HONG KONG — A former Miss Hong Kong contestant who withdrew from the competition three years ago has been crowned the winner of the Hong Kong district Miss Universe pageant, earning the right to represent the territory at the global finals in Puerto Rico.
The pageant, held Thursday evening, featured 15 contestants competing in talent, swimsuit, evening gown and Q&A segments. Zhou Ting, 27, who originally stepped away from the Miss Hong Kong competition in 2023 citing personal commitments, took home both the crown and the “Most Popular” award.
A Second Chance on Stage
Speaking after her victory, Zhou acknowledged that the timing simply was not right when she withdrew from the 2023 Miss Hong Kong pageant. At the time, she was working in banking and decided to focus on her career.
“When I first pulled out, it was because my job required my full attention. The timing was off. But coming back to the stage now and winning feels incredible,” Zhou told reporters. She expressed deep gratitude to family and friends who attended the event to support her.
The win marks Zhou’s return to the pageant world after a three-year hiatus, and she will now prepare to compete against candidates from around the globe at the Miss Universe finals in Puerto Rico.
Family Ties and Celebrity Support
First runner-up Liang Yiling, 23, the goddaughter of veteran Hong Kong actor Lu Liangwei, received the “Best Catwalk” award. Her godmother Yang Xiaojuan was among a star-studded group of supporters that included actress Zhang Yushan, singer-actor Chou Li-chi and model Wang Yuanyuan.
Liang said several friends traveled from abroad specifically to watch her compete. “I’m really happy with second place. The months of training pushed me to grow, break through my limits and challenge myself,” she said. She emphasized that she maintained a balanced perspective on winning and losing.
The runner-up revealed plans to pursue a career in entertainment, stating she wants to “try different things while still young.” Her first post-competition priority? Food — she said she is most looking forward to enjoying a good meal after months of strict dieting.
Feet First: The Third-Place Priority
Second runner-up Liang Shengtong, who also took home the “Best Eloquence” award, said she never expected to place among the top three. What she will remember most is the bonding and training experience with the other contestants.
But the immediate post-show goal for Liang Shengtong was simple: removing her high heels. “I’ve been in them all day. The first thing I want to do is take them off and rest,” she said with a laugh.
Looking Ahead
The Hong Kong district Miss Universe pageant is a preliminary stage for the global competition, scheduled to take place later this year in Puerto Rico. The winner’s journey will now shift to international preparation, representing Hong Kong on a world stage that has increasingly drawn attention for its diversity of contestants and cultural representation.
With Zhou’s comeback story, a celebrity-connected runner-up and a grounded third-place finisher, this year’s pageant underscored a mix of perseverance, ambition and the simple human desire for comfort after a long night in heels.
