Former TVB star Sammy Sum has been working as an Uber driver in Hong Kong to earn extra income and support his gym business.
The 41-year-old actor opened a boutique gym in 2023, partnering with his girlfriend, Hong Kong actress Shirley Chan.
Reports indicate that he invested a seven-figure sum in the business.
Sum’s side job came to light when a passenger recognised him after booking an Uber and shared the encounter on Threads.
In response, Sum took to Instagram to address the financial pressures of running a business.
“I don’t have a salary, but my employees must be paid on time,” he said in a video, as translated by the Singaporean portal 8days.
“Since I like driving so much, I thought I might as well register on the platform and have someone pre-set a route for me,” he added.
However, HK portal Dimsum Daily reported that Sum’s Uber gig could land him in legal trouble, as the service remains technically illegal in Hong Kong.
A legal professional commented on social media: “I admire this artist’s efforts to pursue his dreams and recognise him as a good employer. However, I would like to offer a gentle reminder that driving passengers for a fee without a taxi license is illegal.
"Furthermore, the video posted online could potentially serve as evidence under certain conditions.”
Sum, who rose to fame after starring in the 2014 crime-thriller drama, Line Walker, left TVB in 2016 to pursue acting opportunities in China.
He is currently signed with Hong Kong-based Emperor Entertainment.
