Josephine Siao steps into the limelight to take the Most Dynamic Woman award

Josephine Siao Fong-fong, who remains one of this town's classiest ladies, made one of her increasingly rare appearances on Monday at the Mira Hotel to pick up the Clarins Most Dynamic Woman of 2008 prize, presented by past winner Anson Chan Fang On-sang and Clarins chairman Christian Courtin-Clarins. Despite a recently broken toe and a bad cough, Siao still showed up in high spirits and good humour. Naturally, she didn't arrive just for vanity or pride, but because the beauty brand agreed to contribute a significant sum to her End Child Sexual Abuse Foundation.

'I was worried that I wouldn't be able to make it tonight,' Siao (pictured with Chan and Courtin-Clarins) said. 'My doctor said I can't wear a shoe because my broken bone hasn't healed yet. I never realised how important one single toe is in our ability to walk properly. Frankly, I don't think I am a successful woman so I don't know why Clarins would select me for this award, but when they said they would donate a total of HK$1 million over the next seven years to my foundation, I immediately told myself I had to be here.'

Besides dedicating herself to her charity, the legend hinted there is a chance she may return to the big screen. 'Yes, I've been approached by a director about a special role in a new film. I can't disclose anything because I don't even know if I'm well enough to act.'