13 years old, kindergarten student

It might seem a little strange that we’ve picked McDull as a Hong Kong hero: not only is he frequently called a pig (only to those unfamiliar with him), he is also the dumbest kid in his class. “Even the foreigner next door refers to him as ‘pork chop’,” says Alice Mak, the creator of Hong Kong’s most popular cartoon piggy. Meanwhile, McDull sits on a wooden chair in the corner, probably dreaming about his next meal.

Born in 1995, McDull grew up in the working-class neighbourhood of Tai Kok Tsui; and it’s not so far-fetched to suggest that he has become a local icon. “I’ve always only wanted him to be a very ordinary kid,” Mak explains, “one who’s neither bright nor clever. His story is about the survival of less privileged kids in Hong Kong. In the case of McDull, he’s always facing his problems in a positive, sunny, simplified way.”

From behind her black, horn-rimmed glasses, Mak occasionally reminds me of the piggy sitting across the room with her laid-back and somewhat sheepish way of speaking: “I guess many people don’t want to admit that they’re a little like McDull… At the same time, they find many people around them very McDull-ish.” At which point, I naturally seize the chance to pop the question: is Mak related to McDull in any way? I mean, they share the same surname in Chinese… “Of course I’d say no to that no matter what!”

While Mak is quick to laugh off her rumoured family relations with the little pig, there’s no doubt that she takes a lot of pride in him and his place in Hong Kong’s folklore. Constantly playing on popular Cantonese slang, McDull displays an extremely observant eye on the funny side of our local culture, and some of Hong Kong trademarks, like the concept of cha chaan tengs.

In the 2001 film, My Life as McDull, the heroic piggy went to Cheung Chau intending to run into Olympic gold medallist (and fellow Time Out Hong Kong hero) Lee Lai-shan, only to be taught the island’s traditional game, bun snatching: “a game with no medals, no competitors, and no competition” since 1978. Nevertheless, McDull continued to learn the game with all his heart, eventually mastering such campy-titled, kung fu-style techniques as the “twelve bun-snatching hands”. This story made such a big impression on Hong Kong that it felt almost like McDull was responsible for the event finally being re-commissioned in 2005 as part of the annual Bun Festival. “In my wishful thinking, I also feel that [McDull has played a part in the event’s revival].” Mak can’t hide her satisfaction while addressing the subject. “It’s nice to bring back the [collective memory] of Hong Kong… even though they’re snatching fake plastic buns [nowadays]!”

Noticing McDull spacing out in his chair, I turn to ask him the customary question: how do you feel about being named a Hong Kong hero? “I’m very honoured,” he replies, “but what does the word ‘hero’ mean? That’s such a difficult word for me… Is it about helping people?” Mak helps him out: “he gives you a tickle when you’re really bored, and makes your gloomy day less gloomy as a result. We should all deal with our grown-up problems with a little of McDull’s spirit.” Edmund Lee