Latest news with #XiangYun
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
'I want to be an independent senior': Xiang Yun on ageing positively and not relying on children, Entertainment News
In an ideal world, Xiang Yun wishes to live with her children and grandchildren in her twilight years, but she also knows not to force it. Speaking to AsiaOne on Monday (July 21) while promoting her new drama Where the Heart Belongs, the 64-year-old local veteran actress said: "I told myself that when I am older, I want to be an independent senior and not trouble my children. So, I don't mind living alone." Xiang Yun, who has been married to former actor Edmund Chen since 1989, shares two children, Chen Xi, 34, and 25-year-old Chen Yixin, with him. Chen Xi, who graduated with a master's degree in arts and cultural management from King's College London this January, recently tied the knot with his non-celebrity Japanese girlfriend, nicknamed Mimi. She added she understands that while "kinship brings warmth", everyone is ultimately alone in the end. Planning ahead to age healthily and happy For Xiang Yun, she believes in planning ahead and ageing positively. She revealed she had written her will in her 50s when she followed her mother — who died in 2023 — to do so. "Especially after my parents died, I feel that life in your senior years is not just about living one day at a time till the final day. There is a need to plan ahead, so that we can age healthily and happily. There is a need to get everything ready," she said. She also told us that while she has not put afterlife planning into action, she had briefly spoken to her family about her wishes. Xiang Yun shared: "I told them that I don't prefer prayers after my death. They can just scatter my ashes at sea and probably find a song to remember me by. That's my wish. When they hear this song in the future and think about me, they could tell someone that this song is a memory of me. That's already fulfilling enough. "I feel that everyone is busy with their own life, so a ritual to remember ancestors doesn't need to be elaborate. As long as there is remembrance, I think that's enough. So, I told them not to make it complicated, I just want to keep it simple." In Where the Heart Belongs, Xiang Yun plays Liu Zhen Wanyu, a senior citizen who lives in the fictional I'Deal City where an ageing population and declining marriage and birth rates resulted in the government implementing policies where the younger population could adopt senior citizens as parents. Wanyu, who is a hot-tempered and strong masseur, and Zhong Yilian (Kym Ng) are both adopted by Situ Ziyang (Romeo Tan), a consultant in the Housing and Senior Affairs Board. Both urge Ziyang to adopt another senior, so that they can complete their mahjong team, which leads him to adopting Li Xunkai (Yao Wenlong) eventually. Despite having no blood relations, they discover a sense of harmony in their found family. However, Xunkai later reports Ziyang for adopting seniors for insurance payouts, prompting a police investigation to uncover whether Ziyang's actions are acts of compassion or a calculated facade. Slowing down to experience life Xiang Yun also told us that remaining active is part of her plans to age healthily. She shared: "I feel that it's not healthy to live a lifestyle where you stop doing everything, especially in senior years. For me, I would plan my time to work, for leisure, hobbies and exercising. I also wish to fulfil my goals of doing social work in the future. I am constantly on the lookout for suitable things for me to do next." She had faced a few minor health scares in the past few years, including osteoporosis where she broke her teeth and sprained her back frequently as well as issues with her lymph nodes. These made her more conscious about her health, including watching her diet, exercising for bone health and studying about nutrition. She added that filming this drama has also led her to start going to the gym to work out. She has also slowed down her pace of life, finding opportunities to relax and spend time with family. She told us: "Over the years, I was constantly busy and anxious about work from the beginning till end of the year. But for the past two years, I have been slowing down and going on trips with Edmund to spend time with our son more frequently. "In recent years, I have spent more time on longer trips and taken the time to experience it fully. Unlike in the past where I would frequently feel anxious about going on overseas trips and returning to work quickly, which tired me out." Letting go of presumptions about being a senior Xiang Yun also believes in having a positive mindset and letting go of presumptions about being a senior. "I told myself that I wouldn't want to give others too much trouble in the future. Because seniors now are different from the past. We are exposed to different things, so I feel that we should be more cheerful and happier. "Times are different now... The younger generation view things differently and we may even have to learn from them sometimes. We should let go of beliefs about seniority, so that it's easier to get along with the younger generation." She also believed that it is important for senior citizens not to wallow in self-pity, but to remain positive and find friends to spend time with: "Everyone must face life and death, but we have a choice to decide on how we want to live." Where the Heart Belongs will be available on demand for free on Mewatch from July 28 and premieres on Channel 8 on July 31, airing on weekdays at 9pm. [[nid:720527]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
CNA
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Actor Chen Xi, son of veteran artistes Xiang Yun and Edmund Chen, is married
Actor Chen Xi is married. He and his Japanese wife, Mimi, first met through a language-exchange app and previously announced their engagement in May 2024. On Monday (Jul 14), the 34-year-old son of Singaporean actors Xiang Yun and Edmund Chen announced the good news on Instagram with a series of Peranakan-themed photos. 'Tied the knot with my Player two,' Chen Xi wrote, adding that he and Mimi decided not to have a full-blown wedding ceremony in Singapore, but instead, a 'small and heartfelt' solemnisation with their closest family. 'We chose to keep things simple, sincere, and true to us, and what better space than a charming Peranakan shophouse at Little Social which also reflects a small dream Mimi and I share for the future.' He continued to thank everyone close to him as well. 'To my parents, thank you for being my anchor, for your quiet sacrifices, and for showing me what love and family truly look like,' he said. He also thanked his younger sister, actress Chen Yixin, for 'stepping up without hesitation' and being the 'real MVP (Most valuable player)' behind the scenes. 'To my aunties, uncles, and my brothers and sisters, thank you for being the roots and rhythm of this day, and for surrounding us with so much love,' he added. Chen Xi also thanked Mimi's family. 'To my new Japanese side of the family, thank you for making the long journey here, even with little ones in tow. Your presence truly means the world to us.' The actor, lastly, thanked his team for the 'insane hours, the love, and the beautiful memories captured'. 'From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all. Here's to a lifetime of side quests together,' he concluded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chen Xi 陈熙 (@chxnxi) Under the post, his mother, Xiang Yun commented: 'May you respect and love each other, walk hand in hand for a lifetime, and be happy and fulfilled. Mommy's blessing.' Fellow actors Romeo Tan, Richie Koh, Edwin Goh, Hong Hui Fang and many others also congratulated the couple on tying the knot. Chen Xi and Mimi met in 2020 during the pandemic when he signed up for an online language-exchange app to learn Japanese. In the process, Chen Xi also taught Mimi Singlish. When Chen Xi went to London for his Master's programme for 16 months in 2023, he thought he and Mimi would have to call it quits. She, however, managed to get a visa to work in England and found a job there. The pair's relationship thus blossomed after.
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Three hair salons raided in clamp down on touting, vice and drugs in Geylang and Joo Chiat
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The police had raided three salons in Geylang on June 27. SINGAPORE - Hair salons and public entertainment outlets in Geylang and Joo Chiat were targeted in recent enforcement operations that saw 20 people arrested and six others being investigated. The police had raided three salons in Geylang on June 27. At one outlet, plainclothes officers caught women offering unlicensed massage services. There were four men receiving such services in this salon during the raid - the first operation at such outlets that the media has been allowed to observe. The men sat on massage beds at the back of the shop while police questioned the women. Although they were allowed to leave, the men stayed behind, hoping to get a refund. Based on identity checks, several of the women appeared to be Singapore permanent residents. Shops like this often present a typical salon setup at the front, while the back contains massage stations with beds separated by thin dividers. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 3 out of 4 in Singapore cannot identify deepfake content: Cyber Security Agency survey Singapore Ong Beng Seng's court hearing rescheduled one day before he was expected to plead guilty Singapore New $7.5m fund to encourage social service agencies to track impact of their programmes Singapore GrabCab, Singapore's newest taxi operator, hits the roads with over 40 cabs to be rolled out in July Life Star Awards 2025: Xiang Yun and Chen Hanwei are the most decorated actors in show's 30-year history World Paramount settles with Trump over '60 Minutes' Harris interview for $20 million Asia Dalai Lama says he will have successor after his death Business Cathay Cineplexes gets demand for $3.4 million in arrears from Jem landlord The shop where the media observed the police raid had four massage beds, six hair washing beds, and two foot massage recliners. At least seven women were working there at the time. The Straits Times had visited this same shop in 2024, as part of reporting for an article on how hair salons in Geylang were suspected to be fronts for vice , exploiting a gap in existing regulations. Under the massage establishment licensing regime, at least 80 per cent of employees at massage parlours and spas must be certified in beauty therapy services. Under the massage establishment licensing regime, at least 80 per cent of employees at massage parlours and spas must be certified in beauty therapy services. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Some vice operators have tried to sidestep these rules by branding their outlets as beauty, and hair salons. Following ST's report in December 2024, the hair salon operator had posted on TikTok offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who could find illegal activity inside their shop. The salon, along with the two others found to be providing massage services beyond stipulated operating hours, are now being investigated for offences under the Massage Establishments Act. The police also raided public entertainment outlets in Geylang and Joo Chiat on June 20 and 27 to clamp down on activities like touting, vice and drug-related activities. A total of 12 women, aged between 32 and 50, were arrested for working without valid work passes. On June 27, the media was also brought to a KTV lounge in Geylang where 10 women were arrested. All were Chinese nationals. Customers continued partying even as the police raid unfolded. The police said one of the outlets in Geylang had fire safety violations such as obstructions to emergency escape routes. As part of the wider enforcement operations, the Traffic Police conducted anti-drink driving checks in the area. Seven motorists, aged between 24 and 55, were arrested for drink driving, including a 26-year-old man who did not have a valid driving licence. More people were caught drink driving with 1,778 such arrests in 2024, up 6.9 per cent from 2023. Drink driving-related accidents dropped from 180 to 166 cases in the same time period, but the number of fatal accidents linked to drink driving increased from 11 cases in 2023 to 12 in 2024. During the enforcement operation, a 48-year-old male motorcyclist was arrested for suspected drug-related offences. He had duty-unpaid cigarettes and e-vaporisers in his possession. Those convicted of running a business providing unlicensed massages can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to five years and fined up to $20,000. Those convicted of working without a valid work pass can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $20,000.
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Straits Times
Two dead in Spain fire as heatwave scorches Europe
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Many places in Spain are experiencing temperatures exceeding 40 deg C. BARCELONA - Firefighters in Spain have said they found two bodies after a blaze in the north-east of the country, which is in the midst of a brutal heatwave. The heatwave across Europe this week broke high temperature records, caused the closure of schools and increased the risk of fire. Authorities in Spain's Catalonia region confined about 14,000 people to their homes on July 1 due to two wildfires that broke out almost simultaneously in the province of Lerida. In one of the blazes, near the city of Cosco, 'two people were found lifeless by firefighters', the fire and emergency service said in a statement. The exact cause of the fire was unclear, but the service said the recent heat, dry conditions and strong winds caused by storms had increased the intensity of the flames. Catalonia Regional President Salvador Illa said he was 'dismayed after learning of the death of two people as a result of the fire', in a post on X. Hours earlier, police in the region had reported the death of a two-year-old boy after he was left in a parked car in the sun for several hours. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 3 out of 4 in Singapore cannot identify deepfake content: Cyber Security Agency survey Singapore New $7.5m fund to encourage social service agencies to track impact of their programmes Singapore GrabCab, Singapore's newest taxi operator, hits the roads with over 40 cabs to be rolled out in July Life Star Awards 2025: Xiang Yun and Chen Hanwei are the most decorated actors in show's 30-year history World Paramount settles with Trump over '60 Minutes' Harris interview for $20 million Asia Dalai Lama says he will have successor after his death Business Cathay Cineplexes gets demand for $3.4 million in arrears from Jem landlord Singapore Man charged over allegedly receiving scam proceeds of more than $1.5m in his firm's bank accounts Spain is in the midst of an intense heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 deg C in many places and several heat records set for the month of June. One person died in the southern city of Cordoba and another in Barcelona, both while doing road work on June 28, and likely victims of heatstroke. According to scientists, extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and storms, are becoming more intense due to man-made climate change. Tens of thousands of people have died in Europe during past heatwaves, prompting authorities to issue warnings for the old and young, the sick, and others vulnerable to what experts call a 'silent killer'. AFP
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Famed Singapore-run sandwich deli Nonette from Paris launches CBD pop-up until October
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE - It has made waves in Paris for its unconventional and playful take on banh mi and Asian-style doughnuts. Now, famed Singapore-founded sandwich deli Nonette is back in town for a three-month pop-up from July 2 to Oct 4 at Rasa Space - a nightlife venue for music, arts and culture - at Republic Plaza in Raffles Place. Established in 2021, the banh mi store in the French city's hip 11th arrondissement has grown a cult following and fed celebrities including France-based Singaporean actress Sharon Au and the cast of hit Netflix series Emily In Paris (2020 to present). At Nonette's pop-up here, the rotating menu features two signature Banh Mi Parisien ($12 each). Banh Mi Jambon Beurre is made with three charcuterie - char siu, Vietnamese mortadella and jambon (ham) - pate and French butter, while Vietnamese Fried Chicken Banh Mi has South-east Asian-spiced fried chicken and sriracha mayonnaise. The ingredients, which include crunchy pickles and fresh herbs, are sandwiched between golden-brown toasted baguette. The charcuterie, pate, pickles and sriracha mayonnaise are all made in-house. Nonette's Banh Mi Jambon Beurre and Vietnamese Fried Chicken Banh Mi (left). PHOTO: NONETTE Pair the banh mi with a scrumptious selection of Asian-influenced French desserts ($4 each). Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 3 out of 4 in Singapore cannot identify deepfake content: Cyber Security Agency survey Singapore New $7.5m fund to encourage social service agencies to track impact of their programmes Singapore GrabCab, Singapore's newest taxi operator, hits the roads with over 40 cabs to be rolled out in July Life Star Awards 2025: Xiang Yun and Chen Hanwei are the most decorated actors in show's 30-year history World Paramount settles with Trump over '60 Minutes' Harris interview for $20 million Asia Dalai Lama says he will have successor after his death Business Cathay Cineplexes gets demand for $3.4 million in arrears from Jem landlord Singapore Man charged over allegedly receiving scam proceeds of more than $1.5m in his firm's bank accounts These include a kaya doughnut, chilli oil chantilly doughnut, black sesame eclair and tau suan eclair - complete with crisp youtiao chips. And, in a nod to the upcoming SG60 celebrations, Nonette has created a Singapore Sling Baba ($5), a tropical twist on the French classic baba au rhum cake inspired by the nation's iconic cocktail. Complete the meal with Petillant Naturel natural sparkling wines, priced from $16 a glass. For the most convenient option, the Apero Box ($19++, 5 to 8pm from Wednesdays to Fridays, 8 to 11pm on Saturdays) includes a choice of banh mi, doughnut and two eclairs. Nonette's kaya doughnuts (left) and chilli oil chantilly doughnuts. PHOTO: NONETTE Apero, short for aperitif, refers to a pre-dinner social gathering to unwind with drinks and light snacks. 'We want to bring the whole Parisian Apero vibe and our experiences overseas here. We're going for good, casual energy that is messy, fun and social,' says Ms Pearlyn Lee, 42, the founder of Nonette and its sister Singaporean restaurant The Hood, which was established in Paris in 2016. This homecoming marks her next step towards setting up Nonette permanently in Singapore. In September 2024, she told The Straits Times of her intention to open here in 2026 - and this longer pop-up is her testbed on how the concept will fare in a Central Business District (CBD) location. Back in November 2022, her successful three-day pop-up at Tiong Bahru Bakery's Fort Canning outlet sold out its first hundred banh mi within the hour. In Paris, she is looking to expand Nonette with three to four more outlets in the next two years - as she continues to champion South-east Asian flavours and budding chefs there. Formerly from the oil and gas industry, Ms Lee's long-term dream is to set up in the home of banh mi, Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City. Her choice of location at Rasa Space sees her partner with another like-minded Singaporean - its co-founder Mr Kavan Spruyt, 44, who was based in Berlin, Germany for eight years and previously behind the now-defunct bar The Vault and nightspot Club Kyo.
