HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s reigning champion of the popular singing competition, Singing Senior, Chow Kat-pui, demonstrated commendable civic responsibility on Monday by finding and securing a lost mobile phone while traveling in a taxi. The star, widely known by his nickname “Gigi,” quickly took to social media to announce the discovery, ensuring the rightful owner had a chance to retrieve the device before he officially handed it over to authorities.
Chow posted a photo of the device on his social media account shortly after 4 p.m. local time on the 27th, informing his followers of the situation. “I found this phone in the taxi,” he wrote. “I will keep it safe for now and hand it in to the police station later this evening. I hope the owner sees this post.”
Praising Public Responsibility, Cautioning Against Direct Contact
The singer’s decisive action immediately drew widespread praise from fans and the general public alike, who lauded his act of integrity, or lu bu shi yi (not picking up what has fallen on the road).
However, Chow’s public status prompted several followers to offer important advice regarding the safe handling of missing property, particularly for public figures. Many urged him to avoid attempting to contact the owner directly for cautionary reasons.
“It is better to hand it to the police station; you don’t know who the other person might be,” one netizen commented, emphasizing the need for personal security in the digital age. Another advised, “Given you are a public figure, it is safest to take it to the police or hand it to the driver and record the taxi’s license plate number.” This advice underscores the general protocol concerning lost items, particularly high-value personal electronics.
Official Protocol for Lost Property
While the impulse to directly assist the owner is strong, legal and safety experts consistently recommend that individuals who find valuable lost property follow official channels.
For items found in public transport, the most responsible steps are:
- Inform the Operator: Immediately notify the taxi driver, bus driver, or transit company attendant so they can log the finding internally.
- Handover to Police: If the item cannot be immediately returned via the transport operator, the finder should promptly take the item to the nearest police station. This creates an official report, ensures legal protection for the finder, and establishes a secure mechanism for the owner to verify and claim the property.
By handing the phone over to the police, Mr. Chow avoids the security risks associated with directly interacting with an unknown owner and ensures the recovery process is properly recorded and safeguarded.
Chow Kat-pui’s actions highlight both the integrity of the individual and the nuanced challenges faced by public figures attempting to perform simple acts of good samaritanism. The incident serves as a helpful reminder for the public about the official and safest ways to manage lost property, ensuring both the finder’s security and the owner’s best chance of recovery.
