Third-Generation Embalmer Shares Insights on Hong Kong Funeral Industry
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Joey Chan Jin-hei, a third-generation embalmer in Hong Kong, has revealed the realities of the funeral industry amid public misconceptions. According to government statistics, Hong Kong sees approximately 51,000 deaths annually, averaging over 140 bodies processed daily. Chan, who studied funeral science in Australia 20 years ago, emphasizes that professional embalmment is conducted with dignity on specialized tables, countering dramatized portrayals in films like The Last Dance.
Key Points
- Joey Chan Jin-hei, over 40 years old, is the third generation in his family to work in the funeral industry; his grandmother and father preceded him in this profession
- Twenty years ago, Chan traveled to Australia to pursue a degree in funeral science, later joining the family business where he has since processed thousands of bodies
- Hong Kong records approximately 51,000 deaths per year, meaning over 140 bodies require handling daily across the city
- Chan refutes dramatized scenes in the film The Last Dance, clarifying that embalmment never occurs in back alleys but on professional operating tables with proper respect
- Using modern technology, embalmers can reconstruct damaged bodies by applying clay to match photographs provided by grieving families
- The most emotionally challenging case for Chan involved a newborn infant, which struck him deeply since his own child was of similar age at the time
Why It Matters
This interview offers rare insight into a profession often shrouded in taboo, highlighting the professionalism and emotional resilience required of funeral workers. As Hong Kong's aging population continues to grow, understanding the industry's standards and practices becomes increasingly important for public awareness and acceptance of death-related services .
This interview offers rare insight into a profession often shrouded in taboo, highlighting the professionalism and emotional resilience required of funeral workers. As Hong Kong's aging population continues to grow, understanding the industry's standards and practices becomes increasingly important for public awareness and acceptance of death-related services .