HONG KONG — ViuTV, a prominent broadcaster in Hong Kong, formally unveiled its newest musical group today, announcing that seasoned television personalities Shirley Sham and Asha Cuthbert will form the limited-time pop duo PAWS. The unexpected pairing will star in the upcoming reality entertainment program, PAWS to Go, which will chronicle their intensive, 100-day journey to transform into idol singers. The show is slated to premiere in April, airing Monday through Friday at 10:30 p.m.
The announcement follows weeks of speculation ignited by ViuTV’s social media teasers featuring silhouettes of the two mystery members. Sham and Cuthbert, both in their thirties, are recognized across Hong Kong’s entertainment industry for their extensive work as hosts and dramatic actors. Challenging their established careers, the two proactively petitioned the network for a chance to “re-debut” as idol performers, a rare career pivot for established local figures.
The group’s moniker, PAWS, reflects the members’ shared affection for cats. Distinctively, the duo is also noted for being one of the few celebrity pairings where both members stand at approximately 1.7 meters tall. The creation of PAWS epitomizes a concept of self-reliance; Sham and Cuthbert have been tasked with personally overseeing nearly every aspect of the project, including selecting the name, managing social media, and designing their wardrobes.
The transition from acting and hosting to the rigorously demanding world of K-pop-style performance is a significant undertaking. The 100-day program will test the duo’s physical endurance and mental fortitude. In addition to squeezing in dance and vocal training around their existing busy schedules, the pair will travel to Seoul, South Korea—a hub of idol training—for intensive, specialized instruction. Key milestones during this period include recording their debut single, engaging directly with potential fans through promotional events like busking and working as one-day shop managers, and ultimately planning a fan meeting and their inaugural concert before the time limit expires.
Speaking on the formidable challenge, Sham expressed her profound commitment to the endeavor. “This is a clean slate, starting from zero,” she said. “I am grateful Asha agreed to be my partner on this dream chase. Right now, pursuing this dream is no longer just a phrase. Handling everything personally—from inviting a bandmate to managing photography, styling, group name, and social media—has not been easy. We want to see how far our own efforts can take us.”
Cuthbert also shared her perspective, acknowledging the unique nature of the experience. “This is something I never expected to be able to experience in life,” she remarked. “There are high expectations and significant pressure, and I want to put my best into every step. We are managing so many details, and the outcome is uncertain, but the fact that we are working hard together makes this experience incredibly special. I’ll make sure to have no regrets.” The series offers a compelling, behind-the-scenes look at the extreme dedication required to break into the highly competitive idol landscape, even for established professionals.
