Extraordinary strength in an ordinary life
Exclusive screening celebrates spirit of Dumpling Queen and Hong Kong
11 June 2025
As the final scenes of Dumpling Queen faded from the screen, the theatre was filled with a quiet reverence. A montage of stills from the film rolled alongside archival photos of Madam Chong Kin-wo, the legendary founder of a dumpling brand well known in Hong Kong. The poignant tribute to her extraordinary life drew heartfelt applause from the audience.
The exclusive screening, hosted by CW Chu College of CUHK on 24 May, was more than just a film – it was a celebration of the late Chong’s inspiring journey and indomitable spirit. It also served as a reflection on the College’s motto Cultus et Beneficentia: leadership, service, intellectual clarity and ethical conduct.
The narration not only traces Chong’s remarkable personal life but also captures the scenes and spirit of old Hong Kong. It harks back to the 1970s, when the woman had freshly arrived from Shandong with two young daughters in tow. She spoke no Cantonese, and her mainland nursing qualifications were not recognised in the city. To make ends meet, she took on manual labour, complemented by the generosity of neighbours and friends.
Determined to support her family, she later bought a wooden cart to sell handmade dumplings at Wan Chai Ferry Pier. Her business grew steadily, leading to her own dumpling brand and factory. In the 1990s, her company attracted investment from international conglomerates, propelling it onto the global stage.
After making her name in the corporate world, Chong went on to become a philanthropist who supported education in Hong Kong and the mainland until she passed away in 2019. CW Chu College, being one of the beneficiaries, named its multi-purpose hall as Chong Kin Wo Hall in 2018 in recognition of her contributions.
The screening drew more than 140 guests, including Chong’s family and friends, donors, faculty, students and alumni of CUHK and CW Chu College. In her opening remarks, College Master Professor Wong Suk-ying praised the film for portraying Chong’s “extraordinary strength in an ordinary life”. She also acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests, including former CUHK Vice-Chancellors Professor Ambrose King Yeo-chi and Professor Lawrence Juen-yee Lau, as well as faculty and students from CUHK-Shenzhen’s Minerva College, sister college of CW Chu College.
“The exclusive screening served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and perseverance, and of creating opportunities for future generations,” she said.
During the post-screening discussion, director Andrew Lau Wai-keung was joined by Chong’s daughters, Ms Joanne Wong and Mrs Jessica Luchangco. Andrew Lau, best known for the Infernal Affairs film trilogy, spoke about recreating the atmosphere of old Hong Kong through sets that detailed tenement buildings called tong lau and the erstwhile Wan Chai Ferry Pier, in addition to popular music from the 1970s to 1980s. These elements not only formed the era’s cultural backdrop but also highlighted the solidarity of the community, the director said.
A scene where Chong confronted local gangsters was deeply personal to Lau. “I was channelling my own mother’s courage. Like Madam Chong, she would have done anything to protect her children.”
For the two sisters, witnessing their mother’s story brought to life by a renowned director felt surreal. They also expressed gratitude to the cast and crew for capturing the essence of their childhood. “We hope the values our mother embodied – perseverance in the face of hardship and the spirit of community – will continue to inspire others,” they said.
The audience also heard from a young alumnus of CW Chu College who was a summer intern at Chong’s company, had read her biography and was greatly moved by her optimism and strength. Lau echoed this sentiment, saying Chong’s life story offered an inspiration for youths. “Willingness to endure hardship and unwavering determination can lead to extraordinary achievements,” he said.
Another member of audience expressed gratitude to Dr Chu Ching-wen, after whom the College is named, for supporting his studies in the US years ago. He praised Dr Chu’s charitable endeavours, which had benefited countless students. Joanne noted the shared values between Dr Chu and her mother: both were passionate about helping others and deeply committed to education.
Chong’s legacy lives on through her daughters. In 2018, Joanne established the Chong Kin Wo Scholarship to support students participating in exchange and outreach programmes, benefiting 30 students to date. She also mentors students through the College Mentorship Scheme and provides internships to prepare them for the future.
By Eva Choy
Photos by LCT
