Ayden Sng sells his 'go-to' drink Milo Dinosaur in China cafe for reality show Smile at You, Entertainment News
The 31-year-old, who is currently a participant in new Chinese reality show Smile at You where he operates cafe uSweet in Harbin with four others, has introduced our kopitiam drink Milo Dinosaur to the menu.
In a uSweet cafe's Xiaohongshu post on Wednesday (June 4), they posted a picture of a cup of iced Milo Dinosaur with the caption: "Milo Dinosaur is a specialty drink originating from Singapore. It is very popular in Southeast Asia and Singapore's first Olympic gold medalist Joseph Schooling's favourite.
"At the same time, it's also our Singaporean actor and uSweet cafe store manager Ayden's go-to drink. This drink has always been at the top of the list of must-have Singapore delicacies."
Milo Dinosaur, sold in eateries in Singapore and Malaysia, is a cold chocolate malt beverage topped with undissolved Milo powder.
In a fancam posted on the platform yesterday, Ayden is also seen making the drink while a fan engaged him in small talk.
Netizens who had visited the Harbin cafe and ordered the chocolate malt drink also commented in uSweet's post that it tasted good.
Smile at You, which premiered last Thursday (May 29) on streaming platform iQiyi, is a reality show involving 35 young men who undergo a month of professional training including business management, product development and customer service, and are divided into groups to travel to different cities in China to run a cafe.
Some of the judges and trainers include former Exo member and businessman Huang Zitao, director-actor Tang Guoqiang and singer-host Wu Yi.
In the first episode, when the young men had to mingle and find their roommates, Russian-Korean twin influencers Denis and Kirill had trouble understanding and communicating in Mandarin because their translating device had not arrived on the set. Ayden approached the duo and helped them discuss with the participants to come up with a suitable rooming arrangement for the brothers.
In additional content released on June 1, he also helped Denis while they practised customer service and greeting customers.
He also practised making cakes and biscuits with a participant, Chinese swimmer Chen Mucheng, on a few evenings where they discussed procedures and ingredients. While there were some charred products, other participants who tried his products praised his effort.
In the third episode released on Thursday, participants had to work in pairs to present desserts and coffee to the judges, including their baking instructors.
Ayden chose to create his own recipe using what he had learned in his baking lessons for the past few weeks.
He said: "If you're a consumer, would you want to eat a basque cheesecake, tiramisu or black forest cake? Or would you prefer to eat something that the pastry chef invented which you have never tried before?
"So this time, I insisted on not using the recipes I already have. I really want to create something that belongs to me. The cake is combined from what the pastry chefs had taught us from the first lesson till now."
He added that his product is an eight-layer cake, and each layer is made with different steps.
When presenting his final product to the judges later, Ayden specially dedicated the cake to one of the pastry chefs who taught him.
He said: "I've always wanted to learn how to bake, but I've been filming for the past few years. So, it has become something that I've always wanted to do but never got around to because I don't have the time. I'm really very happy to be guided by the mentors. I really like to be in the kitchen."
Despite his efforts, he wasn't given a pass by the judges.
In the latest episode yesterday, while two of the chefs commended his efforts, they were concerned about food safety, as Ayden had placed cling wrap around the cake before baking it in the oven.
Smile at You releases new episodes every Thursday and Friday at 12pm on iQiyi. Ayden's new Chinese drama Feud , which stars Bai Lu and Joseph Zeng, is currently streaming on iQiyi and Viu.
[[nid:718407]]
yeo.shuhui@asiaone.com
No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Straits Times
K-pop girl group I-dle, Chinese singer Cai Xukun headline S'pore debut of Chinese music festival
Find out what's new on ST website and app. K-pop girl group I-dle (above) and Chinese pop idol Cai Xukun will be headlining the Bubbling & Boiling Music and Arts Festival. SINGAPORE - K-pop girl group I-dle and Chinese pop idol Cai Xukun will be headlining the upcoming Bubbling & Boiling Music and Arts Festival at Resorts World Ballroom. The festival from China is making its overseas debut in Singapore. According to the event's website and social media accounts, I-dle will be performing on Sept 13 and Cai on Sept 14. The full artiste line-up and ticket information has yet to be announced. I-dle, formerly known as (G)i-dle, consist of five members - Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi and Shuhua. They rebranded themselves with the name change in May, and released a special EP, We Are I-dle, that same month. They debuted in May 2018 and are famous for songs such as Latata (2018), Oh My God (2020) and Hwaa (2021). The group last performed here at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in October 2023 as part of their I Am Free-ty World Tour. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road South sinkhole removed; road remains closed for repairs Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Life Vet Talk: Pet owners and vets need to work together to prevent infectious zoonotic diseases Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Singapore For Singapore to do well, PAP govt has to continue to hold its own: SM Lee Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Singapore Mum at 15: More teens in Singapore gave birth in 2024 Business Already owning 5 properties, woman wanted elderly dad's 4 homes Minnie, 27, was in town in June for the opening of American footwear brand Skechers' revamped flagship outlet at Bugis Junction and in January for the launch of Chinese milk tea chain Chagee's second flagship store at VivoCity. Cai, 26, rose to fame in 2018 after taking part in Chinese reality show Idol Producer, in which he finished first. He then became the leader of temporary boy band Nine Percent, formed by the top nine-placed contestants of Idol Producer, before they disbanded in 2019. He is known for songs such as Lover (2020), Hug Me (2022) and Deadman (2025), and was a regular cast member of Chinese variety show Keep Running between 2020 and 2023. He previously performed in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands in July 2023 as part of his Kun 2023 World Tour.
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Straits Times
Celeb Pawrents: Comedian Kumar's maltipoo Coffee makes special appearances in latest show
Singaporean comedian Kumar with Coffee, one of his four dogs, at his comedy production S.O.S. Kumar at Sands Theatre. SINGAPORE – Audiences oohed and aahed when Kumar took his maltipoo Coffee out with him during a segment of his latest comedy production, S.O.S. Kumar. The local comedian, 56, also proudly displayed a photo of his four fur kids – all male maltipoos – as he wanted to share how cute they are and the place they hold in his heart. Three-year-old Coffee is the calmest – compared with Cookie, seven; Latte, two; and Biscuit, one – and is oblivious to the stage lights and cheers from audience members. However, Kumar is still careful to take him on stage only during quieter moments and avoid loud music or applause that might cause distress. His dogs have been 'guest stars' in his previous live shows, with Latte having the honour of first sharing the stage in 2024's Kumar Uncut. S.O.S. Kumar, now running at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands until Aug 3, is a tongue-in-cheek celebration of Singapore's 60th birthday. As Marina Bay Sands does not allow pets on its premises except service animals, a special permit – which takes about three months to obtain – is needed for Kumar to take his dog to the Sands Theatre. 'I also have a pet sitter to look after Coffee in the room when I'm on stage,' says Kumar. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tanjong Katong Road South closed for repairs after car fell into sinkhole Asia Trump says Thailand and Cambodia agree to hold immediate ceasefire talks Singapore Mum at 15: More teens in Singapore gave birth in 2024 Singapore HSA will not trace vape users who throw away e-vaporisers in disposal bins at 23 CCs World Israel resumes airdrop aid to Gaza, military says World Turkey marks 50.5 deg C heat record in south-east Business Already owning 5 properties, woman wanted elderly dad's 4 homes Opinion Metallurgy degree for IT job in Singapore? Why not, says Tata Consultancy's growth markets chief The veteran entertainer, who is one of Singapore's beloved comedians and known for his bold humour, has always been a dog person. 'I was always with dogs,' he says, describing a childhood spent at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), as his father worked at the agency and cared for the animals at night. Despite this early exposure, Kumar became a pawrent only around 2013 when he moved to his own HDB flat. 'I never had the opportunity to have my own dog as I never owned a house,' he says. He welcomed Oreo, a female Scottish terrier, followed by Cookie in 2018. Oreo died in 2022 after ingesting rat poison . A blood test confirmed the poisoning, but it was too late to save the dog . 'I found out only later that a few dogs around the neighbourhood also died from rat poison,' Kumar says, adding that he now advises people to ask for blood tests if their pets are unwell. Kumar has four maltipoos: (From left) Biscuit, one; Coffee, three; Latte, two; and Cookie, seven. PHOTO: KUMAR Kumar bought Coffee, while Latte and Biscuit were gifted by his manager. 'Cookie is the most manja (Malay for affectionate) and is the attention-seeker. He may be the oldest, but he still throws tantrums at times,' says Kumar, adding that the dog likes to get extra hugs. Coffee is loyal, always following Cookie's lead, while Latte is Kumar's shadow. 'He likes to sit by my feet and goes wherever I go in the house,' adds the funnyman. Biscuit, says Kumar, is playful and mischievous, and is often found chewing on something he should not. 'If Biscuit is missing for more than 10 minutes, I know he's up to something,' he says, laughing, recounting a time when the dog finished off food left on the dining table, cleverly avoiding the chilli and onions. The dogs have sibling-like dynamics. 'They have different ages, like children. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't, but they all sleep together and are very much part of the family,' he adds. Kumar's dogs make a special appearance at his S.O.S. Kumar comedy production at Sands Theatre. PHOTO: BASE ENTERTAINMENT ASIA Kumar bought landed property in 2024 to give his dogs more space. He moved out of his HDB flat as, according to its rules, only one dog is allowed in each residential unit. 'I didn't want to get into any trouble. My neighbours were fine with my dogs, but I feared that other people in the neighbourhood might complain,' he says. While Kumar is a hands-on pawrent, he has a helper to look after his dogs when he is travelling or working late. 'I will get jealous when they become too close to her, so I make sure they sleep with me at night,' says Kumar, adding that each dog has a favourite position on his king-size bed. Coffee sleeps on Kumar's right, while Latte is on the left, often hugging Kumar. Biscuit sleeps near his head, sometimes resting his head on the comedian. Though Cookie sleeps on the bed with Kumar, the eldest dog prefers the floor. Kumar spares no expense on his furry companions, spending over $2,000 a month on food, grooming and transportation. 'I work very hard to provide for them,' he says, emphasising that his dogs are family. Their well-being is a top priority and he credits them with providing unconditional love and emotional support. 'They are always happy to see me, no matter how long I've been away, and will always greet me when I step into the house,' Kumar says, adding that their presence brings much joy, love and comfort. 'When you're sad, they come to you. They know when you're angry because your tone changes. They're very intuitive.'
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Sorry, not sorry: How China's nationalistic netizens played into Malaysian rapper Namewee's hands
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Namewee is boycotted on the mainland for his 'anti-China stance', after his songs mocked the country's leader and nationalistic netizens. HONG KONG – If a picture speaks a thousand words, a removed picture shouts out even more. Controversial Malaysian rapper Namewee on July 21 took down photos he had earlier posted on Facebook of himself with actor Eric Tsang and singer Kenny Bee. This came after the two veteran Hong Kong celebrities issued formal apologies for their appearance alongside the rapper, for which they caught flak from Chinese netizens. Namewee is boycotted on the mainland for his 'anti-China stance', after his songs mocked the country's leader and nationalistic netizens. In a fresh Facebook post on the same day the pictures were taken down, Namewee shared his latest song, Letter of Apology . He cited the lyrics: 'I'm now ready to admit my mistakes/ Although it's just a small issue/ I'm willing to bow down and admit that I'm weak/ And reflect on all my foolish mistakes.' It was a master stroke: In an instant, he generated free, large-scale publicity for his most recent work, simultaneously putting on display the absurdity of the nationalistic outcry over the photos and the motivation for the artistes' apologies as implied in his new song. Namewee's initial post on July 19 had seemed innocuous enough. It was just pictures of the celebrities smiling for the camera, with his message in Chinese stating merely 'wishing you a successful performance tonight', ahead of a concert taking place that night in Genting, Malaysia. It looked and read like an innocent post from any other delighted supporter of Tsang and Bee who had been lucky enough to meet their idols in person. But it was the Chinese netizens' outrage over the post, and the pandering apologies it immediately elicited from the Hong Kong artistes who quickly sought to distance themselves from the rapper, that made it news. And Namewee cleverly capitalised on that to draw attention to his latest song, which – coincidentally or not – touches on a similar topic and had until now gone largely unnoticed elsewhere, especially on the mainland where his works are banned. With one innocuous post, and then its removal, the singer channelled outcry against him into publicity for his latest satire. The official music video for Letter of Apology shows the rapper at a press conference –speaking in mainland-accented Chinese – stating his desire to 'clarify matters' before breaking down in mock tears, bowing in apparent repentance, and crooning his 'apology' to his audience. A description – in Chinese – of the song on his official YouTube channel reads: 'After (issuing) the letter of apology, you will be propelled to fame and riches, arriving at the zenith of your lifetime… Only after writing my letter of apology, will I achieve prosperity! ' The song satirises the self-criticism and self-censorship demanded by China's hypersensitive, ultranationalistic keyboard warriors from those public figures who inadvertently offend the lucrative mainland market they cater to. Its lyrics also hint at the sense of self that some celebrities sacrifice to stay on the right side of their Chinese audiences, with one stanza stating: 'Can you accept/ That I can now only voicelessly await my fate/ No more need to wonder/ If I can still call this life my own.' Taiwan-based Hong Kong political commentator Sang Pu said he found Namewee's self-censorship of the photos and his subsequent post sharing his music video a 'brilliant' move. 'Namewee's deletion of the pictures caused them to be more widely circulated,' Mr Sang told The Straits Times. 'The photos resulted in the apologies from Eric Tsang and Kenny Bee, which then allowed Namewee to publicly juxtapose the two artistes' letters of repentance against the scenario depicted in his song.' 'From this, we can see how sharp-witted and humorous Namewee is,' he added. Muar-born Namewee, 42, also known as Wee Meng Chee or Huang Mingzhi, made his name producing songs that poke fun at sensitive political issues . He has been blacklisted in China since 2021, after the release of his ballad single Fragile, which contains barbed references to President Xi Jinping and issues including the country's tight censorship . In 2023, Namewee revealed that he was banned from performing in Hong Kong as well. Tsang's July 21 apology on Weibo, while not directly naming Namewee, expressed regret over the 'unintentional mistake' of having taken a photo with 'a certain person' whose background he had been 'unaware of'. 'As a Chinese citizen, I've always been committed to safeguarding our country's dignity and national sentiment,' Tsang wrote in Chinese. 'If I had known (his background), I would never have had any contact with him.' Bee issued an almost-identical apology on his own Weibo account. Tsang, 72, who has been in the show business since the 1980s, is general manager of Hong Kong's biggest television broadcaster TVB, which is expanding significantly in mainland China. Bee, also 72, was lead vocalist of Hong Kong 1970s pop group The Wynners and has in recent years taken on several minor acting gigs produced in mainland China. The two artistes' grovelling apologies are just the latest illustration of the pressures that celebrities can face even when they are not major players in the mainland market. But their eagerness to clarify the matter could also be linked in part to the additional spectre of a national security law over Hong Kong society. Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 after mass anti-government protests in 2019 and early 2020. Hong Kong subsequently introduced its own such legislation in 2024. The emphasis on national security in the city since then has resulted in its people increasingly policing their opinions made in public. Under Hong Kong law, sedition can also cover anything that incites 'hatred, contempt, dissatisfaction or disaffection' with the authorities. While it is clear that Tsang and Bee have not contravened any law, appearing to be aligned with Namewee whose work mocks China – however tenuous the link – could still potentially cause a rift not just with their mainland business partners and supporters, but also among those in Hong Kong. Ultimately, though, the artistes' main motivation for their apology is essentially 'greed', according to Mr Sang. 'The reason (Tsang and Bee) allowed themselves to be controlled by their entertainment companies and to publish the formal apologies scripted for them, is because of the money they still hope to make off their mainland audiences,' he said. 'This is a choice they must make: Would they prefer to eat standing (by their own principles), or do they want to eat on their knees (at the mercy of others).'
