Many lauded Chow for living minimally and admired his lifestyle – wearing old clothes, taking the public transportation, and eating street food where as those who earn not even a quarter of his wealth are trying to live the opposite; a luxurious, exorbitant lifestyle.
And just when you think the award-winning actor couldn’t be more endearing, a recent report by AFP cited that he plans to donate his entire reported wealth of HK$5.6 billion (RM2.99 billion) to charity when he dies.
“This money isn't something you possess forever. When you're gone one day, you have to leave it to others to use it,” he told South Korea's Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation in an interview aired last week.
“You can't bring the money in your bank account with you after you die,” Chow added.
Well, wise words from a wise man. And if you’re wondering what does his wife think of his decision, she “strongly supports” the ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ star’s decision.
Apart from his love for street food, the 63-year-old actor enjoys a simple dish of just savoury Chinese turnips and rice.
“I am happy if there's food to eat, because we were quite poor then. I'll be very happy eating sweet potatoes and vegetables, and even happier if I have chicken and meat during the new year,” he told MBC.
Malaysians on the other hand… don’t mind queueing up for expensive coffee every day or spending a little more than usual on the latest culinary fad.
So for 2019, it’s time we follow the footsteps of the king of Chinese cinema and the king of thrifty.