Tag: CNY2025

On 25 January 2025, Zoe Tay, Shaun Chen, and Zhang Ze Tong arrived in Malaysia for the final stop of Astro’s “Be Joyful. Share the Prosperity” 《喜乐乐SHARE丰年》exclusive fan meet before Chinese New Year. The trio also promoted their upcoming drama, Emerald Hill 《小娘惹之翡翠山》, which is set to premiere this March on Astro AEC.

Set in Singapore during the 1950s and 60s, Emerald Hill, is a spin-off of the Mediacorp classic The Little Nyonya, a drama that received widespread acclaim when it originally aired. During a media group interview, Zoe Tay, Shaun Chen, and Zhang Ze Tong were asked if they felt pressure due to the success of the original series. All three denied feeling any pressure, with Zoe Tay expressing gratitude for the original drama’s popularity, as it sparked interest and discussions about the unique Peranakan culture.

This series marks Zoe Tay’s first time playing a character aged 70. She takes on the role of “Liu Xiu Niang,” the matriarch of a Nyonya family. Tay shared that she fully embraced the aging makeup, as she values the depth and substance of the role. She also adjusted her speech delivery to suit the character and emphasized her love for Chinese New Year, saying it’s a time when her family must reunite. “Even though I participate in recording Chinese New Year programs every year, I make it a point to have reunion dinner with my family earlier,” she said.

Shaun Chen, who plays Tay’s eldest son “Zhang Jinhai,” praised Taiwanese actor Hsiu Chieh-kai, who plays his younger brother “Zhang Jinhe,” for his dedication to his role. “It’s great to have him joining the cast. Coming from different countries, we had great exchanges, and the scenes between us three brothers are very engaging!”

Zhang Ze Tong, returning to Malaysia to promote the drama, plays Oon Shu An’s adopted son “Huang Zuye.” He admitted feeling nervous about working with Oon Shu An for the first time, but appreciated her guidance. “When I first collaborated with her, it was as a host. This time, acting alongside her felt intense. For one scene, I had to eat a Nyonya rice dumpling, but I kept messing up. Seeing this, she discussed it with the director, and they eventually found a way to shoot the scene so I didn’t have to eat so many dumplings,” he shared.

Apart from Zoe Tay, Shaun Chen, and Zhang Ze Tong, the fan meet also featured Astro artistes such as Jentzen Lim, Mavis Yap, Nicole Lai, Geraldine Gan, Vicky Tan, Kryston Woon, Ribbon Huang, and Xiao Wei Wei, who performed festive songs “Yi Qi Fa Da Fa Da La” 《一起发达发达啦》 and Astro’s CNY theme song,《SHARE丰年》. Cast members from Astro Originals’ Chinese New Year drama “All The Good Things” 《好事将至》, including Aenie Wong, Tedd Chan, Vivienne Onn, Wilson Lee, Sherlyn Seo, Alvin Wong, Hayden Ong, and Cai Yong Qi, also made appearances to celebrate the festivities with fans.

For more details on Astro’s 2025 Chinese New Year campaign, “Be Joyful. Share the Prosperity”, visit xilele2025.com. Sign up for the Astro One package for just RM49.99/month to enjoy endless on-demand entertainment. For an enhanced streaming experience, upgrade to RM139.99/month and get the Astro Fibre 500Mbps high-speed internet bundled with the Entertainment package. Visit the My Astro App, astro.com.my, or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838 to learn more.

Astro’s flagship Chinese New Year event, the Astro CNY Countdown Gala 2025 《Astro喜乐乐SHARE丰年新春跨年派对》, has once again captivated audiences nationwide. Pre-recorded at IJM Rimbayu, this grand celebration drew a crowd of over 10,000 attendees and will premiere on 28 January 2025 (Chinese New Year’s Eve), at 9:30 PM. Viewers can catch the excitement on Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand, or sooka, making it the perfect way to ring in the Chinese New Year.

A Stellar Lineup and Exciting Themes
Co-sponsored by IJM Rimbayu and powered by U Mobile as the official communications partner, the event is helmed by returning producers Pei Yong and Jaspers Lai. Hosting this year’s gala is an all-star male lineup featuring Jack Lim, Yann Kong Han, Nicholas Ong, and Darren Chong. Over 60 celebrities, including popular Malaysian artists, influencers, and Hong Kong superstar Bobby Au Yeung, as well as Singaporean comedy king Mark Lee, will take center stage.

The gala’s narrative revolves around a time-traveling detective, portrayed by Jaspers Lai, who opens a time rift, leading audiences on a journey through the Qing Dynasty, Republican Era, 1980s, 1990s, and modern times. The event combines creativity, technology, dance, and music, offering a multi-dimensional experience.

Show Highlights

• Opening Performance: A vibrant medley of Malaysian-style festive classics featuring Mavis Gan, Freddie Huang, Crystal Ong, and more.
• Elegant Dance Performances: Traditional cultural dances presented by Weon Kuan, Joey Leong, and others in Graceful Festive Moves.
• Comedy Extravaganza: Local comedian Lucas joins his idol Mark Lee for a hilarious sketch, exploring parenting challenges with laugh-out-loud antics.
• Classic Hits Revival: Performers like Jazz Bai Lin, Amy Chan and Kevin Lee deliver a Broadway-style musical titled Golden Melodies of the Ages.
• Thrilling Circus Acts: Daring performances in Magical Circus Wonders, highlighted by a knife-throwing act by Lai Ming Quan that kept the audience on edge.
• Tribute to Legends: A nostalgic homage to 1980s and 1990s stars, including Anita Mui, Aaron Kwok, and Leslie Cheung, with appearances by Bobby Au Yeung and other notable actors.
• Rhythmic Showcase: A high-energy dance and percussion show titled Dynamic Beats Spectacle that brought the house down.

Grand Finale and Fireworks
The evening concludes with a dazzling fireworks display and a joyful celebration alongside all performers, creating unforgettable memories for attendees and viewers alike.

How to Watch and Subscribe
Don’t miss the Astro CNY Countdown Gala 2025 on 28 January 28 at 9:30 PM. Tune in via Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand, or sooka. For more information on Astro’s 2025 Chinese New Year campaign, visit xilele2025.com.

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• Astro One Package: Just RM49.99/month, offering endless entertainment at your fingertips.
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