Beauties in white: The Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2025 finalists began filming at the City Hall and the Esplanade seafront in Penang. — Photo courtesy of Sin Chew Daily
GEORGE TOWN: The production team of the Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2025 is in Penang for a four-day outdoor shoot, marking the first time the iconic event is being filmed in the state.
Outdoor filming began at City Hall and the Esplanade seafront here yesterday, with additional shoots scheduled at several well-known attractions until Monday.
The 14 finalists will wear traditional Nyonya attire and participate in a swimsuit segment, with local cuisine tasting sessions included in the itinerary.
TVB stars Benjamin Yuen Wai-ho and Moon Lau Pui-yuet are also in town, joining the shoot as special guests.
Yuen, who won the Mr Hong Kong title 17 years ago, hoped the contestants would enjoy the experience despite the tight schedule and challenges.
“The process will be tough and challenging, but it will be valuable for growth and learning,” he said.
Yuen added he was glad to be part of the shoot and looked forward to relaxing and sampling local food.
Lau, who was crowned second runner-up in the Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2013, said the contestants should not shy away from expressing themselves.
“Since I do not have to participate in the swimsuit segment, I will gladly ‘take on’ more of the local food on behalf of the contestants,” she said jokingly when met outside the City Hall yesterday.
Welcoming them on-site was Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
Also present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee and Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan.
Wong said the state’s global visibility would be enhanced through the lens of a major Chinese-language entertainment brand.
He said the Miss Hong Kong pageant, which began in 1946 and organised by TVB since 1973, is one of the most recognised beauty contests in the Chinese-speaking world.
“Its decision to film in Penang shows the state’s growing appeal as an international filming destination.
“This is a historic moment. We see it as a chance to showcase Penang’s cultural depth and modern appeal to audiences worldwide,” he was quoted as saying by state publisher Buletin Mutiara.
Wong said the filming was made possible through collaboration between the Penang government and Hong Kong-based budget airline HK Express, following several weeks of discussions.
He added that HK Express would double its daily flights between Hong Kong and Penang starting Oct 26.
This followed a promotional campaign in late June, when Wong led a Penang delegation to Hong Kong under the theme “Penang: Not the Penang You Know” to showcase the state’s diverse cultural and tourism offerings.
