From Russia with love: Hong Kong bounce-back continues as ‘unique’ city becomes naturalised new home for Vladivostok-born entrepreneur

Digital entrepreneur Ashley Dudarenok renounces Russian passport to become Chinese citizen and ‘true Hongkonger’

Amid flood of stories about people leaving the city, Vladivostok-born businesswoman turns tables and gets Hong Kong passport

Reading Time:2 minutes

“Now I feel like a true Hongkonger”: Russian-born businesswoman Ashley Dudarenok, who loves pineapple buns and dim sum becomes officially Chinese after 16 years. Photo: SCMP Composite

Published: 2:00pm, 22 Jan 2023

Ashley Dudarenok has lived in Hong Kong for 13 years, as well as four in mainland China. She loves the city’s famous pineapple buns and going for yum cha with friends.

But she never felt like a true Hongkonger.

That changed last month in December for the Russian-born entrepreneur.

“I officially became Chinese today,” she posted on social media, with photos of her holding her new Hong Kong passport.

“Grateful for all the energy, opportunities and growth over the past 16 years.” She also loves Ngaai Hei-lai, which roughly translates as “beautiful morning sunshine” which is her new name in Cantonese.

Ashley Dudarenok has lived in Hong Kong for 13 years and now feels like a true Hongkonger after becoming a naturalised Chinese citizen. Photo: Tina Vanhove

Dudarenok, a China digital expert and founder of two digital companies, said while the naturalisation process was long and tedious, it was worth it.

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