Hong Kong actress Elaine Kong has opened up about being ostracised in her early days at TVB, revealing how the experience took a toll on her mental health.
In a recent interview on a web programme, the 55-year-old recalled struggling to fit in after leaving ATV for TVB in 2009.
“When you returned to the office, nobody would greet you. People would walk straight past you as if you were invisible,” she said, adding that colleagues ignored her even when she took the initiative to greet them.
Kong said the workplace culture was a stark contrast to her time at her former agency, where her peers shared a strong sense of camaraderie despite the broadcaster’s limited resources.
“Since ATV was a relatively small station back then, everyone had one goal, which was to do a good job,” she said.
The isolation took an emotional toll on the actress, who eventually developed panic disorder.
“At my worst, I had to see a psychologist and take medication,” the Lives Of Omission (2011) star recalled.
Fortunately, friends in the entertainment industry offered Kong support, and she eventually found solace in Buddhism.
Kong joined ATV in 1997 and landed her first lead role in the television series Forrest Cat that same year.
She later gained recognition for her performance in the 2010 drama Beauty Knows No Pain, which earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the TVB Anniversary Awards.
Her other notable television credits include Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles (2012), Triumph In The Skies II (2013), Get On A Flat (2022) and The Invisibles (2023).
Those struggling with mental health problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929/email sam@befrienders.org.my/befriender centres in Malaysia).
