A Poor Boy’s Dream Comes True: From Hardship to Hong Kong Film Awards Glory
In Hong Kong, “Let’s yum cha soon?” is a familiar invitation to share tea and dim sum with families and friends. For acclaimed film director Alfred Cheung Kin-ting, however, even such a simple outing with his mother was an unimaginable luxury during his childhood.
At the age of three, Alfred arrived in Hong Kong with his mother and two elder sisters, while his father remained in mainland China. Raising three young children alone in a new city proved extraordinarily difficult for his mother. Fortunately, support from Plan International gradually eased their burdens, enabling Alfred to stay in school rather than drop out for work. Alfred is especially grateful for the medical assistance provided by Plan International. Without it, he might never have seen the world clearly, let alone discovered the wonder of movies and films.
As a young boy, he suffered from trachoma, an eye infection that can lead to blindness if left untreated. With the medical assistance provided by Plan International, he underwent surgery and made a full recovery. “We were very poor and could not afford to see a doctor, but thanks to the sponsorship, we were able to receive free medical services,” Alfred recalls.
Alfred wholeheartedly supports the work of Plan International, serving as one of the Ambassadors and the Honorary Advisor to the “Because I am a Girl” (BIAAG) campaign.
After graduating from Hong Kong Baptist College, he travelled to the United States to study film. Over more than three decades in the industry, he has excelled as a director, screenwriter, producer, and actor, contributing to more than 80 films. His talent was twice recognised with the Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Screenplay—in 1982 for “The Story of Woo Viet” and in 1983 for “Let’s Make Laugh”.
Who could have imagined that the poor boy who once could not afford a yum cha meal would one day stand among the most celebrated figures in Hong Kong’s film industry?
His childhood experience with sponsorship left an indelible mark. It not only transformed his life but also reshaped his entire outlook. Having benefited from generosity, he firmly believes in paying it forward. For years, he has been actively involved in charitable work, and when Plan International reopened its Hong Kong office, he was quick to begin sponsoring children.
Several years ago, Alfred took his eldest son to mainland China to meet some of the children he sponsors — an experience that deeply touched and influenced his son.
Now blessed with a fulfilling family life, Alfred’s three children have grown up with greater comfort than he ever knew. Yet as a father, he remains committed to passing on the values of empathy and generosity.
“I often tell my children stories of how I was helped when I was young,” Alfred explains. “I also make it clear to them that when I pass away, at least half of whatever I leave behind should be donated to charity.”
Several years ago, he took his eldest son to Shaanxi to meet some of the children he sponsors. Many of these children lacked necessities and did not have the steady care of their families. Through this encounter, Alfred’s son came to understand that “happiness is not guaranteed”. Upon returning to Hong Kong, he became noticeably more frugal and grateful. “There’s no need to lecture him,” Alfred reflects. “This is the best education. My son also developed a greater sense of social responsibility.”
Today, all three of Alfred’s children sponsor children of their own. Meanwhile, Alfred continues to champion Plan International’s mission with great passion, serving both as Plan International’s Ambassador and as the Honorary Advisor to the BIAAG campaign. “I strongly agree with Plan International’s philosophy and practices,” he said. “Improving the entire community through sponsorship programmes, building hospitals and schools—this is how we create the impact to change more people’s lives.”
Together with his wife, Ms Cindy Yeung—Chairperson of Emperor W&J and a fellow BIAAG Ambassador—Alfred has actively supported Plan International initiatives such as the “Donate a Pencil for Girls”.
*Over the years, Plan International has been committed to promoting children’s rights around the world. Our development projects and donation models have evolved over time. This story is part of our history and evolution and does not reflect our current development projects and donation models.
