Angel Chong Nga-ting, Hong Kong’s youngest District Councillor, withdrew from the Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2025 on 25 Jun, just one day after attending the first round of interviews.
Youngest District Councillor Angel Chong Exits Miss Hong Kong Competition
The 24-year-old Sai Kung councillor, elected under the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), made the announcement following intense public criticism about her participation in the beauty contest.
Chong appeared for the pageant interviews at TVB City in Tseung Kwan O on 24 Jun 2025. She had initially joined the competition to boost youth engagement and promote understanding of her public service work.
“It’s a case of one plus one being greater than two,” Chong said, according to Dimsum Daily. She saw the pageant as an opportunity to explore new challenges while maintaining her commitment to council duties.
The councillor denied online rumours claiming she was a professional model. She clarified that she attended the audition with a group of friends.
Public Backlash Forces Councillor to Reconsider Pageant Participation
Critics questioned whether Chong could balance pageant preparations with her responsibilities as an elected official. Some accused her of damaging the professional image of district councillors.
Online critics asked whether she was “taking the job seriously” and raised concerns about her ability to manage both roles effectively.
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak reminded all councillors of their duty to remain focused and accountable in their positions.
The DAB issued a statement saying they respected individual choices and trusted that Chong would manage her time responsibly without compromising her public duties.
By 25 Jun 2025, Chong announced her withdrawal from the competition. She acknowledged that the public reaction had led her to seriously reflect on her decision.
“After reading and reflecting on different news reports and reactions on forums, I realise our approach may not have been accepted by everyone,” Chong wrote in an Instagram post.
“The incident has created a certain impact on the public’s impression of the district council. This is not something we wish to see. Therefore, we think we should follow the social perception and safeguard the council’s image,” she said, according to the South China Morning Post.
TVB Defends Miss Hong Kong Pageant as City Brand
TVB, the pageant organiser, defended the beauty contest following Chong’s withdrawal. Bonnie Wong Tak-wei, assistant general manager of corporate communications at the broadcaster, said TVB respected Chong’s decision.
“We believe that Miss Hong Kong is not merely a beauty contest but a representation of a Hong Kong brand and the childhood dreams of many young girls who grew up in Hong Kong,” Wong said on 25 Jun 2025.
Wong stated that the incident highlighted the cultural value of the beauty contest for the city.
Chong said she hopes to continue engaging youth through social media platforms and to encourage wider community participation in district-level work.
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