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If you've spotted a large filming crew around Penang or noticed TVB suddenly posting about the island on social media, here is why: the Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2025 is currently being filmed there
On Monday, 4 August, Hong Kong's leading television broadcaster shared photos of 14 beauty pageant finalists in swimsuits, drawing attention not only to the contestants, but also to the scenic Penang locations where the shoot took place.
According to Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairperson Wong Hon Wai, this marks the first time the 79-year-running beauty pageant is being filmed in Malaysia.
The finalists donned pastel blue and orange swimsuits as they posed at Penang Hill and Batu Feringghi beach.
"Despite the rain during the morning shoot, their cheerful spirits remained undampened. The contestants even joked that the rain helped cool things down, making the shoot less tiring," TVB wrote in an article.
This year's pageant theme is "Do You Wanna Be…?"
Wong said the competition was first held in 1946, with TVB taking over its organisation in 1973.
"It has become one of the most iconic and influential pageants in the Chinese-speaking world.
"This year, as the programme makes its debut in Penang, it not only highlights Penang's rising visibility on the global stage, but also affirms its growing reputation as a sought-after destination for international film and television productions," he said.
The show is hosted by two beloved and talented TVB stars, Benjamin Yuen Wai Ho and Moon Lau Pui Yuet.
Left to right: Wong Hon Wai and Moon Lau Pui Yuet.
Image via Wong Hon Wai 黄汉伟 (Facebook)
Last Friday, 1 August, the contestants dressed in white to complement the iconic City Hall building in George Town, known for its historic white facade
The 14 finalists will continue exploring Penang's iconic sites, showcasing the state's diverse and picturesque backdrops.
Wong said the filming is the result of his working visit to Hong Kong in June, where he met with HK Express to explore deeper tourism collaborations between the two regions.
The episodes will air on TVB Jade at 8pm on 16 and 23 August. The show is expected to reach an audience of 5.1 million in-home viewers, offering Penang valuable tourism exposure across Hong Kong and the wider Chinese-speaking world.
Below are the contestant photos posted on the TVB Facebook page:
