TVB has once again invited its large army of artists and employees to its annual poon choi feast celebration. Since the event is open to the press and aims to show off the station’s number one status, TVB executives used it as an opportunity to announce this year’s salary raises and the anticipated year-end bonus. Facing heavy public scrutiny over its lackluster productions and poor work conditions, TVB has vowed to make drastic policy changes to repair and refresh its company culture. With two new free-to-air TV stations slated to debut anytime, TVB faces immense pressure to satisfy both its viewers and its employees. Although some of its changes, such as longer rest breaks and more complete scripts, are already being phased into the company’s daily operations, some artists have yet to feel the impact. What they care more about however is perhaps salary raises. Even though many first-line artists are able to live comfortably with proceeds from outside work commitments, less-popular actors have struggled to make ends meet, some even took up part-time jobs to help pay the bills. TVB’s latest announcement then, will hopefully help these artists enjoy a more relaxed holiday season. At the company feast on December 10, TVB General Manager Mark Lee (李寶安) announced that the company will give up to a five percent pay raise, and that the year-end bonus will range from 1.25 to 2.25 times of regular monthly salary. Satisfied from a free meal and the happy news, many artists appeared more cheerful than usual. Speaking about her finances, Myolie Wu (胡杏兒) clarified recent rumors about her $4 million property transaction involving ex-boyfriend Bosco Wong (黃宗澤). Some alleged that the former couple is finally dividing up their shared assets. Myolie explained that Bosco had purchased the property under his company’s name, and that she simply bought it from him at full price after he no longer wants to maintain ownership. She stressed that the two no longer have any financial ties. Different from her flashy vote-pulling tactics last year, TV Queen contender Kate Tsui (徐子珊) opted for a more stress-free approach. Facing strong competition, Kate feels that her winning chances are slim, and gives her support instead to hot contenders Linda Chung (鍾嘉欣) and Kristal Tin (田蕊妮). More relaxed this time around, Kate seems to have placed less importance on titles and more on maintaining a good work ethic. Even if she loses, she hopes that the public will take notice of her efforts, vowing to work even harder next year. Creds: Ming Pao
