Miss HK goes on smoothly despite swimsuit ballyhoo

The Miss Hong Kong pageant went smoothly last night amid the swimsuit saga.

A member of the police watchdog, Helen Yu Lai Ching-ping, had criticized broadcaster TVB, which organizes the pageant, and linked it to violence, obscenity and child abuse.

But all 19 finalists wore a swimsuit and walked on the stage to answer a question from host Eric Tsang Chi-wai, who was at the center of the controversy.

"No matter how time changes, the swimsuit session won't change," said Tsang.

No 13 Sharon Ying Wai-man, meanwhile, won Miss Friendship.

This year's event was hosted by an unprecedented 14 cross-generational hosts, including Natalis Chan Pak-cheung.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's wife, Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim was among the panel of five judges. The other four judges were Executive Councilor Margaret Leung Ko May-yee, Sa Sa International Holdings' chairman and CEO Simon Kwok Siu-ming, Community Chest's vice patron Dennis Sun Tai-lun, and former Legislative Councilor Abraham Shek Lai-him.

Many business and political figures attended the final, including former chief executive Leung Chun-ying's wife, Regina Leung Tong Ching-yee, and Sasa's founder Kowk Law Kwai-chun.

A former Miss Hong Kong champion, Monica Chan Fat-yung, singer Niki Chow Lai-ki and model Qi Qi also appeared.

All the 19 candidates also wore gowns designed by famous designer Viola Chan, classic previous Miss Hong Kong gowns and pilot uniforms.

As this year is the 50th Anniversary of Miss Hong Kong, the pageant recapped some questions and videos from previous years.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com