Zheng Jinman
Alvin Cheng Kam‑mun (Chinese: 鄭錦滿; born 23 June 1988), nicknamed “Four‑Eyes Brother,” is a Hong Kong political activist. He served as Vice‑Chairman of Civic Passion from September 2016 to February 2020 and previously founded the grassroots movement Student Front in December 2014. Born in Chaozhou, Guangdong, Cheng first came to public attention during the 2014 Umbrella Movement, when he led a “dismantle the stage” action at Admiralty and pledged to “resist violence with violence.” [1]Since April 2021 he has operated a logistics and moving services company.
Early life and education
Cheng became involved in political activism with the League of Social Democrats in 2008 and the anti–High‑Speed Rail campaign in late 2009. At his family’s urging for safety, he began studies in Australia in July 2009 [2]at Queensland University of Technology, funding his own tuition by working multiple part‑time jobs in food service, cleaning and transport.
Umbrella Movement
On 28 September 2014, Cheng returned to Hong Kong from Brisbane to join the Umbrella Movement. During the G20 summit in Brisbane (November 2014), he organized solidarity demonstrations for pro‑democracy protesters in Hong Kong before returning home to resume sit‑in occupations. On 21 November, he led around 100 netizens in “dismantling the stage” at the main protest site in Admiralty, calling for dialogue between student groups and protesters and criticizing strictly non‑violent tactics as impractical. He was forcibly removed from the platform and sustained minor injuries.
On 11 December 2014, Cheng was arrested[3] at his residence for “participating in or inciting others to participate in an unlawful assembly.” He was remanded in custody until 8 January 2015, when he was released on bail but warned of possible re‑arrest if further evidence emerged.
Student Front
On 6 December 2014, Cheng founded Student Front to oppose the leadership dominance of major protest groups after they threatened to withdraw from the occupation. He vowed “to use force against violence” and to hold positions even after other groups withdrew. Student Front disbanded on 2 March 2015, warning activists not to over‑rely on student organizations.
“Library War” campaign
From April 2016, Cheng posted a video urging volunteers to remove simplified‑character books purchased with public funds from Hong Kong public libraries in protest against mainland propaganda materials. On 6 April, he was arrested near Shau Kiu Wan for “unauthorized computer use” and “theft.” He was later formally charged with theft and sentenced in September 2017 to a HK$3,000 fine.
Polytechnic University siege
During the November 2019 siege of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Cheng assisted trapped protesters in escaping through drainage channels. On 20 November 2019 he was arrested by police near a manhole in Tsim Sha Tsui and charged with rioting and perverting the course of justice. He was granted HK$1,000 cash bail. On 14 January 2023 he was convicted of rioting and on 11 February 2023 sentenced to 44 months’ imprisonment. Cheng was released on his 37th birthday, 23 June 2025.
Electoral politics
2016 Legislative Council election
In February 2016 Cheng announced his intention to run for the Hong Kong Island constituency in the Legislative Council election under Civic Passion’s banner. His candidacy was approved on 1 August 2016. On polling day, 4 September 2016, he received 22,555 votes, placing eighth in a six‑seat contest and was not elected. On 14 September he was appointed Vice‑Chairman of Civic Passion, serving until 29 February 2020.
2020 Legislative Council election
Cheng explored a second run in the 2020 Hong Kong Island race, forming a ticket with candidate Cheung Chi‑yan. Their nominations were invalidated on 30 July 2020. The election was postponed to 5 September 2021 under emergency regulations.
See also
- Civic Passion
- Student Front
- Localism in Hong Kong
- Umbrella Movement