Latest news with #EmeraldHill
CNA
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Mediacorp's Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story to premiere on Chinese streaming platform Tencent Video in end-2025
Over 113 million subscribers on Chinese streaming giant Tencent Video will have access to Mediacorp's blockbuster period drama, Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story in end-2025, following a newly inked licensing agreement, according to a press release. This makes Tencent Video the digital home for both the original 2008 hit The Little Nyonya and its acclaimed spin-off, allowing viewers new and old to experience the entire Nyonya saga in one place. This landmark streaming deal strategically complements the show's upcoming premiere on SMG's Dragon TV, announced last month, allowing the show to reach both television and digital streaming viewers. Emerald Hill drew over 1.67 million viewers on mewatch and Channel 8 upon its debut in Singapore earlier this year, making it the most-watched local Chinese drama on these platforms in five years. This statistic excludes viewership on regional and global platforms like Netflix Singapore, where it made history as the first Mediacorp Chinese drama to debut at No 1, a position it held for four weeks out of a total of seven consecutive weeks on the streamer's Top 10 TV Programmes rankings. 'As a spin-off to The Little Nyonya, a classic IP that holds precious memories for a generation of viewers, Emerald Hill continues the legacy with polished production and a gripping storyline,' said a Tencent spokesperson. 'We're confident it will captivate both new and returning audiences with its blend of Nanyang charm and modern storytelling, and become a new icon on Emerald Hill.' Virginia Lim, chief content officer of Mediacorp shared: 'Our ambition has always been to bring the Singaporean voice to the world stage, and this landmark deal with Tencent Video is a proud milestone in that journey. 'Now, millions of viewers can experience both the beloved original, The Little Nyonya, and its new chapter, Emerald Hill, on the same platform, creating a wonderful bridge between its original fans and a new generation of viewers.' Produced by Mediacorp, Emerald Hill is a spin-off of the beloved 2008 hit The Little Nyonya. Set within the opulent confines of a sprawling Peranakan mansion, Emerald Hill unfurls across two gripping murder mysteries and the entwined lives of three Little Nyonyas – a story of legacy, betrayal and love that spans generations.
CNA
6 days ago
- CNA
25 months' jail for woman who worked with her husband to cheat her lover of S$220,000
SINGAPORE: Acting on her husband's instructions, a woman cheated her lover of S$220,000 (US$172,400) in a property investment scam. However, the husband did not know that his wife was having an affair with the victim, and the victim did not know that he was being cheated until years later. On Thursday (Jul 24), a district court sentenced 48-year-old Singaporean Felicia Tay Bee Ling to 25 months' jail. Eric Ong Chee Wei, 50, was given 28 months' jail and ordered to pay compensation of S$210,000. He had earlier made restitution of S$10,000 to the victim, Mr David Tan, 48. If Ong cannot pay the compensation, he will have to serve another 105 days' jail in default. THE CASE The court heard that Ong and Tay have been married since 1999. For seven years from then, Ong worked as a property agent. Thereafter, he did odd jobs while Tay was a housewife. Tay met Mr Tan sometime in 2010, and they began having an extramarital affair in 2014. The affair lasted until 2017. Ong knew of Mr Tan as his wife's friend. However, he had never met him at the time and did not know about the affair. Mr Tan, however, knew that Tay was married to Ong. In around September 2015, the married couple conspired to deceive Mr Tan. They agreed for Tay to tell Mr Tan about opportunities to invest in condominium units for significant profits. They intended to get Mr Tan to pay security deposits for condo units, purportedly at Residences @ Emerald Hill, when they knew there were no such units for purchase. From September 2015 to November 2015, Tay acted on her husband's instructions and told Mr Tan about the investment opportunities. Tay said that developers were willing to offload unsold properties at a discounted rate to agents, due to the poor property market. She claimed that her husband was offered the units as he used to work in property, and said she could help Mr Tan buy seven condo units directly from the condominium developer at a discounted rate. She said the units could be sold at a higher price and promised high returns within a period of three months from the date of each investment. Six of the units did not exist at all, and there were no such investment opportunities. Ong then gave his wife hard copies of option-to-purchase forms he had obtained from another property agent from real estate company OrangeTee. This agent was unaware of the misuse of the forms. Tay then filled out forms for the seven units and sent screenshots of them to her lover over WhatsApp, so he would believe that the money he had handed to her was part of security deposits to buy the units. VICTIM HAD IMMENSE TRUST FOR WOMAN The prosecutor said Mr Tan believed Tay's ruse as he had "immense trust" in her because they were in a relationship, and because he thought Ong worked in the property industry. Mr Tan gave a total of S$220,000 in cash to Tay over seven occasions from September 2015 to November 2015. In return, Tay promised him a profit of S$1.7 million when the units were sold. In around January 2016, Mr Tan became suspicious, as he had not been given any investment returns. He confronted Tay but did not get any concrete answer. To appease him, Tay prepared an "IOU document with information from her husband and with his signature. This was done to convince Mr Tan that Ong would pay him the money owed. In the document, Mr Tan used his brother's name – Kelvin Tan – instead of his own, as he did not want to risk exposing his affair with Tay to Ong. The IOU document stated that Ong would pay Kelvin Tan S$1.9 million upon the sale of the seven units – comprising the S$220,000 from Mr Tan's "investment" and the profit of S$1.7 million. The couple never paid Mr Koh any of the promised sum. Eventually, Mr Tan realised that he was not getting his money back. His relationship with Tay ended in March 2017. It was only more than two years later, in December 2019, that Mr Tan asked OrangeTee about the property agent stated in the forms provided to him, and learnt that none of the transactions he had made were legitimate. Mr Tan lodged a police report on Dec 12, 2019, and Ong and Tay were arrested in June 2022. Ong made restitution of S$10,000 to Mr Tan in October 2024. The prosecution said the amount involved in this case was significant, with minimal restitution to date. The offence was also premeditated, with elaborate steps taken to conceal it. However, the prosecutor said Tay's culpability was slightly lower than her husband's, as she acted on his instructions throughout the scheme. The prosecutor sought a compensation order of S$210,000, with a jail term of six months in default if Ong could not pay the money.
CNA
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Dawn Yeoh reveals her grandmother died while actress was attending this year's Star Awards
There are stars who are so professional, they don't let their personal lives get in the way of their work. When met Dawn Yeoh at the recent Star Awards, the 39-year-old was as bubbly as usual and even gamely filmed a TikTok for us. So imagine our surprise when we found out how troubled she was actually feeling that night. Yeoh recently revealed on Instagram that her grandmother had died that day. She told Chinese media 8world that she was informed about her grandmother's condition while she was at the awards show. Yeoh said she contemplated leaving the ceremony to see her Ah Ma for the last time. "In the end I decided to stay. I was hoping to bring a Top 10 Most Popular Female Artiste award to the hospital for my grandma," she said. Dawn has been in the running for the award many times over her two decade-long career. This year, she was hoping her new-found popularity from playing Kang Si Li in Emerald Hill would bring her luck, but sadly, she still went home empty-handed. She also didn't get to say her final goodbye to her grandma. Yeoh said she was busy settling funeral matters but had already returned to work the past two days. She also wished to convey a message to her late grandma. "I won't get beaten down. Instead, I will get stronger with every defeat. I will keep working hard, and I hope I can 'visit' you with an award next year. Please rest well in heaven and continue to watch all my dramas. Thank you for all the love you've given me, we'll definitely meet again, Ah Ma," said the actress.
New Paper
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Star Awards 2025: The 11 red carpet looks that caught the eye
It was tasteful, if a touch restrained, on the Star Awards 2025 red carpet. The 30th edition of local entertainment's biggest night had promised spectacle, but the artistes in attendance on July 6 overwhelmingly opted for trusty suits - mostly in penguin colours, though some dared a navy - safely pretty black dresses, lucky red ones and standard sequinned gowns. It felt like sober good sense taking over in the third decade of the awards show, teased by backstage pictures of the stars sipping bird's nest tonics from little flasks supplied by celebrity hairstylist David Gan. The upshot was competent, even relaxed looks, with few misfires. Fight through the polite applause and one might find interest in the details: host Quan Yi Fong's windswept tromp l'oeil tie, newbie Tiffany Ho's clover-shaped "bib" or actor Desmond Tan passing off a tassel for a tie. And with the likes of actors Li Nanxing, Sharon Au and Jeanette Aw making their Walk Of Fame comebacks, there was enough going on to keep oglers occupied. A new crop of actors from the hit series Emerald Hill (2025), as yet too fresh to keep it chill, also turned up the heat. Here are the most memorable hits and misses from the annual extravaganza. Tasha Low Like a true clothes horse, Low made no concession to the weather in this feathered Chanel jacket and skirt set. The charmeuse top, with its jewelled buttons, gave a sense of occasion. The spring green was bright, without being timid. The matching jacquard skirt with a Chanel camellia motif was faultless. Her Chinese period drama-esque hairdo might have tipped the look into costume, if not for the flash of those black velvet platform boots. All in all, a rock star look from the Emerald Hill star. Chantalle Ng Here was another Emerald Hill lead - and Low's bestie - looking to make an impression. Ng's divisive, barely there chainmail dress of 2023, and sports bra-flashing, white overlay fishing net number in 2024, showed her admirable scorn for quiet dressing. This time, she finally nailed it in her most conservative look yet. Her strapless white gown was a busy one, with ruffles round the bust, waist and fringing a fluffy-looking train. Look closer and some boning is visible in the bodice, as well as a charming criss-cross pattern in the skirt. Ng gets props for holding it all together, without looking too bridal. Zoe Tay Ah Jie made a queenly entrance in Chanel. With hair slicked back, in a floor-grazing black coat - naturally made of tweed - and a controlled explosion of flowers embroidered on the collar, she looked every bit the matriarch of Mediacorp. It was welcome relief from the ruddy dresses Tay reached for in 2023 and 2024. But do not mistake her for severe now - she still swished her coat playfully for the cameras and capped off the look with a fun pair of velvet and mirror platform sandals. Jeanette Aw Singaporean actresses Jeanette Aw (right) and Jesseca Liu walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO After a six-year break from the silver screen, Aw is making a leading lady TV comeback in 2026. For her red carpet return, she went for a prim Shushu/Tong number, with a flat bow detail on the neckline that added a dash of girlish sweetness. The woollen weight and full-hipped silhouette kept it classy. Her towering stiletto heels and crocodile-shaped open necklace added a welcome pinch of danger. Fann Wong Actress Fann Wong and her husband Christopher Lee at the Star Awards on July 6. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Wong famously turned up at the 2003 Star Awards in sneakers, a cropped top and ultra-loud floral red knee-length pants. Those who hoped she might reprise that spirit might be disappointed to learn she has retired from wacky, if her all-white look was anything to go by. But it was gauche to quibble. Her simple shift dress fell perfectly to her feet and, with only the most sparing of accessories - a thick silver bracelet, earrings and a thin necklace - she proved less is more. Chen Liping Chen Liping walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Chen arrived like a Roald Dahl character - specifically, the giant peach in James And The Giant Peach. Her linebacker shoulders in a pleated orange top, with an exposed zipper no less, was the most flammable look of the night. Still, it was difficult to say what clothes could carry the energy of the beloved on-screen teacher known as Aiyoyo, who somehow managed to overpower her screeching garb, looking easy-breezy above the noise. Li Nanxing Singaporean actress Zoe Tay and actor Li Nanxing on the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Ah Ge Li Nanxing was the one to watch on awards night as he made his long-awaited return to the ceremony. He could have come in the national service admin tee and it would not have made a difference, but he played nice and went for a baggy suit. His yellow-tinted sunglasses and metallic corsage - a brooch shaped like a spray of flowers - capped off the mob boss look. Ya Hui Singaporean actress Ya Hui walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO She dared to experiment with a denim fishtail dress. Alas, the intrepid actress was foiled by the casual-looking wash of the jeans, the randomness of her elbow-length black gloves and the truly bizarre lone silver bangle on one wrist. It might have been worth it if she could move in it, but the well-loved star was seen grappling with her skirt, stalled before the stairs up to the venue by the stiff material and awkward length. Xiang Yun (From left) Host Hazelle Teo, host-actor Guo Liang, actress Xiang Yun and actor Chen Shucheng at the Star Awards at Mediacorp on July 6. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The veteran actress is not one to shy from colour. In 2023, she went full highlighter in a fluorescent yellow number. This year, she opted for fuchsia. But if her neon look two years ago worked because of its considered structure, her rosy collared dress this year was undone by its Office Lady sensibility. Think three-quarter sleeves, flared skirt and a sorrowfully misshapen bow tacked onto the waist. A haphazard ponytail that could only have been hastily done inspired the present suspicion - perhaps, she had not meant to attend. Pierre Png Actors Xu Bin (left) and Pierre Png walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO The Crazy Rich Asians (2018) heart-throb and best supporting actor nominee rolled up in an all-black paisley printed suit - and bedhead. Maybe it was an adventurous hairstyling choice, but the cowlick visible from behind suggested ambivalence. Then again, with nearly 30 years in the dog and pony show of show business, Png might be forgiven for taking a nap. Elvin Ng Mr Bandung - so named for his infamous pink ombre get-up circa 2021 - ditched the strictures of a suit altogether this time, favouring a belted cool grey jumpsuit, unzipped to mid-chest. His popped collar, silver ear studs, gold brooch and a wispy forelock added some glamour. But otherwise, his elevated loungewear looked the most comfortable of the night.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Singaporean actress Sheila Sim takes hair-cutting course after giving daughter ‘awful' haircut
Singaporean actress-model Sheila Sim posted on Instagram on July 10 that she attended a four-day hair-cutting course following an unsatisfactory trim she gave her four-year-old daughter Layla. In the video, the Emerald Hill (2025) star appears focused as she trims a mannequin's hair, under the guidance of a professional. Sim said the course was 'sponsored by the Government' as she had used her SkillsFuture credits. The mother of two, whose younger daughter is two years old, wrote in her caption: 'I've always been cutting my daughters' hair since they were babies. But as they grow, their hair length and texture have become increasingly difficult to manage. 'With no formal experience, I attempted to trim about 5cm off Layla's hair... which ended up being more like 10cm.' She said that when Layla first looked in the mirror after the cut, the child said: 'I hate my hair.' While Layla eventually reassured her mother three days later that the hair was 'starting to look like hers again', Sim, 41, admitted the haircut was 'awful' and 'really bad'. This incident spurred Sim to search online for hair-cutting lessons, which led her to sign up for a four-day course at Kimage Hairdressing School. On July 10, she also posted a series of Instagram Stories, sharing an update of her hair-cutting skills after attending the course. She filmed a 360-degree video of a mannequin, and wrote: 'Excuse the face... but I think I did quite a good job with the hair.' Actor and fellow Mediacorp artiste Desmond Tan, who has a one-year-old daughter, commented, 'Next week, any available slots?', complete with a winking emoji. Other industry colleagues complimented Sim, with veteran actress Lin Meijiao saying: 'You are looking so pro.' – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
