Rebecca Zhu, the former TVB star who left the network in July, is stepping into a new chapter with appearances at automotive events, plans for a diversified career, and candid talk about dating priorities—with safety at the top of the list.
The actress recently served as the guest of honor at a car modification brand launch in Hong Kong, wearing a green off-shoulder dress and speaking with enthusiasm about her love for racing. “I enjoy the sense of speed and adrenaline,” Zhu said, adding that while a driver’s license would be a plus in a potential partner, it isn’t the deciding factor. “The most important thing is safety. How a person drives reflects whether they can take care of the family. So the type of car isn’t the priority—safety comes first.”
From TVB to Independence
Zhu’s departure from TVB in July marked a significant shift. Shortly after, she performed a concert in Guangzhou, an experience that gave her newfound respect for singers. “Standing on stage requires a lot of courage. Being a singer isn’t easy,” she said.
Now navigating her own career path, Zhu admitted the transition from a sheltered network environment to independent work has been challenging. “Everything is still trial and error. The hardest part is handling negotiations—sometimes you talk for hours and end up with nothing. I’m used to eating sweet oranges, but now I have to try lemons,” she joked.
Despite the difficulties, the actress plans to explore multiple areas. When asked about dream collaborations, she named Louis Koo, with whom she co-starred in the film The Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre: Nine Suns. “We played Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu, the parents of Zhang Wuji. I’d love to work with him again.”
A Fellow Actress Embraces New Skills
Also at the event was actress Chiu Pik-yu, who served as emcee—her first time hosting a car-related event. “I’m both excited and nervous,” she said. Chiu, an avid driver who proudly passed her manual transmission test on the first attempt, noted that many male friends compliment her bold driving.
Beyond her on-screen work, Chiu has recently earned dual certifications as an international yoga instructor and a scientific singing bowl healing therapist, and has launched workshops offering both modalities.
As Hong Kong’s entertainment industry evolves, actors like Zhu and Chiu are increasingly stepping beyond traditional studio contracts to build multi-faceted careers. For Zhu, the lemon may be sour for now, but the road ahead—with speed, safety, and new opportunities—looks promising.
