11/04/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | APR 11, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Esther Yu keen to take on diverse roles, storylines o Chinese actress

expresses eagerness to embrace new challenges

iQiyi expands M’sian originals IQIYI International has announced five new Malay original productions set for 2026, continuing its push into local content. The upcoming titles Dua Nyawa , Madu Atau Racun , Ceraikan Aku Sekali Lagi , Sekali Lagi , Bahagia and Griya , span familiar territory, from family drama to romance and suspense. While the genres are not new, the focus on locally rooted storytelling reflects a growing demand for content that feels closer to home, especially as streaming platforms compete for attention in an increasingly crowded space. iQiyi’s presence in Malaysia has evolved over the past few years. Since introducing Malay dramas in 2020, the platform has moved beyond simply acquiring content to taking a more active role in production. That shift is significant, particularly in a market where international platforms often rely heavily on imported titles. To date, the platform has produced more than a dozen original Malaysian series, including Rampas Cintaku and Senyawa . At the same time, it continues to work with established broadcast players, bringing existing Malaysian titles onto its platform. Pushing further, iQiyi continues to collaborate closely with local production houses, artistes and creative partners, contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s entertainment ecosystem. Poster for the drama Madu atau Racun featuring Aliff Aziz, Uqasha Senrose and Elisya Sandha.

Yu wants to pay closer attention to detail in her work. C HINESE actress Esther Yu is eager to embrace new challenges, expressing her interest in exploring a variety of roles and storylines in her upcoming projects. Yu, 30, whose full name is Yu Shuxin, said she has grown and changed significantly since embarking on her career in 2016, and now she wants to pay closer attention to detail in her work, delivering the best to audiences worldwide. “I am open to various opportunities and hope to present more sides of myself to fans in the future,” Yu said through an interpreter during her appearance at the iQiyi Starship 2026 event held at Zepp Kuala Lumpur recently. Organised by iQiyi International, the event marked her Kuala Lumpur debut and drew more than 1,000 attendees, including fans, media and partners. (iQiyi is one of China’s leading subscription-based video streaming services.) One of the evening’s highlights saw Yu, who is also iQiyi International Global Ambassador, greeting her fans in Bahasa Melayu, with phrases such as “Apa khabar, saya Esther Yu”, “Aku cinta padamu” and “Jom makan”, drawing loud applause from the audience. The event also featured interactive segments, including games with Malaysian personalities such as Jestinna Kuan, Rasyidah Abu Johan and Moses Wong. Yu also

attempted to perform the traditional zapin dance. Her popularity in Southeast Asia has been on the rise, particularly following the success of the iQiyi original drama Speed and Love . Her portrayal of Jiang Mu also garnered attention, earning her the title of Most Popular Modern C-Drama Female Character at the iQiyi Malaysia Awards 2025. Commenting on the character, Yu, who is also a singer, said she was chosen partly due to similarities between her and Jiang Mu, who she described as “cute and slightly mischievous”. “The main challenge was in the emotional scenes, especially crying scenes. I needed to balance the performance so it would not appear too childish, while still remaining realistic and believable,” she said. Yu, who gained recognition through dramas such as Love Between Fairy and Devil , My Journey to You and Sword and Fairy , described her Malaysian fans as very polite and well-mannered, and expressed appreciation for the warm reception she received. When asked about the possibility of filming in Malaysia, she did not rule it out. “I’m very happy to meet all my fans in Malaysia. I feel so much love and support, and I hope to come back again soon,” she said. Her upcoming dramas Road to Success and Yun Chu Ling will be released on iQiyi. – Bernama Life finds rhythm in kopitiam moments LOCAL Malaysian kopitiam brand Hock Kee Kopitiam has launched its first original brand song Kopitiam You & Me in a collaboration with 1119 Triple1Nine and singer-songwriter Danny Koo. Since its release on earlier this month, the music video has surpassed 100,000 views within six days, reaching 108,000 views as of 2pm last Wednesday – and continues to gain traction across social media platforms. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody paired with a unique concept of incorporating menu items into the lyrics. From kopi panas to kolo mee, it resonates strongly with audiences by reflecting familiar kopitiam moments.

Yu’s upcoming dramas will be released on iQiyi.

Poster for the drama Griya featuring Nazim Othman, Chacha Maembong, Scha Al-Yahya and Dynas Mokhtar.

Kopitiam You & Me features a catchy, upbeat melody.