Frederick Ma hosts new talk show promoting Lion Rock Spirit

Trade Development Council chairman Frederick Ma has launched a new talk show "The Spirit of the Lion Rock," featuring in-depth conversations with ten celebrity guests including Michael Hui, Wong Kam-po and Donnie Yen on themes of innovation and inheritance.

At Tuesday's premiere at Sunbeam Whampoa, Ma said he was inspired to create the program after witnessing fencer Vivian Kong's comeback victory at the Paris Olympics, which he felt embodied the never-say-die Lion Rock Spirit. Regarding guest Keung To, Ma admitted he didn't initially know the singer but began listening to his music after their interview and receiving his album. The production team used AI to create promotional footage showing Ma and guests climbing Lion Rock.

Veteran comedian Michael Hui emphasized the need to embrace Lion Rock Spirit in the film industry, recalling his childhood poverty living under Lion Rock: "We had to do anything to make a living and seize opportunities." Hui stated: "Everyone says every industry is struggling now, but whenever Hong Kong faces difficulties, holding onto Lion Rock Spirit always gets us through."

Hui urged the film industry to create "so good that you'd die if you miss it" productions to attract audiences, citing recent hits "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" and "The Last Dance" as examples. He described Hong Kong as home: "How can we say our home is not doing well? If it's not doing well, we must make it do well," noting Ma's role in leading Hong Kong through challenges.

Ma expressed hope the program would inject Lion Rock Spirit into Hong Kong people and help build resilience for a better tomorrow. With the Policy Address due next week, he said he believes the Chief Executive will propose measures to make Hong Kong's "tomorrow better," echoing Hui's advice to "think of new ideas, don't be discouraged" despite cinema operation difficulties.