Cover Chua Lam was famously known as one of the 'The Four Great Talents of Hong Kong' (Photo: Facebook / @Chua Lam)
Chua Lam was famously known as one of the 'The Four Great Talents of Hong Kong' (Photo: Facebook / @Chua Lam)
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Chua Lam, the famed Singaporean-born, Hong Kong-based writer, who was considered one of the region’s most influential voices, died at age 83 on June 25 at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital
Chua Lam, the Singaporean-born, Hong Kong-based food critic, writer and producer, died at age 83 on June 25, according to an announcement posted on his Facebook account on June 27. He died at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital.
“In accordance with Chua’s wishes, no ceremony was held, and his body was cremated,” read the post. This was carried out quietly out of a desire to avoid trouble to his relatives and friends, it added.
Chua was a prolific author known for writing books that span various genres, including travel journals, food critiques and texts on life philosophies. In addition to his literary work, he had also hosted several culinary and travel shows. Early in his career, he was a film producer at what was formerly known as Golden Harvest, the studio that played a significant part in Hong Kong movie history.
Chua was admitted to intensive care due to health issues on April 29. His secretary reportedly described his condition as related to “old ailments”.
Above Chua Lam was considered one of the region's most influential writers (Photo: Getty Images)
Chua Lam was considered one of the region's most influential writers (Photo: Getty Images)
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This renowned cultural figure was celebrated alongside famed authors Jin Yong, Ni Kuang and James Wong as one of the “Four Great Talents of Hong Kong”. Chua once said that he was not qualified to be a genius and described Jin Yong as a master. He also made a pact with his fellow talents that “none would shed tears when any of us departs first”.
Following the deaths of the other three, Chua’s passing marks the end of a cultural era in Hong Kong.
