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New Paper
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- Entertainment
- New Paper
'I consider Chow Yun Fat more a friend than an idol': Li Nanxing
For Singaporean actor Li Nanxing, attending Star Awards 2025 on July 6 after a 10-year absence was a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues. But the most memorable reunion came in the form of the 30th anniversary edition's special guest, Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat, who was on hand to present awards - just like how he did at the inaugural ceremony in 1994. Back then, Chow famously remarked that Li resembled him, adding: "Please don't come to Hong Kong, or else I will not be able to make movies any more." At Star Awards 2025, Chow, 70, called out 60-year-old Li's name twice while onstage, when he rallied the local actors in the audience from the 1994 batch to go onstage for a wefie. Li was also the first artiste to receive a hug from Chow. Li said it was the pair's first reunion since 1994, but they did not get to chat offstage as Chow was "very busy". Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat (left) giving Singaporean actor Li Nanxing a hug during the Star Awards on July 6. PHOTO: ENTERTAINMENT - MEDIACORP/YOUTUBE Li recalled: "So many people wanted to take a photo with him, and I felt so lucky to have been called. "I have always looked up to Chow and have seen so many of his movies. In some ways, I did try to learn from him. So for him to remember me three decades later, it meant a lot to me. I consider him more a friend than an idol." Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat (in white suit, in foreground) during the Star Awards on July 6, taking a wefie with stars who attended the first edition of Star Awards in 1994. PHOTO: MEDIACORP Li was speaking to The Straits Times on July 14 at the new Jurong Point outlet of home-grown restaurant brand Nan Yang Dao, which official opens on July 25. At the event, he unveiled two limited-time collaborative dishes that feature his LNX Dried Scallop Hae Bee Hiam - Hae Bee Hiam XO Penang Char Kway Teow With Double Egg ($12.80) and Ah Ge Fried Bee Hoon With Tiger Prawns ($12.80). Li launched his hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp sambal) brand in 2021, and it was improved in 2024 with richer shrimp and scallop flavours. Ah Ge Fried Bee Hoon With Tiger Prawns. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Li also revealed more about how he plans to celebrate his 40 years in showbiz, after debuting in the 1986 Chinese-language drama Crossroads. On Nov 29, he will hold a 40th anniversary event in Shanghai, China, with an estimated 800 fans, including those from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. He also plans to join a Huangpu River Cruise to admire the nighttime scenery together with attendees of an eight-day Jiangnan Gourmet Autumn Tour, departing from Singapore on Nov 23 and organised by local tour agency SA Tours. During the event, he might shake fans' hands, sign autographs and even belt out a number or two. "It all depends on what requests they have. Maybe it is to sing some theme songs or act out certain roles? I just want to thank my fans for their support all these years. "Did you know many fans in China like Mediacorp dramas?" he shared, namedropping his period drama The Great Conspiracy (1993), which was partly filmed in the Chinese province of Shanxi and in which he played Shen Chong, a killer skilled in martial arts. Li added: "In China, old televisions series are often replayed. I was once welcomed by Chinese fans with banners saying 'Shen Chong is back', and they told me they had seen the show on television just a few years ago." "Other fans in China who watched it when it first aired are now aunties. But they bring their children and grandchildren - three generations - to see me, and it is great. They give me lots of local products, such as tea and peanuts, and I have to book a van to take all of it back to my hotel." Reflecting on his four-decade career, Li shared that there were lows, like when viewers made "hurtful" comments about him portraying villains in dramas such as Coup De Scorpion (1999). In any case, acting has taught him much about life, while allowing him space to play and experiment. He recently played a cash-strapped single father in the family drama Uniquely Ours (2024), and will return to the small screen as a disgraced doctor in dystopian thriller series The Leftovers, set to premiere in October 2026. Outside of the entertainment industry, Li remains passionate about his other businesses. He established artiste management company LNX Global in 2003, which manages actresses Constance Song and Vivian Lai, actor Shane Pow, UFM100.3 DJ Luo Kemin and actress-influencer Julie Tan. In 2021, he opened dessert shop Tian Wang, now located in Keong Saik Road, where he has been spotted playing cashier and waiter. In addition, he has collaborated with other F&B businesses over the years, such as Chinese hotpot chain Chamoon Hot Pot on a bak kut teh broth in 2024, and casual restaurant chain Yun Nans on a number of spring menu dishes in 2021. He said: "I love cooking. And food is something I feel very strongly for, especially Nanyang cuisine, which has a distinctive Singaporean flavour. I love going to other countries to spread awareness about our food. And whether it is in food, acting or life, there is still a lot more to learn, experience and enjoy."
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Li Nanxing on reuniting with Chow Yun Fat at Star Awards: ‘I consider him more a friend than an idol'
SINGAPORE – For Singaporean actor Li Nanxing, attending Star Awards 2025 on July 6 after a 10-year absence was a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues. But the most memorable reunion came in the form of the 30th anniversary edition's special guest, Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat, who was on hand to present awards – just like how he did at the inaugural ceremony in 1994. Back then, Chow famously remarked that Li resembled him, adding: 'Please don't come to Hong Kong, or else I will not be able to make movies any more.' At Star Awards 2025, Chow, 70, called out 60-year-old Li's name twice while onstage, when he rallied the local actors in the audience from the 1994 batch to go onstage for a wefie. Li was also the first artiste to receive a hug from Chow. Li said it was the pair's first reunion since 1994, but they did not get to chat offstage as Chow was 'very busy'. Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat (left) giving Singaporean actor Li Nanxing a hug during the Star Awards on July 6. PHOTO: ENTERTAINMENT – MEDIACORP/YOUTUBE Li recalled: 'So many people wanted to take a photo with him, and I felt so lucky to have been called. 'I have always looked up to Chow and have seen so many of his movies. In some ways, I did try to learn from him. So for him to remember me three decades later, it meant a lot to me. I consider him more a friend than an idol.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $3b money laundering case: MinLaw acts against 4 law firms, 1 lawyer over seized properties Business 'Some cannot source outside China': S'pore firms' challenges and support needed amid US tariffs Multimedia From local to global: What made top news in Singapore over the last 180 years? World Trump arms Ukraine and threatens sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil Singapore Turning tragedy into advocacy: Woman finds new purpose after paralysis Opinion Sumiko at 61: Everything goes south when you age, changing your face from a triangle to a rectangle Sport World Aquatics C'ship women's 10km open water swimming event delayed by a day due to water quality Singapore HSA intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat (in white suit, in foreground) during the Star Awards on July 6, taking a wefie with stars who attended the first edition of Star Awards in 1994. PHOTO: MEDIACORP Li was speaking to The Straits Times on July 14 at the new Jurong Point outlet of home-grown restaurant brand Nan Yang Dao, which official opens on July 25. At the event, he unveiled two limited-time collaborative dishes that feature his LNX Dried Scallop Hae Bee Hiam – Hae Bee Hiam XO Penang Char Kway Teow With Double Egg ($12.80) and Ah Ge Fried Bee Hoon With Tiger Prawns ($12.80). Li launched his hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp sambal) brand in 2021, and it was improved in 2024 with richer shrimp and scallop flavours. Ah Ge Fried Bee Hoon With Tiger Prawns. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Li also revealed more about how he plans to celebrate his 40 years in showbiz, after debuting in the 1986 Chinese-language drama Crossroads. On Nov 29, he will hold a 40th anniversary event in Shanghai, China, with an estimated 800 fan s, including those from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. He also plans to join a Huangpu River Cruise to admire the nighttime scenery together with attendees of an eight-day Jiangnan Gourmet Autumn Tour, departing from Singapore on Nov 23 and organised by local tour agency SA Tours. During the event, he might shake fans' hands, sign autographs and even belt out a number or two. 'It all depends on what requests they have. Maybe it is to sing some theme songs or act out certain roles? I just want to thank my fans for their support all these years. 'Did you know many fans in China like Mediacorp dramas?' he shared, namedropping his period drama The Great Conspiracy (1993), which was partly filmed in the Chinese province of Shanxi and in which he played Shen Chong, a killer skilled in martial arts. Li added: 'In China, old television s series are often replayed. I was once welcomed by Chinese fans with banners saying 'Shen Chong is back', and they told me they had seen the show on television just a few years ago.' 'Other fans in China who watched it when it first aired are now aunties. But they bring their children and grandchildren – three generations – to see me, and it is great. They give me lots of local products, such as tea and peanuts, and I have to book a van to take all of it back to my hotel.' Reflecting on his four-decade career, Li shared that there were lows, like when viewers made 'hurtful' comments about him portraying villains in dramas such as Coup De Scorpion (1999). In any case, acting has taught him much about life, while allowing him space to play and experiment. He recently played a cash-strapped single father in the family drama Uniquely Ours (2024), and will return to the small screen as a disgraced doctor in dystopian thriller series The Leftovers, set to premiere in October 2026. Outside of the entertainment industry, Li remains passionate about his other businesses. He established artiste management company LNX Global in 2003, which manages actresses Constance Song and Vivian Lai, actor Shane Pow, UFM100.3 DJ Luo Kemin and actress-influencer Julie Tan. In 2021, he opened dessert shop Tian Wang, now located in Keong Saik Road, where he has been spotted playing cashier and waiter. In addition, he has collaborated with other F&B businesses over the years, such as Chinese hotpot chain Chamoon Hot Pot on a bak kut teh broth in 2024, and casual restaurant chain Yun Nans on a number of spring menu dishes in 2021. He said: 'I love cooking. And food is something I feel very strongly for, especially Nanyang cuisine, which has a distinctive Singaporean flavour. I love going to other countries to spread awareness about our food. And whether it is in food, acting or life, there is still a lot more to learn, experience and enjoy.'
Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Star Awards 2025: Christopher Lee wins big, including Special Achievement Award and Best Actor
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Christopher Lee won three big awards –Special Achievement Award, Best Actor and Best Programme Host – at the Star Awards on July 6. SINGAPORE – With more than 200 artistes in attendance, the 30th edition of Star Awards was the most star-studded in its history, with the biggest star of the night being Christopher Lee with three wins. At the awards ceremony held at The Theatre at Mediacorp on July 6, the Malaysia-born local actor was honoured with the Special Achievement Award, presented to him by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo. In his acceptance speech, he thanked his wife, fellow actress Fann Wong, 54, and their 10-year-old son Zed. Lee said to Fann, who was seated in the audience: 'You received this award a long time ago. You are my inspiration and motivation.' And to Zed, he added: 'I want to raise you to be a good person. Thank you for being my son.' In his acceptance speech, Christopher Lee thanked his wife, fellow actress Fann Wong, and their son, Zed. PHOTO: MEDIACORP The 53-year-old also nabbed two more awards: Best Actor for mystery crime series Kill Sera Sera and Best Programme Host for the second season of variety cooking show Dishing With Chris Lee. When receiving the former, which he won for playing a man whose daughter is found dead and dismembered, said during his speech: 'I feel so surprised. Kill Sera Sera is quite a dark production which was difficult to film. I have never acted with the goal of winning awards. To me, what is important is that the audience enjoys the programme, and can connect with it. Thank you for supporting Kill Sera Sera'. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July HDB launch Singapore Woman on SMRT bus 190 injured after bottle thrown at vehicle leaves hole in window Business Great Eastern says Takeover Code not breached when it shared IFA valuation with OCBC Asia 'Don't be seen in India again': Indian nationals pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint Asia Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Danas lashes Taiwan Asia Two women fatally stabbed at bar in Japan by man Business High Court orders Instagram seller to pay Louis Vuitton $200,000 in damages over counterfeit goods Singapore MOH studying 18 proposals to integrate TCM into public healthcare Lee's Kill Sera Sera co-star, Hong Kong actress Jessica Hsuan, won Best Actress for playing his onscreen wife. The 54-year-old said on stage: 'This has been the toughest role I have won in. I have always wanted to be an actress. I hope to present more shows for you to watch.' Kill Sera Sera's Hong Kong actress Jessica Hsuan with her award. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat, whose last appearance at Star Awards was at its inaugural edition in 1994, presented the trophies to the 20 winners of the Top 10 Most Popular Male and Female Artistes. The genial 70-year-old celebrity guest dished out hugs and took wefies with the veteran local artistes who attended the 1994 edition, which included Zoe Tay, Li Nanxing, Chen Liping, Pan Lingling and Aileen Tan. He did the same with the winners of the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes. It was also a special night for Yvonne Lim and Pornsak, who won the All-Time Favourite Artiste Award. It is conferred to those who have won a cumulative 10 Top 10 Most Popular Male or Female Artistes accolade. Pornsak, 43, said: 'I know I am not the strongest, but I am the most lucky.' Lim, 48, attended Star Awards 2025 with her husband, Taiwanese businessman Alex Tien, as well as their son AJ, 10, and daughter Alexa, eight. The family used to live in Taiwan, but returned to Singapore in January. Lim said: 'I have been working and living overseas for more than 10 years. But Singapore has always been where my dream started. I am a normal person. I have to cook and read to my children. And to get your support, I feel very fortunate.' Cynthia Koh won her first Best Supporting Actress award for the drama Hope Afloat since her acting career started in 1992. The 51-year-old, who played a woman who quits her job to become a caregiver to her disabled daughter , said: 'After working for so long, I have finally reached the end. I have failed before, and questioned myself, but I always told myself not to give up. Thank you to the fans. You are the strength that pushes me to move forward.' Cynthia Koh won her first Best Supporting Actress award for the drama Hope Afloat, since her acting career started in 1992. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Chen Hanwei clinched his third Best Supporting Actor award for his role as a former convict in the crime drama Unforgivable. The 55-year-old, who also won in the category in 2015 and 2018, said: 'Good productions have created us as actors. We will do our best to do right by the company (Mediacorp), and the fans and friends who have supported us. It has been 30 years. Apart from thanks, I have more thanks.' Chen Hanwei clinched his third Best Supporting Actor award for his role as a former convict in the crime drama Unforgivable. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Star Awards 2025: List of main winners Programme awards: Best Drama Serial: Unforgivable Best Entertainment Programme: Dishing With Chris Lee Season 2 Best Infotainment Programme: Legends Of Singapore Comedy Best Short-form Entertainment Programme: #JustSwipeLah Best Theme Song: Remnants from Once Upon A New Year's Eve, sung by Jim Lim Best Radio Programme: The Shuang, Kunz, Jia Trio from Yes 933 Performance awards: Best Actor: Christopher Lee for Kill Sera Sera Best Actress: Jessica Hsuan for Kill Sera Sera Best Supporting Actor: Chen Hanwei for Unforgivable Best Supporting Actress: Cynthia Koh for Hope Afloat Best Rising Star: Tyler Ten for Unforgivable Best Programme Host: Christopher Lee for Dishing With Chris Lee Season 2 Young Talent Award: Lincoln Ang for Born To Shine Best Audio Personality: Zhong Kun Hua for The Shuang, Kunz, Jia Trio Special Achievement Award: Christopher Lee Popularity awards: Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes: Benjamin Tan, Desmond Tan, Guo Liang, Jeff Goh, Jeremy Chan, Marcus Chin, Richie Koh, Romeo Tan, Xu Bin, Zong Zijie Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes: Carrie Wong, Chantalle Ng, Chen Biyu, Chen Ning, Denise Camillia Tan, Gao Mei Gui, Hong Ling, Paige Chua, Tasha Low, Ya Hui Most Popular Rising Stars: Ayden Sng, Tyler Ten and Zhang Ze Tong All-time Favourite Artiste Award: Pornsak and Yvonne Lim
Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Actor-host Marcus Chin bleeds in mouth during live broadcast of charity show
Marcus Chin was seen bleeding in the mouth during a live charity show on June 29. PHOTO: ENTERTAINMENT - MEDIACORP/YOUTUBE SINGAPORE – Local veteran actor-host-DJ Marcus Chin shocked some viewers after he was seen bleeding in the mouth during a live charity show on June 29. The 71-year-old, who had a heart attack in October 2024, was the opening speaker of the Singapore Heart Foundation 55th anniversary Charity Show: Resilient Hearts 2025. However, blood was seen on his teeth and at the corners of his mouth while he was delivering his speech. Chin, who underwent two operations after the heart attack, said in an interview on June 30 that he had been taking two antiplatelet drugs since the heart surgery. He told Chinese-language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao that he believed the bleeding was a side effect of the drugs. 'After taking the medicine, my gums would bleed from time to time, sometimes once or twice a week, especially when I was under a lot of pressure,' he said. 'I was the first one to appear at the beginning of the live show and had to memorise the script, so I felt a little stressed.' Chin said he realised he had bled only after he was asked about it by his relatives, friends and colleagues. 'We had rehearsals for two days before the show and everything was fine, but it happened during the live broadcast, which really annoyed me,' he said. Chin praised the cameraman for reacting swiftly after blood was seen in his mouth. 'The camera was supposed to take a close-up of my face, but the lens was quickly pulled away after blood was seen,' he said. Marcus Chin had a heart attack in October 2024 and underwent two operations. PHOTO: KING KONG MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Chin said that his attending cardiologist advised him to seek treatment from a dentist to alleviate the situation. In addition to bleeding gums, his teeth would feel sore from time to time after taking the medicine. 'It is now very tough for me to sing,' he said. 'It is difficult to sing high notes, especially when my gums are sore.' Chin said that he has always been very careful with his diet, but added that he has no time to exercise due to his work schedule. He is a co-host on Love 972's radio programme The Breakfast Quartet, which has been nominated for Best Radio Programme at the Star Awards 2025 on July 6. He is also a nominee for Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes. 'Before I was hospitalised for the heart attack, I controlled my diet, such as by eating durian occasionally and char kway teow only once in a long while,' he said. 'I'm also the type of patient who takes his medication regularly.' Chin said he would focus on looking after his health while pursuing his career in the future. 'I just suffered a heart attack less than one year ago,' he said. 'Maybe I really need to slow down, relax and not be too busy.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
