(Kuala Lumpur, April 8) Chinese actress Esther Yu, who rose to fame through dramas such as Love Between Fairy and Devil, My Journey to You, and Moonlit Fantasy, made a vibrant appearance in Malaysia as the global ambassador for iQIYI International at the iQIYI Starship Project 2026 Malaysia. Meeting her Malaysian fans, affectionately known as “Little Pomegranates,” for the first time, she delivered an energetic and highly interactive session.
Marking her first visit to Malaysia, Esther Yu immediately captivated the crowd with her lively personality. Self-described as an extrovert, she freely engaged with fans—sending hearts, blowing kisses, and even learning Malay phrases on the spot to express her affection, creating an electric atmosphere.
When asked about Malaysian food, she shared that she had already tried satay on the plane, but joked about limiting her intake to avoid looking bloated before meeting fans. Teasingly, she hinted at having a food checklist but refused to reveal details, saying she didn’t want to end up queuing with fans at the same spot.
She also revealed that around 600 fans welcomed her at the airport the night before, praising their orderly behavior. In a humorous moment, she mentioned receiving traditional Malaysian attire from fans, only to realize it seemed to include just the top—prompting laughter across the venue.
Her popularity clearly transcends cultural boundaries, with many Malay fans even learning Chinese because of her. Playfully taking on a “teacher” role, she joked, “Everyone stand up and say ten sentences—I’ll check your progress!”
During the event, she interacted with local personalities including Jestinna Kuan, Moses Wong, and Rasyidah. A highlight came when she learned the traditional Malay dance Zapin on the spot and engaged in a playful “dance battle,” mastering the moves within minutes and impressing the audience.
In another segment, she humorously took on the role of a “director,” guiding Rasyidah through a dramatic scene from her hit drama, showcasing her expressive acting skills and comedic timing.
Speaking about her upcoming drama Dual Track, she shared the challenges of portraying a character spanning ages 18 to 27, emphasizing the emotional depth required, particularly in intense crying scenes.
She also expressed appreciation for Malaysian fans online and encouraged them to keep interacting with her on social media. Looking ahead, she expressed interest in filming in Malaysia, especially modern urban dramas and variety shows, including travel and food programs. When jokingly suggested to be a tourism ambassador, she laughed and replied, “Sure, help me negotiate that!”
Closing the event, Esther Yu thanked her fans warmly before switching back to her playful persona, shouting in Malay, “Jangan lupa saya!” (“Don’t forget me!”), and teasing fans with “See you at the airport!”—ending the session on a sweet and memorable note.
