As competition in the toothbrush industry intensified and profit margins declined, Wong began to seek new avenues for growth. His thinking was transformed when he encountered a Kodak Brownie camera, an experience that crystallised his vision for the future of photography. He believed that cameras should not be luxury goods, but practical tools for preserving memory—particularly for families and younger generations. With this conviction, he led his team to develop portable cameras that combined reliable performance with affordable pricing.

Drawing on his extensive network within the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association, Wong sourced a complete set of camera production equipment from Japan and engaged a Japanese optical engineer to support lens‐grinding processes. He subsequently founded W. Haking Industries (Mechanics and Optics) Limited, laying the foundations for Hong Kong’s entry into camera manufacturing.

The early years were marked by technical challenges, limited market acceptance, and scepticism at international trade fairs. Undeterred, Wong continued to invest heavily in development, drawing on the profits generated by his toothbrush business. By the late 1950s, however, his resources were nearly exhausted. He set himself a final deadline: if the camera venture failed to achieve profitability by 1959, the business would be brought to an end.