‘Hong Kong is incredibly attractive’: Fencer Vivian Kong seeks to champion tourism in LegCo

Hong Kong Olympic fencing champion Vivian Kong Man-wai has officially entered the Legislative Council election race, registering on Monday to contest the functional constituency seat representing the tourism sector.

Kong, who won gold in women’s individual épée at the Paris Olympics and now serves as assistant manager for external affairs at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, told reporters after submitting her nomination that she had already applied to renounce her foreign passport.

Sino Group chairman Daryl Ng Win-kong, Kerry Properties chairman and CEO Kuok Khoon-hua, and Travel Industry Council (TIC) chairman Tommy Tam Kwong-shun appeared at the nomination venue to show their support.

Kong said that while her past work has not been directly related to tourism, her career as an athlete gave her many opportunities to promote Hong Kong abroad.

“When I traveled overseas for competitions, people would ask where I was from, and I would always introduce Hong Kong and invite them to visit,” she said.

“Even though I’m no longer competing, I still hope to attract more visitors to Hong Kong. I truly believe our city is incredibly attractive.”

She added that “the spirit of sports applies to all sectors,” and that her motivation for joining the race stems from her desire to “serve Hong Kong and give back to society.”

“My original intention has always been to contribute to Hong Kong,” she said. “If there’s a chance to serve and make Hong Kong shine, I will do my best. I hope to work together with the industry to present the best side of Hong Kong and help polish the city’s golden tourism brand.”

Kong clarified that she has never intended to run in a geographical direct election and is currently on unpaid leave from her position at the Jockey Club.

The organization confirmed that she has been suspended from all duties since Sunday and will not receive any form of assistance from the club in her campaign.

TIC chairman Tam praised Kong for her “approachability and international reputation,” saying her election “would benefit Hong Kong.”

He added that he had spoken with Kong and appreciated her “fencer’s spirit,” noting that the government’s recent integration of culture, sports, and tourism made her candidacy “a good thing.”

Kowloon District Council member Marco Ma Yat-chiu, who also ran in the same constituency in the previous election, has entered the race as well.

Former TIC chairwoman Gianna Hsu Wong Mei-lun and former tourism sector lawmaker Yiu Si-wing have yet to declare support for any candidate. Yiu said he welcomed new faces in the race, adding that he would observe how each candidate engages with the industry.

According to sources, Kong secured more than 10 nominations from the functional constituency, including support from Regal Hotels, Miramar Group, and Guangdong Holdings, along with Election Committee nominations from violinist Yao Jue and Josephine Tsui Mei-wan.

Current tourism sector lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung will not seek re-election in the same seat, instead joining the race in the Election Committee constituency.