The Supreme Master Ching Hai
By News Group (Originally in Chinese)
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia, which was founded in 2004 in Hong Kong, hosts the annual selection of Asia’s prominent vegetarian artists. The winners are based on the results of online voting that continues for one month. PETA is a nongovernmental organization that was established in 1980 in the United States, whose primary purpose is to protect animal rights and promote a plant-based diet.
The 2015 PETA Asia finalists included many vegetarian/vegan artists such as movie and TV stars Wu Xiubo and Maggie Q, singers Khalil Fong and Aya Liu, actors Wallace Chung and Jackie Lui, and writer Zheng Yuanjie. After a close contest, Andy Lau was selected. PETA Asia commissioner Hailey Chang said, “Andy sets a good example for us by caring for the animals and being devoted to his family. We are delighted to grant this award to Andy, and promote his compassionate heart to the world.”
Ageless Andy Lau has appeared in over 160 films. He is gifted with the talent of acting as well as singing. As a very caring person, he loves his family, his fans and our animal co-inhabitants. His family members are all vegetarian. On his 50th birthday, Mr. Lau invited his family, friends and fans to a plant-based feast with more than 135 tables. Each guest was charged HKD 500, and all proceeds were donated to charity. His good deed has won much praise.
In fact, on his official website, Andy said helping charitable causes is what he most wants to do. In 1994, he founded the Andy Lau Charity Foundation Limited, which “is dedicated to helping those in need and vulnerable groups in the community to build a better life, as well as supporting youth education services.” Beneficiaries include more than 25 organizations such as Caring for Children Foundation, Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, and Elderly Rights League of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals.
In an interview at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, Mr. Lau said his daughter and wife are also vegetarian, and his daughter has been a vegetarian since before she was born. Three months after his daughter was born, Mr. Lau turned down all job opportunities to be a full-time, stay-at-home dad to look after his wife and daughter, while maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle.
Mr. Lau did not hold a traditional party for his daughter when she was one month old. Rather, he offered to relatives and friends a meat-free version of a dish customarily served in Hong Kong on this occasion.
Our congratulations to Andy Lau for being elected as the winner of PETA Asia’s 2015 award. We are inspired to follow his benevolent example of sharing the good news of the many benefits of a delicious and nutritious plant-based diet.
Photo Credit: Pete Yeung-AndyLau2005-24Feb2005-(cropped, changed background)-Flickr-CC BY-SA 2.0
