In the spotlight

A former flight attendant and Vancouver resident who once aspired to be a psychologist, Sonija Kwok Sin-lei is now one of TVB's hottest actresses. When she joined the Miss Hong Kong Pageant in 1999, she was everyone's favourite from the day she met the press. When she was announced winner, she remained calm and confident.

Her maturity and elegance helped her become the first Miss Hong Kong to clinch the Miss Chinese International title since Michelle Reis in 1988.

Date of birth: July 12, 1974

Hobbies: playing the piano, cooking, horse-riding, swimming, working out, handicrafts, dogs

Education: university graduate

Unforgettable event: taking part in the Miss HK Pageant