for 50 hours on film sets without rest, she finds the morning routine of getting her young sons ready for school to be more draining.
Chan expressed profound gratitude for the support system provided by her parents and, crucially, her husband, actor Kevin Cheng. She credited Cheng with providing vital guidance, encouraging her to remain steadfast and focus on her own efforts and capabilities rather than succumbing to external scrutiny or negative judgments.
In recent months, Chan has been dedicated to spending quality time with her children. She recently enjoyed separate bonding trips with her elder sons, Rafael and Elias, traveling domestically to destinations like Sanya and Shenzhen. She confirmed her youngest son is currently too young for long-distance travel, though she noted the strong, non-competitive relationship between her three boys.
Looking ahead, Chan revealed that she has no immediate plans to try for a “Horse Year” baby, emphasizing her focus remains on her current family and professional commitments. She also disclosed a forthcoming work trip to Malaysia before the Lunar New Year holiday, after which she and her family plan to travel abroad for a celebratory break.
Chan’s ability to successfully leverage traditional media recognition into digital commercial viability exemplifies the modern celebrity economy, where authentic content creation is essential for long-term brand relevance and financial success.
