HK Singer-Host Maria Codero, Who Only Had A Primary School Education, Now Has A PhD
Celebrities are doing their part to give back to the community as Hongkong experiences an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases.
Yesterday (Mar 24), veteran singer Maria Cordero visited the Tsing Yi makeshift hospital as part of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's political advisory body, to donate supplies.
In an interview with the media, the 67-year-old, affectionately known as Fei Ma, shared that she was appointed member of the CPPCC at the beginning of the year.
When asked how she became a CPPCC member, she replied with a laugh: "They were the ones who chose me. But regardless, I feel you shouldn’t ask what the country and Hongkong government can give you. You are a Hongkonger and a Chinese, what can you give to the Hongkong government and the country? I hope the Hongkong people can do something for Hongkong, such as when you see trash, pick it up, or when you see someone being bullied, lend a helping hand, that’s good enough. Unity is most important.”
She was awarded a PhD by a Spanish university
During the event, it was also revealed that she holds a PhD. Turns out that Maria has had her PhD in food studies for many years, but did not make it known to the public.
"It was awarded to me by a very famous university in Spain. It’s been many years!” she said.
“I didn’t mention it, but my friend, who happened to know about it, wrote about it. Amazing right?”
She came from very humble beginnings
Maria, whose dad is Portuguese and mum, Chinese, was born in Macau. She moved to Hongkong at age 10 and had to quit school in primary six when her father passed away.
Armed with only a primary school education, she took on odd jobs working as a coolie, sales girl, factory worker and clerk.
She later worked as a cook and booking agent at a nightclub, and got her start in showbiz after she was spotted singing at the club.
In 2014, she was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star by SAR government for her “valuable contribution to the promotion of Hongkong overseas”.
Photos: Maria Cordero/Facebook
