Hong Kong's most popular Cantonese opera star, Pak Suet-sin, was yesterday awarded the Fellowship of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts for her contributions to arts over half a century.
Ms Pak, 68, born in Guangdong as Chan Shuk-leung, started learning Cantonese opera at the age of 13.
She has performed in more than 200 films and stage performances including the well-known Dai Nui Fa (The Emperor's Daughter) and Tze Chai Gai (The Story of the Purple Hairpin).
'This is not my own honour, but for the whole Cantonese opera industry. I would like to share this award with all the supporters and fellow artists of Cantonese opera, especially with my friends such as Yam Kim-fai,' she said.
Ms Yam, who played male roles, was regarded as a perfect partner with Ms Pak. They formed the Chor Fung Ming Troupe for the training of young opera artists. Ms Yam died in 1989.
Lo King-man, head of the academy, said the honour was for those who made outstanding contributions to the arts.