Olympic gold medalist Vivian Kong Man-wai acknowledged her limited industry experience but pledged to bring the same determination she shows in competition to her political campaign, as the tourism functional contest made her first public appearance since registering to run in the constituency in the government-organized election forum on Thursday.
Kong said both she and the tourism sector are transforming, and she hopes to “catch up from behind” by listening to stakeholders and advocating for the industry with a collaborative, forward-looking approach.
Her platform focuses on integrating culture, sports, and tourism, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation and travel hub, and enhancing the city’s global image.
Also speaking at the forum was Marco Ma Yat-chiu, a veteran with 27 years in the tourism industry.
He said the sector is at a critical juncture following the 2019 social unrest and the pandemic, and now more than ever, it needs a lawmaker with deep industry knowledge, political acumen and integrity to lead it forward.
Augustine Wong, left, and Howard Chao.
In a separate forum for the real estate and construction functional constituency, Howard Chao, son of Cheuk Nang Holdings chairman Cecil Chao Sze-tsung and a candidate from the Business and Professionals Alliance, said he has no ties to major conglomerates and no baggage, allowing him to represent the sector fairly and reduce internal conflicts.
Another candidate, Augustine Wong Ho-ming, an executive director at Henderson Land, described fairness as being “rooted in his DNA.” A Hong Kong native and professional surveyor, Wong said he has worked on urban renewal projects in Hung Hom and Tai Kok Tsui, as well as new town developments in Ma On Shan and Wu Kai Sha, contributing to improved living environments across the city.
