Amanda Strang embodies the distinctive essence of Hong Kong. The French-Taiwanese model was born in Paris, spent her childhood in India, studied in the United States, started modelling in Taiwan and then migrated to Hong Kong, where she developed a rich career that has spanned runway modelling; starring in commercials and movies; opening up a bakery; and hosting food and beverage television programs with none other than Chua Lam. If her life is a book filled with endless short stories— each one different and part of a larger whole that makes her who she is— then Hong Kong is a library brimming with vibrant narratives like hers. Forever grateful for all the opportunities she’s encountered, Strang is proud to call this city her home.

You have quite a unique background; your father is French, your mother is Taiwanese, and you spent your childhood in India. Tell us more about your multicultural upbringing and how you got started in modelling.

Yes, I was born in Paris, lived in Taiwan and India, and then went to boarding school and college in the US. I was 20 years old when my father sent me to Taiwan to learn Chinese. There, I had a friend that introduced me to an agency to audition for an SK-II commercial. I just went to try it out but to my surprise, I was chosen. Then Aaron Kwok asked me to star in his music video. After that a Hong Kong agency invited me to come to the city, where I started getting a lot of work and signed a movie contract with my manager. So I stayed and didn’t go back to the States;  I’ve now been in the modelling industry for 24 years.

Besides modelling, you’ve also starred in movies, hosted shows, and even opened a bakery. When you look back on your past experiences, are there any unforgettable moments or experiences?

Hong Kong has always been a hub for entertainment, fashion, and media, all of which are intertwined with my career. Modelling has taught me how to better communicate with people. The era I experienced was really the golden age of modelling; I think we’re the last generation of Hong Kong supermodels. Back then we were constantly working, doing shoots in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, then coming back to Hong Kong for fashion show after fashion show, rehearsing for them all. What I remember most are Chanel’s fashion shows; after they had shown in Europe, Chanel would bring them to Hong Kong for a complete re-enactment. It was the best kind of fashion show and every one of the girls wanted to be a part of it. 

The fashion and modelling industry has undergone a lot of change in recent years. What are your thoughts on the rise of influencer culture?

The world of modelling is changing— you have the freedom to be who you truly are. We used to have to adapt to other people’s pace and adhere to the concepts of the creative directors. KOLs are different; they choose their own content and create their own image. Some have their own ideas, some do not. The world is changing so fast these days, but I still like magazines and find so much inspiration from them. It’s a process of change so it’s inevitable that you’ll feel some complex emotions, but as long as you embrace such change and keep up with the times, it’s all good. 

What plans do you have for the future? Hosting a food program, perhaps?

I’m starring in a film directed by Herman Yau which is scheduled for release this summer. I play the role of a bad guy but it’s very interesting. I don’t have much of a talent for acting but I love movies, it’s like stepping into another world. I enjoy hosting programs and plan to develop more in the lifestyle direction. I think of Chua Lam as my mentor; he has taught me a lot. Even though deciding whether something is “good” or “bad” is up to personal preferences, many people trust his recommendations because he always gives his own reasoning. 

I’ve come across many wonderful things and hope that in the future I can introduce them to others and gain their trust too. During the pandemic, I launched the Flakes & Layers pop-up selling ‘oonuts’— a donut and mille-feuille pastry hybrid— that I created. That’s a good example of how I hope to bring joy to people. Many came out to support me and that was a small but wonderful thing. 

What does Hong Kong mean to you?

I think of myself as a third culture kid; I’m of mixed Taiwanese and French descent, but I live somewhere else entirely. Hong Kong is a great place for people with a multicultural background like me to feel comfortable. I used to come here when I was young because I had to make a stopover on my way to Taiwan, so I have memories of being 5 or 6-years-old, riding the Star Ferry and eating barbecue pork buns and pineapple buns. Hong Kong is a perfect fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Just look at this beautiful skyline — it’s really international and diverse.

What is the “Hong Kong spirit”? How can it be passed on?

Hong Kong is very unique, very flexible, and can adapt to both cultures. Hong Kong will continue to change, and history will evolve. In order to move forward, you have to remind yourself that any transformation is a process. Just embrace it and don’t be too quick to judge. 

What message do you want to share with the people of Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a wonderful sense of community and accepts many different people. I love this dynamic and diverse city. I just want to say thank you— thank you for accepting me in this beautiful city I call home.