#SHOWBIZ: Malaysian-born actor Lawrence Wong gains international recognition for 'Esky'
Esky is part of Homebound, an anthology of five shorts produced in collaboration with animal welfare group SOSD Singapore to spotlight rescue dogs in Singapore.
Wong told Shin Min Daily News that the recognition was unexpected.
"It was actually sent for competition by my Hollywood agent, who didn't tell me about it," he said.
Wong was delighted to receive international recognition.
"It is a great encouragement for me," he said.
Esky stars Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann, who won the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress for Ilo Ilo (2013) and Best Leading Actress for Wet Season (2019).
Wong rose to fame after starring in the Chinese period drama Story Of Yanxi Palace (2018).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Hidalgo reveals why he owes his life to Maradona
PETALING JAYA: Like all Argentinian footballers, Kuala Lumpur's new winger Manuel Hidalgo looks up to the late Diego Maradona as an idol and inspiration. But for the 26-year-old, who joined the City Boys on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), his fascination with the 1986 World Cup winner extends beyond the magic he created on the pitch. Hidalgo can even claim he owes his life to the legend, who many hail as the greatest player of all time. To put it poetically, he has been blessed by the ''hand of god'' – a reference to the controversial goal Maradona scored against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final. Look no further than Diego: Manuel Hidalgo in action for Kuala Lumpur against Sabah during a friendly match. — KL City FC 'I love him not just because of what he did in football – but because without him, I wouldn't be in this world,'' he said after a training session at the PKNS Field here yesterday. And there's an absorbing story behind that. Hidalgo's father, Gustavo, was living in Barcelona when Maradona was suspended for cocaine use and forced to return to Argentina in the 1980s. That unexpected turn led to him also returning home and eventually meeting the woman, Victoria, who would become the mother of his son, Manuel. 'My father met my mum in Argentina, and they went on to have me. So if not for Maradona, I won't be here in this world,' Hidalgo said. It is a remarkable twist of fate, one that Hidalgo carries with him not just emotionally, but literally – inked on his body. 'I have two Maradona tattoos, and a phrase from him across my back,' he adds proudly. Today, Hidalgo is thriving in a city he now calls home. 'I have a very good relationship with everyone, locals and import players as well.' Now entering his fifth season in Malaysia, Hidalgo speaks with a maturity that reflects his journey. He knows the expectations are high, but he has embraced them. A tattoo of Maradona on Hidalgo's hand. 'I think we (Kuala Lumpur) have an amazing team this year, and we're going to achieve great things for sure. 'We started not so hard, and I think that's good. ''Sometimes when you push too early, the players aren't fresh for the season. I think we'll arrive at the first game at 100 per cent.' Hidalgo is particularly impressed with the atmosphere within the team and the communication between coach Risto Vidakovic and the players. 'It's the best I've experienced in Malaysia by far. ''The connection is very good. We all feel it.' KL have been beset by financial problems in the past, but with changes in the top management, Hidalgo hopes his teammates don't need to wait for their dues. 'I have the luck that I'm part of JDT. When you have JDT behind you, everything is easier. ''They do things how they should be done, on time, professionally.'' Hidalgo also revealed that he is awaiting to be naturalised and hopes to don Malaysian colours one day. 'After December, I will have been in Malaysia for five years. Maybe by then, or next May, I can get something more official. I hope that can happen next year.'
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Cameras roll in Penang for Miss Hong Kong 2025
Beauties in white: The Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2025 finalists began filming at the City Hall and the Esplanade seafront in Penang. — Photo courtesy of Sin Chew Daily GEORGE TOWN: The production team of the Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2025 is in Penang for a four-day outdoor shoot, marking the first time the iconic event is being filmed in the state. Outdoor filming began at City Hall and the Esplanade seafront here yesterday, with additional shoots scheduled at several well-known attractions until Monday. The 14 finalists will wear traditional Nyonya attire and participate in a swimsuit segment, with local cuisine tasting sessions included in the itinerary. TVB stars Benjamin Yuen Wai-ho and Moon Lau Pui-yuet are also in town, joining the shoot as special guests. Yuen, who won the Mr Hong Kong title 17 years ago, hoped the contestants would enjoy the experience despite the tight schedule and challenges. 'The process will be tough and challenging, but it will be valuable for growth and learning,' he said. Yuen added he was glad to be part of the shoot and looked forward to relaxing and sampling local food. Lau, who was crowned second runner-up in the Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2013, said the contestants should not shy away from expressing themselves. 'Since I do not have to participate in the swimsuit segment, I will gladly 'take on' more of the local food on behalf of the contestants,' she said jokingly when met outside the City Hall yesterday. Welcoming them on-site was Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai. Also present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee and Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan. Wong said the state's global visibility would be enhanced through the lens of a major Chinese-language entertainment brand. He said the Miss Hong Kong pageant, which began in 1946 and organised by TVB since 1973, is one of the most recognised beauty contests in the Chinese-speaking world. 'Its decision to film in Penang shows the state's growing appeal as an international filming destination. 'This is a historic moment. We see it as a chance to showcase Penang's cultural depth and modern appeal to audiences worldwide,' he was quoted as saying by state publisher Buletin Mutiara. Wong said the filming was made possible through collaboration between the Penang government and Hong Kong-based budget airline HK Express, following several weeks of discussions. He added that HK Express would double its daily flights between Hong Kong and Penang starting Oct 26. This followed a promotional campaign in late June, when Wong led a Penang delegation to Hong Kong under the theme 'Penang: Not the Penang You Know' to showcase the state's diverse cultural and tourism offerings.
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Festival sets record for longest non-stop techno music event
Guests enjoying the music at the event. An all-day festival has officially secured a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for the 'Longest Non-Stop Techno Music Event'. Held at Heritage Valley Kuala Lumpur, Connor's Collective drew over 3,700 attendees for 13 hours of continuous music and immersive experiences. Carlsberg Malaysia marketing director Olga Pulyaeva said the festival honoured a community of trailblazers and non-conformists, embodying Connor's brand ethos of being 'Made to Be Different'. Following a Guinness World Record last year for the 'Most People Shaking Drink Cans Simultaneously', she said Connor's continued its innovative spirit by setting this new Malaysian record. 'We didn't just serve quality stout, we brought together a community to defy expectations,' said Pulyaeva. The festival immersed guests in the stout's identity through 'The Great Blend of Four Malts', a cinematic walk-through detailing Connor's brewing story. The experience culminated at the Connor's Bar, where attendees participated in a signature shake ritual with a can of Connor's, a nod to the brand's unique serving style. Beyond the music, the event featured a vibrant array of festival elements. Guests could get personalised jagua tattoos, craft unique upcycled phone straps, join a stencil art workshop and watch a graffiti artist create live art. A sneak preview of the limited-edition Connor's x Doubleback streetwear collaboration was also featured, while Brazilian electronic artiste Liu closed the night. Adding to the musical diversity, the Skate Park Stage offered soul and groove, while the Mixology Bar served Connor's-infused cocktails. Over 20 acts contributed to the day's extensive music programme.
