HKAPA

A Hong Kong-nurtured performing artist with a strong presence in TV shows, movies and pop music, Mr Wong Cho-lam dazzles audiences with his superb skills, eloquence and good sense of humour. His life philosophy is summed up by his motto “A cheerful heart is good medicine”, which he first shared with the public when he was recognised as one of Hong Kong’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons in 2012. Mr Wong has always been aware of the need to get himself adequately prepared for the future. He treasured the opportunity to learn from veterans who have excelled in different performing art genres. Among those who inspired him in his youth, Mr Paul Lo, from whom he acquired voice acting skills to be used in movies and commercials when he was a secondary student, is of special significance, as this early professional training laid a solid foundation for his artistic endeavours.

Driven by his keen interest in the performing arts, Mr Wong, after finishing his secondary education, opted for the School of Drama at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. It was during his time with the Academy that Mr Wong was exposed to the beauty of Peking opera, studying the essence of Chinese opera in depth under the guidance of Mr He Mengli. All his hard work and effort paid off in the end. A recipient of the Academy’s Outstanding Student Award and Outstanding Actor Award, as well as several scholarships, he was nominated for Best Leading Actor and Best Supporting Actor for his performances in the musicals Fiddler on the Roof and Starry, Starry Night respectively at the 13^th Hong Kong Drama Awards. In 2003, he was conferred with first-class honours, acknowledgement of his glittering achievements during his study at the Academy.

Shortly after graduation, Mr Wong kick-started his artistic journey at Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) where he first hosted programmes for kids and later variety shows. Inbound Troubles, a well-received comedy-drama serial produced by TVB, perfectly exemplified Mr Wong’s talent on both the acting and script-writing fronts, as he was the television station’s first-ever actor to also be a script partner. He was the winner of TVB’s Best Presenter (twice) and Most Improved Actor at its Anniversary Awards. He also showcased his flair and enthusiasm for music, as he joined the Emperor Entertainment Group as a singer-songwriter. In 2016, Mr Wong set up Tailor Made Production Limited as his investment and artistic creation vehicle in the film and TV sectors – an initiative that has grown and evolved tremendously. His achievements, amid various acting awards he has earned throughout the years, also include accolades and recognition both from the Central and HKSAR Governments. Apart from serving as Secretary-General of The Association for Betterment of Hong Kong’s Entertainment Industry in Mainland China, he is also a Member of The Hong Kong Film Development Council’s Market Development Committee and The China Film Association.

An ardent supporter of his alma mater, Mr Wong invited over 50 Academy graduates to take part in his directorial debut I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! in 2018, while more than 20 students from the Academy’s School of Drama were involved in singing and dancing scenes. Mr Wong, taking up the position of Chief Creative Officer at TVB in 2021, is about to embark upon a new chapter in his career – empowering the local TV industry by capitalising on the era of digital media.