Singaporean tourist bears permanent scars as Hong Kong teen gets 8 years for $1,200 acid attack

A Hong Kong court sentenced a triad-linked teenager to eight years in prison on Oct. 29 for throwing acid on a Singaporean tourist in return for a promised HK$10,000 (US$1,270).

Justice Andrew Chan Hing-wai of the High Court said Anson Kew, 19, had caused a "lifelong impact" on Jiang Wen, 36, who suffered second-degree burns in the attack on June 9, 2025, the South China Morning Post reported. Medical reports showed burns on about 10% to 11% of her body, mainly her face and limbs.

Kew pleaded guilty on Oct. 15 to one count of throwing corrosive fluid with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Chan adopted a starting point of 12 years and reduced it by one-third for the plea.

Kew, who was 17 at the time, was dressed in black and wearing a hat and mask when he rushed toward Jiang as she was about to get into a private car outside a building in Wan Chai, The Standard reported. He threw sulfuric acid with a concentration of nearly 70% at her three times.

Jiang spent 61 days in hospital, undergoing several procedures to remove damaged tissue and graft skin, before returning to Singapore for further treatment. She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, suffered from insomnia, needed medication and was left with permanent, visible scars.

Evidence showed Kew had scouted the location days earlier, the SCMP reported. He fled after the attack and eventually turned himself in to police, but did not explain why he targeted Jiang. It was not mentioned in court whether he knew her.

‘Paid job’ and triad links

Citing a background report, Chan said Kew had admitted to a probation officer that the attack was a "paid job" for which he was promised HK$10,000. The judge described him as "money-oriented" and said his motivation to change was "questionable."

"He admitted that he committed the offense not because of anything but for the desire for money," Chan said. He added that the "carefully planned" attack had left a great physical and psychological impact on Jiang.

The report said Kew had a history of drug use and was associated with triad societies, though he denied membership. He committed theft at 14, was later placed in a detention center for juvenile offenders after breaching probation, and dropped out of school at around 16.

Although the report said Kew had not formally joined a triad, Chan said he was certain the teenager had effectively "joined" one, noting that the assignment had reached him through undesirable associates, The Standard reported.