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CNA
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Renowned Hong Kong-based Singaporean food critic Chua Lam dies at age 83
Chua Lam, one of Asia's most renowned food critics and columnists to make a mark on Hong Kong's entertainment and culinary scene, died on Wednesday (Jun 25), at the age of 83. His death was announced on Chua's Facebook account on Friday afternoon, with the social media post saying that he died peacefully at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital in the company of his family and friends. 'In accordance with Chua's wishes, no ceremony will be held, and his body was cremated to avoid disturbing his relatives and friends,' the post said. Chua was the author of dozens of books, including travel journals, food critiques and texts on life philosophies, and hosted several cuisine appreciation and travel shows. Born in Singapore in 1941, Chua developed an interest in film, arts and literature from a young age. He published his first article in newspaper Nanyang Siang Pau at the age of 14. Two years later, he left the city state to study in Japan and majored in film. After travelling around New York, Seoul, as well as cities in India and Nepal, he settled down in Hong Kong in 1963 and worked for several years in the film production industry for Shaw Brothers Studio and Golden Harvest. He produced flicks such as Jackie Chan's Wheels On Meals, Armour Of God and Mr Nice Guy. In 1989, he co-hosted Celebrity Talk Show on Asia Television with his friends Ni Kuang and James Wong Jim, which caused a sensation. The programme featured numerous Hong Kong movie stars and artists of the era, including Joey Wong Cho-Yee, Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing and Maggie Cheung Man-yuk. Starting in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he entered the catering industry, including producing food and beverage reviews, as well as running his own restaurants. Chua was celebrated for his discerning palate and his dedication to unearthing the finest gastronomic experiences. In recent years, he organised special culinary tours across Asia and around the world. These tours often involved sampling dishes from four or five restaurants per day to identify and recommend the very best local speciality foods, a process he frequently detailed in his newspaper columns. He also served as a consultant for the popular mainland Chinese food documentaries A Bite Of China and Once Upon A Bite. Two years ago, while trying to help his wife up after a fall at their home, he suffered a severe hip injury that required surgery. His wife died while he was still recovering from the operation. Despite these challenges, Chua continued to reflect on life, a process that culminated in the release of his memoirs earlier this year, titled Lived. In the book, he shared his past experiences, his positive attitude towards life and his deep appreciation for food. In 2008, he once said: 'Death has never been taboo for me. It is inevitable. And I think we should learn how to prepare for our own death better. 'If I sensed that my time was about to end, I'd hold a big party and say goodbye to all my friends, then hide myself away. I have land in Chiang Mai. 'I would like my ashes scattered in Victoria Harbour, though.'
CNA
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Husband of veteran Hong Kong actress falls to his death, said to be heartbroken over wife's cancer battle
Veteran Hong Kong actress Hung Suet Nei, also known as Suet Nay, is mourning the death of her husband, renowned martial arts choreographer Tang Chia. He died on Monday (Jun 23) at the age of 88 after falling from a height in Jordan, a district in Hong Kong. According to Hong Kong media, the incident occurred around 5pm. Police received a report from a driver who witnessed a man falling from above and hitting a roadside sign before landing at the junction of Austin Road and Pine Tree Hill Road. He is believed to have fallen from the rooftop of a nearby building and died on the spot. No suicide note was found. Tang Chia began his career in martial arts at the age of 15 under the mentorship of martial artist Yuen Siu Tien. He started appearing in films at 19, and in the 1960s, he rose to prominence as one of director Chang Cheh's most trusted action choreographers, alongside Lau Kar Leung, at Shaw Brothers. In the 1980s, Tang Chia directed several classic kung fu films such as Shaolin Prince (1983), Shaolin Intruders (1983), and Opium And The Kung Fu Master (1984) – all regarded as standout works in the martial arts film genre. He later joined TVB as a martial arts choreographer and gradually withdrew from the entertainment industry in the late 1980s. Suet Nay was a popular Cantonese film starlet in the 1960s, best known for her iconic role as the swordswoman in The Legend Of Wonder Lady. At the peak of her career, she met Tang Chia on set. Captivated by his work ethic and loyalty, she wooed him and they married in 1969. They were widely regarded as one of Hong Kong showbiz's most loving couples. After retiring from showbiz in the late 1980s, the couple and their two sons immigrated to Canada but returned in the 1990s as they had difficulties adjusting to life overseas. When Suet Nay rejoined TVB in 1997, Tang Chia frequently accompanied her to events and shoots, preparing nourishing soups for her. Suet Nay once affectionately described her husband as her bodyguard, manager, and assistant, admitting that her strong personality often led to arguments – but Tang Chia always chose to give in. In recent years, Suet Nay was diagnosed with hereditary hearing loss, which left one ear completely deaf. Because of this, Tang Chia was always by her side, supporting her as a 'personal hearing aid'. According to reports, Suet Nay has been battling pancreatic cancer and hospitalised for long-term treatment. It is believed that Tang Chia had been greatly affected by her condition. Sources say he had previously expressed to their son how devastated he was, even saying he wished to 'die together' with Suet Nay. He was scheduled to visit a lawyer to sign his will but allegedly took his own life before he could leave for the appointment. A copy of the will was reportedly found at their home. This story was originally published in 8Days.
Hype Malaysia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Veteran Martial Artist Tong Gai Dead At 88 After Falling From A Building
The Hong Kong entertainment scene is in mourning following the death of the renowned martial artist Tong Gai (Tang Chia, 唐佳). He passed away at age 88 after falling from a building yesterday afternoon (23rd June 2025, Monday). According to reports, police were called to the scene after an elderly man fell from a building in Tsim Sha Tsui. The man was pronounced dead on the scene. He was later identified as 88-year-old Wong Tong, better known by his stage name Tong Gai. The veteran martial artist was known for his work as a martial arts choreographer in classic kung fu movies like 'Shaolin Prince' and 'One Armed Swordsman'. He was also the husband of veteran HK actress Suet Nay (雪妮). Police are still investigating the case, but sources say Tong Gai had been distressed by personal challenges recently, which led to him suffering from depression. While there was no suicide note found, it's believed the actor had taken his own life because he fell from the rooftop of the building. The case is now being treated as a suicide case by local authorities, and the cause of death is still pending the autopsy report. Tong Gai's career as a martial artist began when he became a kung fu student of Simon Yuen Siu Tien. After mastering the art, he became a martial arts instructor and later a martial arts and stunt choreographer for major production houses, including Shaw Brothers. Tong Gai married actress Suet Nay in 1969, and the couple is said to have a loving relationship. The pair have two sons. Tong Gai's family has yet to speak on his death. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Stuntman Association President and actor Chin Ka Lok (钱嘉乐) confirmed Tong Gai's death. He also said the association would do its best to assist the late star's family in funeral preparation. Fans and those in the entertainment industry have since taken to social media to share their condolences and tributes to Tong Gai. We extend our condolences to Suet Nay and Tong Gai's loved ones on their loss. May they find solace during this difficult time. Sources: China Press, Dimsum Daily What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Shaw Brothers costume ‘treasure' trove to showcase Hong Kong film legacy
Costumes worn by stars in many of the biggest films to emerge out of Hong Kong's golden era of cinema are being meticulously catalogued as part of plans to return the pieces from the acclaimed Shaw Brothers to the public eye. Since March, a team led by renowned Hong Kong stylist Tina Liu Tien-lan has been caring for 40,000 costumes from the company's productions at a two-floor, 3,344 square metre storage space at Shaw Studios in Tseung Kwan O. Dressed in masks, white protective coats and gloves, the nine-member-strong team has been commissioned to clean the costumes, research and build portfolios that include details such as the actors and actresses who wore them and fabric types. Highlights include antique dragon robes featured in The Adulteress (1963), a film about a scholar and a woman who fight to clear their names in conspiracies orchestrated by corrupt officials in the late Qing dynasty. A prison uniform sewn with the name Sung Sai-kit, the protagonist played by Stephen Chow Sing-chi in the comedy Justice, My Foot! (1992), is also part of the collection. The antiques were part of the golden era of the city's film industry as productions of Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong), founded by the late magnate Run Run Shaw, dominated the Asian movie scene in the 1960s. Some films also became hits internationally.
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Shaw Brothers costume ‘treasure' trove to showcase Hong Kong film legacy
Costumes worn by stars in many of the biggest films to emerge out of Hong Kong's golden era of cinema are being meticulously catalogued as part of plans to return the pieces from the acclaimed Shaw Brothers to the public eye. Since March, a team led by renowned Hong Kong stylist Tina Liu Tien-lan has been caring for 40,000 costumes from the company's productions at a two-floor, 3,344 square metre storage space at Shaw Studios in Tseung Kwan O. Dressed in masks, white protective coats and gloves, the nine-member-strong team has been commissioned to clean the costumes, research and build portfolios that include details such as the actors and actresses who wore them and fabric types. Highlights include antique dragon robes featured in The Adulteress (1963), a film about a scholar and a woman who fight to clear their names in conspiracies orchestrated by corrupt officials in the late Qing dynasty. A prison uniform sewn with the name Sung Sai-kit, the protagonist played by Stephen Chow Sing-chi in the comedy Justice, My Foot! (1992), is also part of the collection. The antiques were part of the golden era of the city's film industry as productions of Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong), founded by the late magnate Run Run Shaw, dominated the Asian movie scene in the 1960s. Some films also became hits internationally.
