Yeung is part of an emerging network of immigrant Hong Kong mothers promoting Cantonese in English-speaking countries – in hopes of preserving their children’s cultural heritage.

Alina Lee and Luca Chung, both 7, take classes at Sing Fai Cantonese Opera Promotion Association, an NGO devoted to inspiring Hong Kong youth to love this traditional art.

Rika Woo, 31, a Cantonese opera performer and a captain of underground J-pop style idol group Otome Syndream, sings and dances during an Otome Syndream performance in Hong Kong on Nov. 1, 2024.

Despite the large number of newcomers from Hong Kong, it’s parents such as Mr. Chen who hold the key to the future health of the Cantonese language beyond China, said teacher Fay Wong.

The 31-year-old local entertainer is rare in Hong Kong for trying to appeal to audiences - old and young - as a cross cultural artiste in both the centuries-old art form of Cantonese opera and the ...