Actor and former swimmer tricks 7-month-old Isla into planting a smooch, sparking online delight and parenting debates.
HONG KONG — Actor and former Hong Kong swim team member Alex Fong Lik-sun has cemented his reputation as a devoted father after sharing an adorable video in which he coaxed his seven-month-old daughter, Isla, into giving him what he called her “first主動 kiss.” The clip, posted Tuesday on Instagram, shows Fong biting a piece of cucumber, letting his daughter suck on it, and then leaning in for a peck on the lips — a moment that sent the actor jumping with joy.
Since becoming a father, Fong, 44, has frequently posted snippets of life with baby Isla, often portraying himself as the quintessential “girl dad.” In the latest reel, he wrote in Cantonese, “Say whatever you want, I don’t care. Anyway, this is Isla’s first time ‘actively’ kissing daddy.” The video quickly accumulated hundreds of comments from fans and fellow celebrities.
A Father’s Tender Trick
The footage shows Fong holding a cucumber slice between his teeth, allowing Isla to grasp it with her tiny hands and gnaw on the exposed end. After she takes a few bites, he gently moves closer, and she instinctively presses her lips to his. The actor then bounces up and down in visible excitement.
Some netizens jokingly accused Fong of using a “sneaky tactic” to earn the kiss. In response, he laughed and replied, “I have to teach her that other people aren’t allowed to do this.”
While the interaction appears playful, child development experts note that babies around Isla’s age are naturally drawn to mouth-based exploration and mimicry. “Infants learn through taste, touch, and imitation,” said Dr. May Leung, a Hong Kong-based pediatric psychologist. “When a parent models a behavior — like offering food mouth-to-mouth or leaning close — a baby may replicate the action as a form of bonding. It’s not necessarily romantic affection, but it is a sign of trust and attachment.”
A Proud Dad’s Public Journey
Fong, who represented Hong Kong in swimming before transitioning to an award-winning acting and singing career, has been open about the joys and challenges of new parenthood. He and his wife, artist Yoyo Yeung, welcomed Isla in early 2024. Last week, he posted a video of the baby taking her first swimming lesson — a nod to his own athletic background.
The actor’s willingness to share intimate father-daughter moments has resonated with a wide audience. In a city where celebrity parenting is often closely guarded, Fong’s candid posts offer a relatable, lighthearted counterpoint.
Broader Implications for Modern Parenting
The video also rekindles an age-old debate over the appropriateness of mouth-to-mouth sharing between parents and infants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against sharing utensils or pre-chewing food because of the risk of transmitting cavity-causing bacteria or infectious illnesses. However, many cultures practice premastication as a traditional feeding method.
Dr. Leung emphasizes that context matters. “A one-off playful interaction, as seen here, is very different from regular feeding practice. The key is hygiene and awareness. Parents should wash hands and ensure the parent is healthy.”
What’s Next for the Fong Family?
Fong has not indicated whether more “firsts” are planned for social media, but his growing fan base expects future milestones — possibly first steps, first words, or even first swimming stroke. For now, the actor seems content to savor every moment, even if he has to use a cucumber to get a kiss.
Related reading: For tips on safe infant feeding practices, visit the World Health Organization’s guidelines on complementary feeding.
