China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 82 Week of 5 January 2026
(1) Asian Film Awards Scales Back 2026 Ceremony in Wake of Hong Kong Fire Tragedy
This year’s edition of the pan-regional awards will forgo competitive prizes and a red carpet as Hong Kong continues to grapple with the aftermath of the city’s most deadly blaze in decades.
(2) Eric Tsang Steps Down as TVB General Manager, Receives Honorary Award
The 72-year-old veteran Eric Tsang Chi-wai announced his departure from the role TVB general manager during the 2025 TVB Anniversary Awards in Macau.
(3) Police Arrested Singer Kris Law Kai Chung for Drug-related Offence (ex- Good Night Show – The Legend of King Maker)
Police have uncovered a drug manufacturing and storage facility in Yuen Long, seizing over 10 kilograms of narcotics worth HK$7.74 million and arresting three individuals, one of whom is local singer Kris Law Kai Chung.
(4) Hong Kong Sci-fi Film Back to the Past Becomes the Highest-grossing Film in Opening Week
Time travel movie beats A Guilty Conscience and The Last Dance to become highest-grossing film in opening week, amid box office gloom in city.
(5) Children’s Program Host Tam Yuk Ying Shares Updates on her Condition Following Patellar Fracture
After suffering a patellar fracture, Tam Yuk Ying underwent surgery and shared updates about her current condition on social media.
(6) Gigi Yim Announces a New Chapter as She Signs with Sony Music
Hong Kong singer Gigi Yim joins Sony Music Greater China and launches her single at Whampoa press conference.
(7) Off-script heartbreak as ‘the other woman’: Jessica Hsuan reveals real-life betrayal, keeps faith in her destiny
Behind a strong on-screen persona, renowned actress Jessica Hester Hsuan confesses she was once the unknowing “other woman”– a heartbreak that left scars but has not extinguished her belief in destiny.
(8) Johor remains focused on ByteDance AI Investment, now exceeding RM29.5bil
Johor continues to focus on strengthening ByteDance’s long-term commitment to the state, in line with the global artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology company’s large-scale data centre investment in Malaysia, which exceeds RM29.5 billion.
(9) Fish Leong Song ‘Unfortunately Not You’ Banned on China Platforms
Chinese netizens sarcastically used Fish Leong’s song “Unfortunately Not You” to subtly criticize their own leaders, leading to the song’s censorship by Chinese authorities.
(10) Eason Chan’s Daughter Unfazed By Critics Saying She Won Best Newcomer Award Because Of Her Dad
Constance Chan, 21, also gave a witty take on why her superstar dad skipped the awards ceremony.
(11) Bosco Wong Finally Wins TVB Best Actor After 26 Years In Showbiz, Thanks His “Other Mum” In TVB
The 45-year-old, who was in tears, said TVB assistant general manager Virginia Lok loves him like her own son even though he is “very naughty”.
(12) Jolin Tsai’s concert accused of ‘cult’ involvement by mainland blogger; after 26 years in her career, she no longer tolerates it and sues an anti-fan for the first time
Jolin Tsai’s concert accused of being ‘cult-like’ by a mainland blogger; after 26 years in the industry, she sues an anti-fan for the first time and refuses to tolerate it any longer.
(1) Asian Film Awards Scales Back 2026 Ceremony in Wake of Hong Kong Fire Tragedy
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
The Asian Film Awards Academy announced it will significantly scale back its 2026 edition, suspending all competitive categories and eliminating the traditional red carpet to reflect the somber public mood in Hong Kong following last year’s devastating residential fire. The 19th edition, scheduled for March in Hong Kong, will pivot to a minimalist program focused on a small slate of special awards presented in a dignified manner, rather than the usual contest for best film, director, acting, and craft prizes. Organizers cited the ongoing impact of the tragedy and aligned the decision with the Hong Kong government’s recommendation for low-profile public events.
The decision follows a year in which Hong Kong was deeply affected by its deadliest fire in decades—a blaze that claimed over 150 lives and displaced thousands. The tragedy prompted citywide mourning and heightened sensitivity around large celebrations, while authorities also moved to discourage civic activism related to the disaster. Against this backdrop, academy chairman Wilfred Wong stated that adopting a solemn, restrained format was the most appropriate way to honor filmmakers while showing respect to the community.
Despite the scaled-back ceremony, the Academy emphasized that its core mission of supporting Asian cinema through screenings, education, and industry outreach remains unchanged. Launched in 2007, the awards have grown into one of the region’s leading cinema honors, spotlighting talent from across Asia and serving as an informal gathering ahead of Hong Kong’s FilmArt. For the 2026 edition, the Academy will instead present a select number of honors recognizing outstanding contributions to the industry, with further details to be announced closer to the event.
News Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/asian-film-awards-2026-hong-kong-fire-1236464113/
(2) Eric Tsang Steps Down as TVB General Manager, Receives Honorary Award
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Eric Tsang announced his departure from the role of TVB general manager during the 2025 TVB Anniversary Awards in Macau, where he received a newly created honorary Legendary Achievement Award. The award was presented by TVB executive chairman Thomas Hui, with a surprise tribute from Tsang’s close friend Alan Tam, who performed a song in his honor. Tsang expressed gratitude for the support over his five-year tenure, stating he felt he had “run out of ideas” and that it was time to step aside for the younger generation.
During his remarks, Tsang reflected that his greatest satisfaction came from seeing audiences enjoy the programs produced under his leadership. He emphasized his belief in the team he had worked with and expressed confidence in their ability to carry TVB forward and elevate the broadcaster. Following his departure from the executive role, TVB appointed Tsang as the convener of a newly established advisory committee, aligning with earlier reports that he would transition into an advisory position.
Tsang first left TVB in 2017 after 25 years with the company, before returning in January 2021 as deputy general manager overseeing variety and music production. He was promoted to general manager later that year, during which he drove significant reforms—including mending relationships with major record companies and launching popular shows like “Infinity and Beyond” and “Midlife, Sing & Shine!.” His exit marks the conclusion of a major chapter in his long and influential career with Hong Kong’s leading television broadcaster.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/320735/Eric-Tsang-steps-down-as-TVB-general-manager-receives-honorary-award
(3) Police Arrested Singer Kris Law Kai Chung for Drug-related Offence (ex- Good Night Show – The Legend of King Maker)
(Photo Credit: ViuTV)
Hong Kong police raided a village house in Yuen Long on January 3, 2026, uncovering a drug manufacturing and storage facility. Authorities seized over 10 kilograms of narcotics with an estimated street value of HK$7.74 million, including significant quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine (“ice”), crack cocaine, ketamine, and etizolam pills. Three suspects—two local men and one mainland woman aged 21 to 35—were arrested on charges of manufacturing, trafficking, and conspiracy to traffic dangerous drugs, and are scheduled to appear in Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Court on January 5.
The operation was launched based on intelligence about a drug syndicate that recruited young people with promises of quick money, using disguised transport methods like taxis and vans to operate village-house laboratories. The unit, rented for approximately HK$15,000 per month, had been operational for about one month, with instructions communicated through encrypted messaging applications. Among those arrested was 35-year-old singer Kris Law Kai Chung, who gained recognition as a contestant on ViuTV’s 2018 talent show “Good Night Show – The Legend of King Maker,” adding significant public interest to the case.
The case underscores the serious risks associated with debt-driven recruitment into drug syndicates, which specifically target vulnerable young people. Police noted strong pungent odors emanating from the manufacturing process and have urged the public to remain vigilant. The involvement of a minor celebrity highlights how these criminal networks can exploit individuals from various backgrounds. Authorities emphasized the severe legal penalties for such offenses, which can include life imprisonment and fines of up to HK$5 million, as Hong Kong continues its ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60309553?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(4) Hong Kong Sci-fi Film Back to the Past Becomes the Highest-grossing Film in Opening Week
(Photo Credit: Edmond So)
Hong Kong sci-fi film Back to the Past becomes the highest-grossing film in opening week. According to the Hong Kong Box Office Limited, the film, starring Louis Koo Tin-lok and Raymond Lam Fung, earned a remarkable HK$45.4 million within its first week, with more than HK$42.8 million coming from Hong Kong cinema-goers. This figure not only marks an impressive start for the film but also sets a record as the all-time opening week box office champion for both Hong Kong and Chinese-language films.
Since its release on 31 December 2025, Back to the Past has dominated the box office charts. It achieved a record for the highest first-day performance for a local or mainland Chinese film, grossing HK$10.91 million on its opening day. The film now ranks second on the all-time list for opening day revenue, only behind Avengers: Endgame, which recorded HK$20.9 million in 2019. The success of Back to the Past is particularly notable in light of the overall decline in Hong Kong’s box office performance, which hit a 14-year low of HK$1.13 billion in 2025.
Back to the Past is a sequel to the 2001 TVB drama series A Step into the Past, featuring many of the original cast members, including Koo, Lam, and Jessica Hester Hsuan, reprising their roles. The plot follows Koo’s character, a special agent stranded in the Qin dynasty for two decades due to a time machine malfunction. He navigates a complex conflict involving a mercenary leader and the first emperor of China, Ying Ching, played by Lam.
(5) Children’s Program Host Tam Yuk Ying Shares Updates on her Condition Following Patellar Fracture
(Photo Credit: HK01)
On 6 January 2026, the 62-year-old veteran children’s program host Tam Yuk Ying posted two photos taken in the hospital, one showing her sitting up in bed looking lively, and the other revealing her left knee heavily bandaged. In her caption, she mentioned that the surgery went smoothly: “After removing the stitches, the bandaging looks like a big deal, but it actually means I’m on the path to a full recovery.”
The long treatment process began in February 2025 when Tam, known for her robust health, accidentally fell while rushing down the stairs to return to her radio show. During an interview, she recalled that when she tried to stand, her knee gave way, causing her to fall again. Ultimately, she had to drag herself back to work while supporting herself on one leg.
After seeking medical treatment, it was confirmed that her injury was severe – her left kneecap had shattered into several pieces, requiring surgery. Despite this, to avoid interrupting the young actors who had been rehearsing for a long time, she insisted on applying plaster first and sat in a wheelchair to complete the children drama “The Ugly Duckling” before entering the hospital for surgery. During her recovery, she felt deeply supported by her family. Tam also gained new insights into life, realizing that loving oneself means acting according to one’s ability.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60310233?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(6) Gigi Yim Announces a New Chapter as She Signs with Sony Music
(Photo credit: MTV)
On 7 January 2026, Gigi Yim, a rising singer from Hong Kong, announced her signing with Sony Music Greater China. This milestone was revealed during a press conference in Whampoa, where Yim premiered her latest music video and delivered an engaging live performance, marking an exciting new chapter in her career.
Hosted by veteran presenter Sammy Leung, the event showcased a stage designed to reflect the themes of Yim’s new single “THE VOYAGE TO…”. The stage was transformed into an enchanting forest backdrop featured stone walls, grassy turf, and trees, echoing the visuals of her newly released video. Yim shared her feelings of nervousness and excitement about this new phase of her career, expressing her intent to create “many interesting, profound, and experiential” chapters moving forward.
Andrew Chan, CEO of Sony Music Greater China, formally welcomed Yim into the fold as an artist represented across the Chinese, Hong Kong, and Taiwanese markets. He complimented her “ethereal vocals” and powerful stage presence, humorously referring to her as “Boss Yim” to emphasize the partnership between her personal studio and Sony Music Greater China.
(7) Off-script heartbreak as ‘the other woman’: Jessica Hsuan reveals real-life betrayal, keeps faith in her destiny
(Photo Credit: Dimsum Daily)
In a recent online interview promoting her new film Back to the Past, actress Jessica Hester Hsuan, 55, revealed a deeply personal heartbreak from her past—she once unknowingly became the “other woman” in a relationship. Despite being celebrated as one of TVB’s “Four Golden Flowers” in the 1990s and having several publicized romances, Hsuan admitted that the discovery, shared by university friends, left her devastated and wary of future relationships, prompting her to leave at the first sign of trouble.
Despite the emotional scars, Hsuan remains optimistic about love and believes in destiny, emphasizing the importance of finding someone who truly fits rather than forcing a connection. She contrasted her softness in love with the strong, principled characters she often portrays, noting that her friends have observed how differently she behaves in personal relationships compared to her on-screen persona.
Reflecting on her early career at TVB, Hsuan shared contrasting mentorship experiences that shaped her professionalism. She recalled being sternly criticized—even to tears—by the tough but dedicated actor Alexander Man Chi-leung, while also receiving gentle encouragement from co-star Bowie Lam. These experiences, she said, taught her resilience and the value of dedication, helping to forge the disciplined work ethic she carries today.
(8) Johor remains focused on ByteDance AI Investment, now exceeding RM29.5bil
(Photo Credit: StraitsTimes)
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has reinforced the state’s commitment to being a long-term strategic partner for ByteDance, the global AI technology company behind platforms like TikTok, Douyin, and CapCut. During a meeting with the company on December 23, 2025, Onn Hafiz emphasized that Johor is not merely an infrastructure destination but a resilient and sustainable digital hub capable of supporting large-scale, secure operations. This aligns with ByteDance’s significant existing investment in Malaysia, including a data center at Sedenak Tech Park in Kulai, part of a broader investment exceeding RM29.5 billion.
Onn Hafiz highlighted Johor’s strategic position within ASEAN, competitive operating costs, and direct access to regional markets as key factors that can support ByteDance’s expansion in Southeast Asia. The state is positioned to meet the company’s growing needs for high-performance data centers, platform support operations, and digital talent development. These advantages make Johor an ideal base for sustaining ByteDance’s regional growth and technological ambitions.
The discussions also explored future collaborations extending beyond infrastructure to areas such as regional operations, artificial intelligence, and the development of a digital content ecosystem. This next phase of cooperation aims to position Johor as a safe, sustainable, and competitive regional digital hub for the long term. By deepening this partnership, Johor seeks to open new pathways for strategic growth, enhancing its role in the global digital economy while supporting ByteDance’s innovation and operational scale.
News Source: https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/01/1350706/johor-remains-focused-bytedance-ai-investment-now-exceeding
(9) Fish Leong Song ‘Unfortunately Not You’ Banned on China Platforms
(Photo Credit: 8days)
A recent United States strike in Venezuela resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, an action that drew immediate and strong condemnation from China. The Chinese government criticized the U.S. and demanded the couple’s release. While many Chinese citizens echoed their government’s sentiment online, a different and more subtle reaction began to emerge on social media and music streaming platforms, centered around a seemingly unrelated pop song.
The song in question is Malaysian singer Fish Leong’s 2005 ballad, “Unfortunately Not You”. Chinese netizens started streaming this song massively, using its title as a form of political sarcasm. The lyrics of the love story in mandarin convey a very different meaning from the original, implying a negative commentary on the central government leaders. However, multiple clips of Fish Leong performing the song that same day at her Xiamen concert are still circulating on Chinese social media platforms, and some well-known mainland influencers have even come forward to angrily denounce the fake news.
This surge in politically charged streaming led to swift censorship. Major Chinese music platforms, such as QQ Music, quickly removed the song, citing copyright issues as the official reason. This is not the first time “Unfortunately Not You” has been censored for similar reasons; it was also temporarily taken down following the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the death of former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, highlighting its recurring role as a tool for indirect political commentary in China.
(10) Eason Chan’s Daughter Unfazed By Critics Saying She Won Best Newcomer Award Because Of Her Dad
(Photo Credit: 8days)
Constance Chan, the 21-year-old daughter of Hong Kong superstar singer Eason Chan, has sparked public debate and “nepo baby” accusations after winning the Ultimate Female Newcomer (Gold) award at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation. The honor came just six months after the release of her debut single, leading critics to question whether her victory was based on her own merit or her father’s immense fame, with some also alleging she used a backing track during her performance at the ceremony.
Addressing the criticism at a press conference, Constance acknowledged that such comments initially made her unhappy but stated she is not worried that her own efforts will be erased by her father’s legacy. She reframed the scrutiny as motivation, saying, “Sometimes seeing them makes me unhappy, but it also motivates me to perform better. It’s a good encouragement.” She displayed a lighthearted attitude toward her famous lineage, joking during her acceptance speech and with reporters that her thanks were to her team member “Eason,” not her dad.
Despite the controversy, Constance appears determined to carve out her own path in the music industry. She released her English debut single ‘Doll’ in 2025 and made a surprise debut as an opening act at a Warner Music concert in Macau the same year. Her playful confidence was on display when she humorously noted that her father, a record-setting ten-time Best Male Singer winner, would only attend awards shows if he were winning and could no longer qualify for a Best Newcomer award himself.
News Source: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/eason-chan-daughter-best-newcomer-award-852336
(11) Bosco Wong Finally Wins TVB Best Actor After 26 Years In Showbiz, Thanks His “Other Mum” In TVB
(Photo Credit: 8days)
After 26 years in the industry, Hong Kong actor Bosco Wong, 45, won his first Best Actor award at the TVB Anniversary Awards for his role as troublemaker Koo Chiu-wah in The Queen of News 2. Overwhelmed with emotion, he was in tears as longtime friends and mentors Michael Miu and Wayne Lai announced his win, which also included the Greater Bay Area’s Favourite TVB Actor award for the same role.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Bosco expressed feeling “very lucky” and thanked key industry figures who supported him throughout his career. He specifically acknowledged seniors Michael Miu and Wayne Lai, TVB assistant general manager Virginia Lok—whom he called his “other mother”—and TVB executive director Catherina Tsang, whose guidance and discipline helped shape him.
Despite debuting in 1999, Bosco gained notable recognition in 2005 after starring in Wars Of In-Laws, which earned him the Most Improved Male Artiste award. He later won Best Supporting Actor in 2008 for Moonlight Resonance IIand had been nominated for Best Actor four times since 2012 before finally securing the top honor this year, marking a long-awaited milestone in his career.
News Source: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/bosco-wong-tvb-best-actor-852276
(12) Jolin Tsai’s concert accused of ‘cult’ involvement by mainland blogger; after 26 years in her career, she no longer tolerates it and sues an anti-fan for the first time
(Photo Credit: HK01)
The mainland China organizer for pop superstar Jolin Tsai’s concert has initiated legal action against a blogger known as SiLiYa (斯利亞). She recently posted a video analyzing Jolin Tsai’s Pleasure concert, questioning whether there were satanic symbols on site, claiming the atmosphere was like a cult, and even speculating that Jolin Tsai might be connected with the Illuminati. This series of defamatory statements drew the attention of Jolin Tsai’s team. In a formal statement, the organizer accused the blogger of maliciously misinterpreting the concert’s artistic content, spreading false and defamatory rumors, and launching personal attacks against the artist. This action was taken after the blogger used concert clips to allege that the show’s elaborate props and themes contained “inappropriate metaphors,” damaging Tsai’s reputation ahead of her 14-city mainland tour.
The controversy centers on Tsai’s visually spectacular show, which features large, symbolic props like a giant bull and a golden pig, part of a NT$900 million production. The blogger’s claims gained traction on social media, prompting the concert organizer to pursue legal recourse to protect the artist and her team. Further investigation by other netizens revealed that the accused blogger has a history of making extreme and conspiratorial claims, having previously alleged that the corporate logos for tech giants NVIDIA and Apple were linked to cults.
In response, Tsai’s partner organization, Yongdaoxing (永稻星), has declared a “zero tolerance” policy towards such malicious online behavior. They have collected evidence, requested that social media platforms remove the infringing content, and are proceeding with the lawsuit. The organization also took the opportunity to appeal to the public, encouraging them to engage in independent and critical thinking rather than blindly accepting baseless claims spread online.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/%E7%9C%BE%E6%A8%82%E8%BF%B7/60310751/%E8%94%A1%E4%BE%9D%E6%9E%97%E6%BC%94%E5%94%B1%E6%9C%83%E9%81%AD%E5%85%A7%E5%9C%B0%E5%8D%9A%E4%B8%BB%E6%8C%87%E6%B6%89-%E9%82%AA%E6%95%99-%E5%87%BA%E9%81%9326%E5%B9%B4%E4%B8%8D%E5%86%8D%E5%BF%8D%E9%A6%96%E6%AC%A1%E5%91%8A%E9%BB%91%E7%B2%89
