Foshan, China – Hong Kong entertainment veteran Kingdom Yuen (苑瓊丹) has inaugurated a sweeping new commercial venture, investing over 10 million RMB (approximately $1.4 million USD) into a major live-streaming company based in Foshan, prioritizing the rapidly expanding mainland Chinese influencer market. The official launch ceremony for “Xing Yao Xing Bai” (Star Shining Star Cedar), held recently in the Guangdong Province city, drew a glittering roster of industry heavyweights, signifying the venture’s high-profile status.
The event saw appearances by close associates of Yuen, including actors Natalis Chan, Benny Chan Ho-man, Gabriel Wong, Lam Tze-chung, Sammy Sum, Carlo Ng, and Frankie Wong Chi-yeung. Highlighting the company’s ambitious talent roadmap, Yuen announced her first major signing: TV King Ruco Chan Chin-Chung. The partnership signals a strategic move to blend established star quality with the formidable reach of e-commerce broadcasting.
Trusted Partnership Fuels Digital Expansion
The collaboration between Yuen and Chin-Chung revives a long-standing professional relationship. Speaking at the ceremony, Chan joked that Yuen, known affectionately as “Yuen-Jai,” had “watched him grow up” and traditionally favored “handsome men,” making the partnership feel secure.
“The most crucial elements here are mutual trust, sincerity, and finding common ground for cooperation,” Chan stated. Acknowledging Yuen’s deeper experience in the mainland market, he added, “She is my guiding light. Even when I first started acting at TVB, she was the one who told me how to approach the craft. We are coming full circle today.” Chan, whose son recently entered primary school, lightheartedly suggested that his new live-streaming income, facilitated by Yuen, would hopefully cover future tuition and tutoring costs.
Yuen expressed immense confidence in her marquee signing, emphasizing Chin-Chung’s broad appeal suitable for digital sales. “He is essentially my first contracted artist,” Yuen confirmed. “From skincare and nutrition to fashion and fitness, his versatility makes him incredibly convincing and suitable for live-streaming.” She underscored the ethical foundation of their partnership, assuring that their work would be straightforward and dedicated to quality content, free from hidden agendas.
Industry Titans Reflect on Legacy
Amid the excitement of the launch, co-attendee Natalis Chan offered candid reflections on his own lengthy career and impact on the industry. When asked about recently crowned TV Queen Charmaine Sheh, Chan claimed a hand in launching her career decades ago.
“Did you know I was the one who boosted her career?” Chan asked reporters, revealing he knew Sheh’s mother from his time in Italy. He jokingly added that when Sheh decided to run for Miss Hong Kong, her mother called him. “I told her I guaranteed her a spot in the top three. I was just talking, but she actually placed third!”
Chan also commented on the recent news regarding his longtime friend Eric Tsang, who announced his departure from his general manager role at TVB. Chan offered well wishes, praising Tsang’s tenure.
“I am happy for him. His mission is accomplished,” Chan said. “Nobody can hold that position for long, as it’s extremely difficult to raise an industry that has fallen into a slump. It was hard work.” He concluded that Tsang should prioritize personal happiness, regardless of public commentary, echoing his own famously outspoken nature: “If you think you’re happy, that’s all that matters. As someone like me, who speaks without filters, I’m doing fine.”
The successful opening of Yuen’s new venture in Foshan demonstrates the continued pivot of established Hong Kong talent towards the mainland’s lucrative digital economy, leveraging celebrity influence to capture a share of China’s multi-billion-dollar live-streaming commerce sector.
