On February 21, 2026, the UBC Cantonese Language Program welcomed multiple-award-winning Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong 黃秋生 to campus for The Anthony Wong Story, a special live storytelling event at the Old Auditorium as part of the language program’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
Organized by and partnering with CantoLive Culture Productions, the event brought together students, faculty, alumni, and community members for an engaging conversation on Hong Kong cinema, performance, and Cantonese popular culture.
Photo courtesy of CantoLive Culture
Moderated by Professor Renren Yang and PhD student Siyun Pan of Asian Studies, Wong reflected candidly on his artistic journey, discussing the challenges, values, and passion behind his decades-long career in film, television, and theatre. Drawing from stories in his recently published autobiography, he spoke openly about his early experiences growing up in Hong Kong, his struggles entering the entertainment industry, the pressures and contradictions of fame, and his reflections on artistic integrity, identity, and aging. His honest and often humorous storytelling offered audiences a rare glimpse into the personal experiences behind his public image.
As part of his visit, Wong also later met with students in CNTO 451: Advanced Cantonese through Popular Culture, offering students a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of Hong Kong cinema’s most influential actors. One student Andy Yeung reflected:
“At first, we prepared with anticipation and nervousness, but after meeting him, we began to admire him even more. It wasn’t just his performance on screen that moved us, but the grounded perspective and raw passion for his craft that he shared so generously.”
Widely regarded as one of the most influential actors in Hong Kong cinema, Wong’s body of work has played an important role in shaping contemporary Cantonese-language popular culture and public conversations surrounding Hong Kong identity, memory, and social change. His performances across genres, from commercial cinema to independent film and stage productions, have become important cultural texts through which students and scholars examine language, masculinity, urban life, politics, and the evolution of Hong Kong cultural identity. His visits highlighted how Cantonese popular culture continues to serve as a powerful site for heritage language learning, cultural transmission, and critical engagement in diasporic communities.
Photo courtesy of CantoLive Culture
The UBC Cantonese Language Program would like to acknowledge and thank organizers Joyce Cheung and April To of CantoLive Culture Productions and all volunteers, especially student volunteer coordinator Lily Chan for their collaboration and support in making the event possible and a success.
