Chris Infotainment

DJ Fabsabs leads a joyful Cantopop resurgence, Singapore does art with intention, and sun-drenched escapism beckons Hello, January! I hope you survived the first proper work week of 2026. I've been going through the avalanche that is my inbox and am barely hanging on. Luckily, this week's cover story offers a burst of energy as Hsiuwen Liu plunges into the Cantopop revival currently filling Hong Kong's dance floors. She hits the tiles at Cantomania and finds what started as an underground party is now a full-blown movement, joining a wave of Cantopop nights around town. Cantomania's DJ Fabsabs (real name Pete Sabine) is a staunch evangelist for the power of music to bring us together - and as someone who loves the dance floor, I heartily concur. The resurgence of 1980s bangers and Y2K hits might sound like pure nostalgia, but as Sabine tells us, it's something deeper. Cantomania is catharsis, community and culture preservation disguised as a dance party. "...

A Centenarian's Bold Approach to Food Despite being 100 years old and having lost all her teeth, Zhong Wenyu continues to enjoy a wide range of foods from traditional dishes to bubble tea, cola, coffee, and ice cream. Her unique lifestyle has captured the attention of many, especially on social media platforms. Zhong, a resident of Shanghai, recently celebrated her 100th birthday in September. Her daily life is documented by her granddaughter, Xiaodan, who was born in the 1990s. Xiaodan shares these moments on the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu under the account "100-year-old Sister Zhong." Her journey to fame began last year when a video of her eating hairy crab went viral. Xiaodan shared her thoughts on why she started documenting her grandmother's life. "My grandmother is a very unique person and lives quite differently from most elderly people, so I wanted to record these interesting moments," she said. She added that she didn't expect so m...

The Rise of Ao Dai in Vietnamese Cities In recent years, a notable trend has emerged in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as foreigners increasingly embrace the ao dai, Vietnam's traditional tunic, for spring outings ahead of the Lunar New Year. This cultural phenomenon is not just about fashion but also represents a deeper connection to Vietnamese heritage. A Cultural Experience in Hanoi Sian Nem, a 27-year-old Singaporean, recently spent nearly VND6 million (US$228) on an ao dai photo shoot around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi's Old Quarter. Her return to Vietnam was largely driven by a social media trend encouraging visitors to try on the ao dai. She noted that seeing tourists share photos in ao dai made her realize that this outfit isn't exclusive to Vietnamese people. "Seeing tourists everywhere share photos in ao dai, I realized this outfit isn't just for Vietnamese people," she says. "I wanted to transform into a Hanoi girl and immerse myself in the Tet a...

A Historic Winery's Journey to Hong Kong In May 1976, the wine world experienced a seismic shift. At a blind tasting in Paris, later known as the Judgment of Paris, a panel of French judges unknowingly shattered the belief in Gallic superiority. The catalyst was a 1973 Chardonnay from Château Montelena. When the scores were announced, this California bottle outperformed some of the finest white Burgundies, including a Meursault Charmes and a Bâtard-Montrachet. This moment, often referred to as the "shot heard round the world," transformed the Napa Valley from a local curiosity into a global powerhouse. Fifty years later, the estate that orchestrated this historic win is making its debut in Hong Kong. On January 18, Château Montelena will bring its legacy and impressive cellar to Lai Ching Heen for a dinner that promises to be both educational and indulgent. To truly appreciate the wine, one must understand the land it comes from. Château Montelena is located on the no...

87-year-old Chinese painter Fan Zeng has announced that his fourth wife Xu Meng, 37, has given birth to his first son. The news has sparked a mix of excitement and controversy within the family and among art enthusiasts. Chinese painter Fan Zeng (L) and his wife Xu Meng. Photo from Weibo/Fan Zeng supertopic Fan Zeng confirmed the birth on Thursday, stating that the family is happy and content. He, Xu, and their newborn have since moved out of their former villa and into a new residence. This move marks a significant shift in their lives, as they begin this new chapter together. In the same statement, Fan declared a complete break with two of his children, Fan Xiaohui and Fan Zhongda, and their relatives. He accused them of spreading false claims in August that he had been "kidnapped and had his assets seized" by Xu, allegations he said led to her being defamed. Fan stated that the two had acted under the guise of filial concern while deliberately sowing discord within t...

A Unique Commemorative Gift Captivates Online Communities An abalone cushion, a special gift offered by the "Hometown Love Donation System" in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, has sparked widespread online discussion due to its remarkably realistic design that closely mirrors a real abalone. The item has captured the attention of many, with users expressing both surprise and admiration for its lifelike appearance. A user shared their experience on X (formerly known as Twitter) on the 10th, detailing how they donated to Wando County through the Hometown Love Donation System and received the abalone cushion as a gift. In their post, the user wrote, “It’s more realistic than I expected,” and included photos that showcased the cushion. These images quickly drew attention for their striking resemblance to an actual abalone. The photos reveal a shell-like surface that appears to glisten as if water droplets have formed on it. The abalone's distinct color and texture are...

A Unique Tourism Campaign in Skåne, Sweden In October, Skåne in Sweden introduced an unconventional tourism campaign that captured the attention of nature lovers around the world. The southern county was seeking travelers interested in spending a few days in a cabin nestled deep in the woods. The catch? Participants had to maintain a level of quietness, as any loud noises could result in an early departure. Johanna Holm, originally from the south of Germany and currently studying to become a teacher, was one of the participants in the ‘Stay Quiet’ challenge. Here’s what she discovered during her hushed weekend in a cabin in the woods. A Response to Noise Pollution Visit Skåne launched its Stay Quiet campaign in response to noise pollution, which project manager Josefine Nordgren describes as one of the most underestimated environmental issues of our time. “Studies show that constant exposure to noise increases stress, disturbs sleep, and affects both physical and mental health,” sh...

Danone Group and the Aptamil brand are hosting a multi-sensory event called "One Aptamil Nutrition Universe" in Ho Chi Minh City, running from December 5 to 7. The event's theme is "Companion Nutrition—Extraordinary Takeoff," offering attendees an immersive experience into the world of scientific nutrition. The "One Aptamil Nutrition Universe" event at Nguyen Hue Walking Street serves as an interactive space that highlights the scientific foundations of nutrition developed by Danone Group and the Aptamil brand. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how these foundations support children's development and exploration. With over a century of expertise in global nutrition, Danone has built a diverse product portfolio dedicated to meeting various nutritional needs. Aptamil, inheriting this legacy, has focused on child nutrition for more than 50 years, helping parents establish a strong foundation for their children's health and brain development. O...

Chinese dancer Liu Xiaoli, mother of actress Liu Yifei, is gaining widespread attention for her elegance and “fairy-like” stage presence. Actress Liu Yifei's mother, Chinese dancer Liu Xiaoli. Photo from Douyin On Tuesday, the keyword "Liu Yifei’s mother’s beauty" surged to the top of Weibo’s trending topics as users shared videos of her performances and everyday photos. Liu Xiaoli, 66, was a professional dancer who toured extensively in the 1980s and became known for her portrayal of Lady Xiang, a goddess in Xiang River folklore. In 1989, she held a solo dance showcase in Wuhan. On Weibo, thousands of users described Liu Xiaoli as the embodiment of traditional Eastern beauty, elegant, refined and serene. Video clips of her dancing were praised as "ethereal" and "fairy-like." When Liu Yifei was 10, Liu Xiaoli divorced her husband and gave up her career to take her daughter to the U.S. to study. Five years later, they returned to China, where Liu...

Nhu Y never imagined that offering a glass of orange juice to a stranger at a conference would lead to a transnational love story and the challenge of navigating a culture as traditional as her own. In March 2024, at the Vietshrimp Aquaculture International Conference in Ca Mau, Nhu Y’s booth was next to Abhishek Khandelwal’s. She noticed this foreign man so engrossed in his work that he hadn’t even taken time to drink water. With a kind gesture, she offered him a glass of orange juice. Their meeting was brief, as both were occupied with their professional responsibilities. However, over the next three months, regular text messages gradually brought them closer together. "No one said 'I love you,' but we both felt like we were leaning toward each other," Nhu Y, 31, from Hau Giang, recalls. Nhu Y and Abhishek Khandelwal. Photo courtesy of the couple Despite their growing connection, there seemed to be a cultural barrier. Khandelwal, 30, hails from Patna in norther...

The Power of Literature in Empowering the Nigerian Youth Nigerian-American author Cash Onadele, known as Aiye-ko-ooto, has dedicated his life to using literature as a tool for empowerment and cultural preservation. His work spans poetry, plays, and short stories, all driven by a deep passion for storytelling and a desire to connect with the Nigerian youth. A Drive for Creativity and Cultural Preservation Onadele’s productivity stems from a wellspring of inspiration, particularly from Yoruba stories that have been passed down through generations. As the President and CEO of Aiye-ko-ooto, he runs the Cultural and Literary Hub, which focuses on youth empowerment and the preservation of African narratives. He is not only inspired by Yoruba culture but also by Igbo traditions. His goal is to tell the stories of his ancestors, ensuring that future generations can learn from them. He believes that writing is not just an act of creation but also a means of learning and improving creative s...

A Journey from Hotel Hospitality to Design Leadership My Hong Kong childhood was very typical. I'm the oldest of five girls. From a young age, I carried the responsibility of helping my mum look after my sisters, so I developed a big sister mentality. That sense of looking after people is deeply rooted in my personality. Hospitality was introduced to me through one incident at my first job, selling advertising for a woman's magazine. I met the PR manager of a hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. I was very young and my first impression was she's so beautiful, nice and elegant. I wondered, "Do all people in hotels look like this?" I didn't really think much about it until I moved to Hawaii, in the United States. My American Then-Husband My then-husband wanted to move back home so I went with him. I wanted to work because it was boring to stay home. I applied for a job at a hotel in Maui and got an interview. Being from Hong Kong, I was very well dressed. But Hawaii is v...

A Culinary Journey Through Sarawak's Wild Flavors Marian Chin, a scholar and researcher from Kuching, Malaysia, has dedicated her life to documenting the rich biodiversity of her homeland. Her work has now taken her beyond the borders of Sarawak, bringing the unique flavors of the East Malaysian state to Hong Kong for the first time. "Come, I want you to have a look at my office," says Marian Chin as she steps into her kitchen and pantry in Kuching, Sarawak. Every shelf is lined with jars and bottles of herbs, spices, preserves, and other indigenous foods found only in the jungle of the East Malaysia state. These are not just ingredients; they are a testament to the deep-rooted culinary traditions of Sarawak. Sarawak, located in the northwest of the island Borneo, is home to rainforests, rivers, jungles, and more than 30 ethnic groups, each with their own distinct dialects, cultures, and traditions in foraging for sustenance. Though Chin often knows of the ingredients ...

A Chinese man has caused a significant stir after inserting joss paper, commonly referred to as "hell money," into a fortune-drawing donation box at Japan’s Sensoji Temple. This act has led to widespread outrage and renewed discussions about the behavior of tourists, particularly those from China. The incident was captured in a video that gained traction on social media in November. According to the South China Morning Post, the man placed the joss paper into the box located on the desk where visitors draw fortune sticks. Normally, visitors are expected to insert 100 yen (approximately US$1) into the box to draw from a collection of 100 bamboo sticks. After drawing, they must search for omikuji, a strip of paper that provides a fortune prediction when praying to the gods and Buddhas of the temple or shrine, as explained by the Japan National Tourism Organization. The act of inserting joss paper instead of money sparked strong reactions from netizens, who labeled it as ...

A Fusion of Cultures at the Design Fair At the second edition of the Maison&Objet Interieurs design fair, visitors can expect to see a unique blend of global influences. From Beijing courtyard homes reimagined through a Parisian lens to New Delhi's architectural geometry meeting European aesthetics, the event showcases the creative visions of Hong Kong and international design luminaries such as Patrizia Moroso and Ann Chan. The fair, which returns to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre from December 3 to 6, features a lineup of 16 renowned designers. Their work explores themes of family, belonging, and the intersection of cultures. The fair's theme, "Crossroads," aims to reinforce Hong Kong's position as Asia's design hub. Three Zones for Inspiration and Networking The event is divided into three distinct zones. The Design Factory serves as an inspiration hub, featuring four pavilions that focus on sustainability and material innovation. ...

Exploring the Concept of Madness Through Stories The world is often perceived through different lenses, and what might seem like madness to one person could be entirely normal to another. This idea forms the core of Uche Okonkwo’s collection of short stories titled A Kind of Madness . Each story presents a unique form of madness, shaped by the characters’ experiences, societal pressures, and personal struggles. A Unique Perspective on Family Dynamics One of the most compelling stories in the book is Animals , which explores the relationship between Nedu and Otuanya, a chicken that eventually becomes part of a meal. The narrative offers a humorous and light-hearted look at family life in contemporary Nigeria. The two parents, Ebube and Uzoma, represent contrasting parenting styles—Ebube is playful and approachable, while Uzoma is strict and rigid. Their differences create both tension and warmth within the family. “Uzoma told herself there were advantages to having parents with diff...

President Museveni's Message to Graduates: Embrace Discipline and Responsibility At the 32nd graduation ceremony of Kampala International University (KIU) in Ishaka, President Yoweri Museveni delivered a powerful message to the 2,385 graduates who received their academic awards. The event, attended by students, faculty, and dignitaries, marked a significant milestone in the lives of those who have completed their studies. In his address, delivered by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, the President emphasized the importance of adopting disciplined and healthy lifestyles. He highlighted that the choices made by these graduates would not only affect their personal development but also impact their families and the nation as a whole. "I want to urge the graduands, now graduates, to adopt healthy lifestyles. If you want to be patriotic and your family and country depend on you, you cannot be promiscuous, you cannot drink alcohol," Museveni said. His words served as a reminder ...

A Vision for the Future of African Universities Professor Toyin Falola, a globally recognized historian and scholar, delivered a powerful message to African universities, urging them to think “ahead of history” and take an active role in shaping their futures. His speech took place at Babcock University in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, during a Distinguished Lecture held in honor of Professor Ademola S. Tayo’s contributions as the university’s third President/Vice Chancellor. The lecture, titled “The Transformation of Babcock,” was attended by scholars, administrators, students, and policymakers. It went beyond a simple tribute and became a deep reflection on the challenges facing African universities and the urgent need for innovation and indigenous relevance. Falola challenged the assumption that uncertainty is the main obstacle for universities. Instead, he emphasized the failure of institutions to prepare for future possibilities. “My strategic forecast is not about predicting the f...