5 former Miss Hong Kong contestants who made a difference: Maggie Cheung and Pauline Yeung starred on screen with Tony Leung and Jackie Chan, Erica Yuen entered politics … but who became a barrister?

Dec 15 , 2023

Beauty queens beyond the screen (from left): Maggie Cheung, Cally Kwong and Tracy Chu.
Photos: Getty/SCMP/ @tracytschu/Instagram — Beauty queens beyond the screen (from left): Maggie Cheung, Cally Kwong and Tracy Chu. Photos: Getty/SCMP/ @tracytschu/Instagram

Maggie Cheung started out in TVB dramas with Tony Leung and Andy Lau, but went on to become the ultimate art house icon as director Wong Kar-wai’s muse – even winning best actress at Cannes Film Festival

Cally Kwong became a successful Cantopop star and recorded the Cantonese version of Disney’s Little Mermaid theme, before building her Cally Jewellery brand, and Tracy Chu lectures for HKU Space

Back in 1946, the Miss Hong Kong Pageant was born into another world, sporting a tagline that translates roughly as “beauty and brains”. Amazingly, the contest still rivets viewers today and, over the years it’s seen many gorgeous and brilliant women grace our screens. And as archaic as the concept may be, the annual spectacle remains one sure-fire way for women with aspirations to get their foot in the entertainment industry – and nabbing a title guarantees a contract with organiser TVB, Hong Kong’s foremost television station, which has hosted the glamorous event since 1973.

Indeed, some of Asia’s most recognisable female faces got their beginning from the contest, leveraging the early exposure to build successful careers beyond the silver screen. Here, we look at five Miss Hong Kong contestants who’ve made a lasting mark beyond pop culture – from business to politics.

1. Maggie Cheung

Maggie Cheung finished second in the 1983 Miss Hong Kong pageant and went on to be a TVB star. Photo: hk.aboluowang.com

Arguably one of the most successful actresses Hong Kong has ever produced, Maggie Cheung entered the 1983 Miss Hong Kong pageant. Despite only landing second place, her youthful good looks immediately attracted directors and she was soon cast in TVB dramas alongside male leads like Tony Leung and Andy Lau.

She segued into films and became one of director Wong Kar-wai’s many muses. Her career highlights include winning best actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards and Taiwan’s Golden Horse Award for her role in In the Mood of Love.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Maggie Cheung in 2000’s In the Mood for Love. Photo: Wingshya

Later, in 2005, Cheung received the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for the French film Clean.

2. Erica Yuen

Erica Yuen moved from entertainment to politics and started her own party. Photo: Clara Mak

A top-five Miss Hong Kong finalist in 2005 and winner of the Tourism Ambassador award, Erica Yuen had a brief stint in the entertainment industry before shifting her focus to her political aspirations.

She was a founding member of the political party People Power and its chair between 2013 and 2016. She ran for but lost in the election for a seat in Hong Kong Legislative Council in 2012 and 2015.