Hong Kong businessman and Chickeeduck CEO, Chow Siu Lung, who faced oppression from the Hong Kong government and other parties for supporting the protests, has relocated to the United Kingdom. Besides managing a home maintenance business, Chow recently announced on his Facebook the establishment of the “Chickeeduck Chinese School” in the UK. He aims to teach Mandarin to children and young people in the UK, imparting the true history of China and cultivating a generation fluent in Mandarin to engage with their world.
However, the news sparked criticism from various quarters, leading to the Facebook post being inaccessible. Chow expressed disappointment at the backlash, stating that the original intention was to empower the next generation with Mandarin language skills to spread the truth to mainland Chinese and provide them with broader opportunities. He emphasized the importance of Hong Kong people learning Mandarin to counter the Chinese Communist Party.
In a Facebook post on September 1st, Chow mentioned that the project was recruiting investors and hiring Mandarin teachers who uphold universal values. He was surprised by the severe attacks on his post and the unnecessary trouble it stirred. Responding to claims that he was assisting the Chinese Communist Party, Chow jokingly remarked that if he were, he would be the Chief Executive of Hong Kong.
Facing criticism from supporters of Confucius Institutes who questioned his use of “Mandarin” instead of “Putonghua,” Chow shared the absurdity of being accused of betraying Hong Kong by teaching Mandarin. He expressed frustration at the misconception that learning Mandarin equates to supporting the CCP and highlighted the importance of distinguishing between politics and language education.
Chow’s plan for the school included Cantonese language classes and history lessons alongside Mandarin instruction. However, due to the discussions surrounding the project, investors became apprehensive, fearing a backlash that could hinder business operations. Consequently, the project faced a stalemate, with little progress, leading to the possibility of suspension as Chow realized that a business that is not well-received will not flourish.
Despite investor concerns, Chow believed in the importance of teaching Mandarin for the next generation to understand the language of the ‘enemy’ and bridge communication gaps. He emphasized the need to move past stigmas associated with learning Mandarin and the significance of language skills in a globalized world.
Chow’s initiative aimed to create employment opportunities, especially for proficient Mandarin speakers, transcending local boundaries. He emphasized the practical benefits of knowing Mandarin in global business contexts, challenging the notion of isolating China economically despite political tensions.
Acknowledging the unexpected attention garnered by the Chickeeduck Chinese School, Chow expressed gratitude for the engagement from the public, although he faced criticism and support from various groups. As he reflected on the feedback received, particularly from supporters and opponents of Mandarin education, Chow considered the project’s viability in consultation with investors.
Chow Siu Lung, dubbed as the “anti-establishment businessman” for his vocal support of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, has a history of corporate leadership and activism. He acquired Chickeeduck in the late 1990s and expanded the brand across the region until facing backlash for his activism during the anti-extradition protests in 2019.
In response to the national security law in Hong Kong, Chow displayed pro-democracy symbols in his Chickeeduck stores, prompting multiple searches by authorities. The pressure escalated when mainland suppliers and Hong Kong landlords cut ties with Chow, leading to the closure of his Hong Kong retail outlets in 2022 before relocating to the UK, where he started a home maintenance business, Handeeduck.
Despite facing challenges and criticisms, Chow remains steadfast in his commitment to promoting Mandarin education and advocating for transparency in education, stressing the importance of preparing the next generation with language skills and universal values to shape a positive image for Chinese people worldwide. His journey reflects the complexities of activism, entrepreneurship, and education intersecting in the socio-political landscape of Hong Kong and beyond.