China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 114 Week of 17 August 2026
(1) i-Cable Communications Rebrands as CTF Media & Entertainment to Expand Retail and Cross-Sector Opportunities
Shareholders of i-Cable Communications unanimously approved changing the company’s name to CTF Media & Entertainment Limited, positioning the group to leverage entertainment assets for broader retail and cross-border collaborations under the Chow Tai Fook umbrella.
(2) Terence Lam Makes Stage Comeback at Charity Concert; Chantel Yiu Eyes Him as Future Guest
Singer-songwriter Terence Lam returned to the stage at the Po Leung Kuk “SHINE ON!” charity concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum, while rising star Chantel Yiu expressed her hope to invite him as a guest for her upcoming solo show.
(3) Will Or to Host 2026 Golden Horse Awards in Taipei
Hong Kong actor Will Or has been named the sole host of the 63rd Golden Horse Awards ceremony, which will take place on 22 November at the Taipei Music Center.
(4) Alibaba Launches AI Music Model “HappyShrimp” Enabling Natural-Language Song Creation
Alibaba introduced its AI music model “HappyShrimp 1.0,” designed to lower the barrier to music creation by allowing users to generate complete songs from natural language descriptions of emotions, stories or memories.
(5) TME China Music Impact Summit Explores Music IP Development in the AI Era
Tencent Music Entertainment Group hosted the 2026 TME China Music Impact Summit in Macau, gathering industry leaders to discuss the creation, growth and international expansion of music intellectual property amid rapid AI advancement.
(6) Josie Ho’s The Mage Selected as Opening Film for Bangkok International Film Festival’s Midnight Section
The Hong Kong fantasy-thriller The Mage, starring Josie Ho and directed by the Pang Brothers, was chosen as the opening film of the Midnight Section at the Bangkok International Film Festival.
(7) Henry Cavill’s Highlander Reboot Films Neon-Lit Futuristic Scenes in Central Hong Kong
Hollywood star Henry Cavill was spotted filming scenes for the Highlander reboot in Central, Hong Kong, on a temporary set featuring retro neon signs, dai pai dong stalls and futuristic 2040 New Year elements.
(8) Veteran Actress Joey Wong Addresses AI Likeness Licensing, Emphasising Human Control Over Technology
At a gaming IP anniversary event in Guangzhou, iconic actress Joey Wong discussed her authorisation of an AI digital likeness for a short film, stating that “we use AI, we are not used by AI.”
(9) Hong Kong International Music Festival Makes Mainland Debut in Guangzhou with “Music + Science” Focus
The 13th Hong Kong International Music Festival held its opening ceremony for the first time on the Mainland at the Guangdong Science Centre, exploring cross-disciplinary integration of music and science within the Greater Bay Area.
(10) West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre Set to Open in 2027, Aiming to Become an Asian Performing Arts Hub
The West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre is scheduled to open in 2027. It will feature a 1,450-seat Grand Theatre as its centrepiece and is designed to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading performing arts destination in Asia.
(11) Japanese Anime Chainsmoker Cat Removed from Hong Kong Streaming Platforms Over Smoking Product Ads
A Japanese anime series was pulled from Hong Kong streaming services after it was determined that the content promoted or depicted smoking-related products in a manner inconsistent with local regulations.
(12) Louis Koo Prepares First Solo Concerts at Hong Kong Coliseum and Kai Tak; Unveils Hong Kong’s First “Figure Vinyl” Album
Actor-singer Louis Koo is finalising rehearsals for his first solo concert series MY FIRST SHOW in Hong Kong and Macau, while releasing a new album that includes Hong Kong’s first “figure vinyl” record shaped like his Q-version character.
(1) i-Cable Communications Rebrands as CTF Media & Entertainment to Expand Retail and Cross-Sector Opportunities
(Photo Credit: Ming Pao)
i-Cable Communications Limited announced that its shareholders had unanimously approved a change of company name to “CTF Media & Entertainment Limited” (周大福媒體娛樂有限公司). The rebranding will take effect after formal approval from the Companies Registry and completion of the necessary legal procedures.
The company emphasised that the name change will not affect its consumer-facing brands, including HOY and Cable News. Broadband services will continue to operate under the established i-Cable brand, ensuring continuity for existing customers and partners.
The new parent brand is intended to provide stronger resources, strategic support and cross-sector partnership opportunities for HOY and other media properties. This reflects an ongoing effort to integrate content production more closely with retail, lifestyle and commercial platforms within the wider Chow Tai Fook network.
Industry observers view the rebranding as a signal of greater emphasis on entertainment-driven commercial expansion in Hong Kong’s evolving media landscape, particularly as traditional broadcasters seek diversified revenue streams beyond conventional advertising and subscription models.
News Source: https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%e7%b6%93%e6%bf%9f/article/20260818/s00004/1786982912810/%e6%9c%89%e7%b7%9a%e5%af%ac%e9%a0%bb-%e8%97%89%e5%a8%9b%e6%a8%82%e6%a5%ad%e5%8b%99%e6%8b%93%e5%95%86%e5%93%81%e9%9b%b6%e5%94%ae
(2) Terence Lam Makes Stage Comeback at Charity Concert; Chantel Yiu Eyes Him as Future Guest
(Photo Credit: Wen Wei Po)
Terence Lam made a rare stage appearance at the Po Leung Kuk charity concert “SHINE ON!” held at the Hong Kong Coliseum. The star-studded event featured performances by Twins as the finale, along with Jay Fung, Gin Lee, Gareth.T, Tyson Yoshi, JW, Chantel Yiu and several other local artists. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law was among the guests of honour.
Chantel Yiu, currently preparing for her first solo concert, revealed that she particularly admires Lam’s creative ability, songwriting versatility and comfortable stage presence. She openly expressed her wish to invite him as a guest performer, describing him as someone who makes collaboration feel natural and inspiring.
Lam responded modestly, noting that he rarely initiates collaborations for fear of disappointing others and has turned down some invitations this year while focusing on personal projects and post-production work on earlier releases. Fellow singer-songwriter Jay Fung publicly invited Lam to write for his upcoming Cantonese album during the same event.
The concert highlighted the continuing vitality of Hong Kong’s Cantopop scene and the mutual respect that exists between established creative figures and the younger generation of local artists.
News Source: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202608/15/AP6a8061a4e4b0c1e50024fcdd.html
(3) Will Or to Host 2026 Golden Horse Awards in Taipei
(Illustration Credit: UHK)
Hong Kong actor Will Or has been announced as the sole host of the 63rd Golden Horse Awards. The ceremony is scheduled for 22 November at the Taipei Music Center. Or, who received a Best Actor nomination last year for his performance in A Foggy Tale, described the hosting assignment as the most nerve-wracking Golden Horse experience of his career to date.
In comments accompanying the announcement, Or offered advance congratulations to all future nominees and expressed hope that everyone would enjoy the evening. He also added a light-hearted invitation for film fans to meet again in November, reflecting both humility and enthusiasm for the role.
An official promotional video released with the announcement features cameos by Golden Horse Executive Committee chairperson Chang Chen and actor Tin Kai-man. In the short sketch, Tin appears as a tailor while Or jokingly compares himself to another popular actor, injecting humour into the formal reveal.
The red-carpet segment will be hosted by veteran host Pink Yang, marking her 17th year in the role, alongside Huang Di-yang. The combination of Or as main-stage host and the experienced red-carpet team is expected to bring a blend of fresh energy and continuity to one of Chinese-language cinema’s most prestigious annual events.
News Source: https://hk.ulifestyle.com.hk/topic/detail/20106620/
(4) Alibaba Launches AI Music Model “HappyShrimp” Enabling Natural-Language Song Creation
(Photo Credit: Hong Kong Economic Journal)
Alibaba announced the launch of HappyShrimp 1.0, an AI music generation model capable of understanding natural language prompts and producing complete songs. Users can describe emotions, stories, memories, lyrics, genre, era or vocal style, and the system generates a structured piece of music in response.
The company highlighted that HappyShrimp was developed from the outset to reduce creative barriers. It accepts everyday language rather than requiring specialised music-theory terminology, making the tool accessible to non-professionals as well as experienced creators.
The model handles overall structure, arrangement and generation in an integrated process and is available on both domestic and overseas platforms. New users are offered substantial free credits to encourage experimentation.
The launch adds to the growing wave of generative AI tools in China’s music sector and contributes to ongoing industry discussions about authorship, copyright protection, quality standards and the evolving relationship between human creativity and automated production.
(5) TME China Music Impact Summit Explores Music IP Development in the AI Era
(Photo Credit: Hong Kong Commercial Daily)
The 2026 TME China Music Impact Summit, themed “Music IP: Where the Future Grows,” brought together executives from Tencent Music, Universal Music China, representatives from WIPO and CISAC, legal scholars and artists including Zhou Shen. The gathering focused on how music intellectual property can be developed and sustained in an era of rapid technological change.
Discussions centred on the continued importance of high-quality human creation even as AI enables large-scale content production. Speakers stressed that lasting cultural impact depends on authentic storytelling and emotional resonance rather than volume alone.
Panels also examined the need for new copyright frameworks covering AI-generated or AI-assisted works, including principles of authorisation, transparency and fair remuneration. Participants explored strategies for expanding Chinese music IP globally through live performances, fan engagement and cross-border collaboration while preserving local cultural expression.
The summit recognised nearly 40 industry partners and highlighted upcoming international initiatives such as the TIMA awards in Hong Kong, underscoring TME’s dual focus on technological adaptation and the long-term value of distinctive music content.
News Source: https://www.hkcd.com.hk/hkcdweb/content/2026/08/17/content_8770133.html
(6) Josie Ho’s The Mage Selected as Opening Film for Bangkok International Film Festival’s Midnight Section
(Photo Credit: Wen Wei Po)
The Mage, produced by Conroy Chan and starring Josie Ho, Philip Keung and Iman, was selected as the opening film for the Midnight Section of the Bangkok International Film Festival. Its premiere is scheduled for 14 September. The selection marks the first time a Hong Kong Chinese-language production has opened this section of the festival.
The film previously held its world premiere at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea, where Josie Ho won Best Actress in a Fantasy Film. Local and international media praised her nuanced performance, while newcomer Iman also received positive notices for his contrasting screen presence.
The production team plans to attend promotional activities in Bangkok and engage with regional audiences. Theatrical release in Hong Kong is set for 8 October, with further rollouts across Southeast Asia planned for October and November.
The dual festival recognition strengthens the film’s regional profile and demonstrates continued interest in Hong Kong genre cinema within Asian festival circuits.
News Source: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202608/15/AP6a7f750be4b0c1e50024e683.html
(7) Henry Cavill’s Highlander Reboot Films Neon-Lit Futuristic Scenes in Central Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Production on the Highlander reboot, directed by Chad Stahelski of the John Wick franchise, temporarily transformed parts of Central into a hybrid retro-futuristic Hong Kong streetscape. The set featured rows of neon signs, a dai pai dong-style food stall, traditional Chinese decorations and a prominent “2040” countdown sign suggesting a New Year sequence.
Henry Cavill, playing the immortal warrior Connor MacLeod, was seen wearing a dark brown leather jacket and later a long coat. He interacted with fans who gathered to watch the night-time shoot and was observed conversing with the director between takes.
The Hong Kong shoot follows earlier filming in Scotland, Poland and London. Online photos and videos of the elaborate set generated significant local buzz on social media, highlighting the city’s continued appeal as a versatile location for international productions seeking distinctive urban atmospheres.
The temporary transformation of familiar Central streets into a cinematic blend of old Hong Kong and future aesthetics offered residents and visitors a rare, highly visible example of large-scale Hollywood production activity in the city.
(8) Veteran Actress Joey Wong Addresses AI Likeness Licensing, Emphasising Human Control Over Technology
Joey Wong appeared at the 18th-anniversary player ecology conference for the game IP Tianxia in Guangzhou. During a roundtable discussion she spoke about the AI digital short film Qianying, which used her authorised likeness (with voice provided by another actress) to depict a character ageing from black to white hair across time.
Wong described the experience of seeing her digital self as “shocking” and evocative of the passage of life. She expressed openness to new technology while affirming the lasting value of classic works, noting that she both embraces novelty and cherishes the past.
When asked about authorising her likeness, she stated that she had not overthought the decision and viewed it as an engagement with a new world that still rests on foundations from the old. She stressed the importance of human agency with the succinct remark: “We use AI; we are not used by AI.”
Industry participants at the event emphasised that realistic AI imagery now makes formal likeness licensing both feasible and necessary. Wong’s measured endorsement contributes to broader conversations in Chinese entertainment about consent, creative control and the appropriate role of digital doubles.
News Source: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202608/16/AP6a818018e4b0c1e5002515a0.html
(9) Hong Kong International Music Festival Makes Mainland Debut in Guangzhou with “Music + Science” Focus
(Photo Credit: Wen Wei Po)
The 13th Hong Kong International Music Festival opened at the Guangdong Science Centre in Guangzhou, marking the event’s first staging on the Mainland after 13 years rooted in Hong Kong. Festival chairman Hui Chun-fai highlighted the new “Music + Science” theme and the simultaneous holding of the 4th International Music Education Summit, which focuses on the synergy between AI and traditional music pedagogy.
The opening concert featured a carefully balanced programme of Western and Chinese repertoire, including string quartet improvisations, pipa, guzheng, konghou, sanxian and vocal performances, accompanied by the Shenzhen Philharmonic Orchestra. The selection aimed to showcase both technical excellence and cultural dialogue.
Officials and educators from Hong Kong and the Mainland emphasised the festival’s role as a cultural bridge. They noted its potential to help Greater Bay Area talent gain international exposure while bringing global musical resources into the region.
With cumulative participation exceeding 350,000 people across more than 150 countries and regions, the festival’s expansion into Guangzhou signals a strategic deepening of its Greater Bay Area presence and cross-border ambitions.
News Source: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202608/19/AP6a84bc77e4b0c1e500255f46.html
(10) West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre Set to Open in 2027, Aiming to Become an Asian Performing Arts Hub
(Photo Credit: Orange News)
The West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre, the third major performing arts venue operated by the West Kowloon Cultural District, is scheduled to open in 2027. At its heart is a 1,450-seat Grand Theatre, which will become the largest theatre in the district and is designed for large-scale dance, drama and musical theatre productions.
In addition to the Grand Theatre, the complex will include a 600-seat Medium Theatre, a 270-seat Studio Theatre, and a 148-seat multipurpose Hall. A dedicated Dancehouse with eight rehearsal studios will provide Hong Kong’s first purpose-built centre for dance companies and independent artists, offering spaces for training, creation and collaboration.
Once fully operational, the West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre will bring the district’s total number of theatres to ten, with a combined seating capacity of more than 4,500. Together with the existing Xiqu Centre and Freespace, the new venue is intended to create a comprehensive “theatre hub” capable of hosting both international touring productions and long-running local works.
Officials have described the project as a key step in positioning West Kowloon and Hong Kong more broadly as a major Asian centre for performing arts, with advanced technical facilities, harbour-front dining and retail amenities, and stronger connections to regional and international partners.
News Source: https://www.orangenews.hk/film/VSdBGRw/%E8%A5%BF%E4%B9%9D%E6%BC%94%E8%97%9D%E4%B8%AD%E5%BF%832027%E5%B9%B4%E9%96%8B%E5%B9%95-%E8%A8%AD1450%E5%BA%A7%E5%A4%A7%E5%8A%87%E9%99%A2-%E6%89%93%E9%80%A0%E4%BA%9E%E6%B4%B2%E8%A1%A8%E6%BC%94%E8%97%9D%E8%A1%93%E6%A8%9E%E7%B4%90.shtml
(11) Japanese Anime Chainsmoker Cat Removed from Hong Kong Streaming Platforms Over Smoking Product Ads
(Photo Credit: Ming Pao)
A Taiwan-based streaming platform has suspended the Japanese anime series Chainsmoker Cat for Hong Kong viewers following a notice from the Department of Health.
The platform, Bahamut Animation Crazy, stated that it received a letter indicating the series violated the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance by disseminating “smoking product advertisements” online. The anime, which features a heavily smoking anthropomorphic cat character, includes repeated clear displays of tobacco products and brand names.
The Department of Health’s Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office confirmed it had received public complaints and, after investigation, required the platforms to cease any potentially non-compliant content. The series remains available on Netflix in Hong Kong at the time of reporting.
The incident has prompted discussion among viewers about the boundary between artistic depiction and prohibited advertising under local law.
News Source: https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%E6%B8%AF%E8%81%9E/article/20260817/s00001/1786947126334/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E5%8B%95%E7%95%AB%E3%80%8A%E5%B0%BC%E5%8F%A4%E5%96%B5%E5%96%B5%E3%80%8B%E8%A2%AB%E6%8C%87%E5%82%B3%E6%92%AD%E5%90%B8%E7%85%99%E7%94%A2%E5%93%81%E5%BB%A3%E5%91%8A-%E6%9C%89%E4%B8%B2%E6%B5%81%E5%B9%B3%E5%8F%B0%E5%B0%87%E7%AF%80%E7%9B%AE%E5%9C%A8%E6%B8%AF%E4%B8%8B%E6%9E%B6
(12) Louis Koo Prepares First Solo Concerts at Hong Kong Coliseum and Kai Tak; Unveils Hong Kong’s First “Figure Vinyl” Album
(Photo Credit: Wen Wei Po)
With only days remaining before his debut solo concerts, Louis Koo has been shuttling between the Hong Kong Coliseum, where the stage is being constructed, and Kai Tak Sports Park for additional rehearsal space. The Hong Kong dates on 21–22 August will be followed by performances in Macau on 29–30 August.
To mark the occasion, Koo is releasing the album The Present, which features remixes of classic tracks, new collaborations (including with Jessica Hsuan and the local duo Farmer) and selected earlier works. A limited “figure vinyl” edition, physically shaped as his Q-version cartoon likeness and produced over six months, has been billed as Hong Kong’s first collectible record of this type.
Pop-up stores selling merchandise and life-size mascots are also planned to engage fans around the concert dates. A five-minute drone show staged in Macau further built anticipation for the Macau leg of the tour.
The project represents a significant personal milestone for Koo as he expands from a long career in film and television into large-scale live performance, combining music, visual spectacle and collectible merchandising.
News Source: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202608/17/AP6a830a11e4b0c1e500253aa8.html
