M'sian actress Angie Cheong tearfully reflects on hardship of being a single mum

The Star

7 days ago

Hong Kong-based Malaysian actress Angie Cheong adopted her son Hanson in 2006. Photos: Angie Cheong/Instagram, Angie Cheong/Xiaohongshu (Red Note)
When Hong Kong-based Malaysian actress Angie Cheong adopted her then two-year-old son Hanson in 2006, she was fully aware that he suffered from congenital heart disease.
But that didn't stop her from standing by his side through every challenge – even putting her acting career on hold in 2018 to care for Hanson as he underwent heart surgery.
In a recent video on Xiaohongshu, Cheong opened up about the struggles of being a single mother, admitting that it's an incredibly challenging responsibility.
'They say single mums are strong, but no one (realises) that behind that strength is really just putting on a brave face,' the 54-year-old said.
The actress, who was crowned Miss Chinese Malaysia in 1992, then broke down in tears as she reflected on the past 19 years of hardship, admitting that if given the choice, she wouldn't want to carry the burden alone.
She once shared her hopes of finding a man who would love and treat Hanson as his own son in a previous interview.
'I have to earn money, help with homework, be a driver, a nanny and a nurse.
'If given a choice, who would want to shoulder everything alone? I'm afraid of not providing enough for my child and often feel guilty for not spending enough time with him,' she said.
Seeing his mother cry, Hanson, now 21, moved forward to comfort her, saying: 'Mum, don't cry. I'm here.'
Cheong then said she had once taught her son true courage lies in admitting one's vulnerability – a lesson that came full circle as she allowed herself to be emotionally open in front of him.
'It hasn't been easy for mum to raise you,' she said as she embraced him.