logo
Mandopop superstar Jam Hsiao is back in KL after six years; star singer's concert all set for Aug 2 at Axiata Arena

Mandopop superstar Jam Hsiao is back in KL after six years; star singer's concert all set for Aug 2 at Axiata Arena

The Star13-05-2025

The stage is set for a sonic eruption as the one and only vocal powerhouse Jam Hsiao makes his thunderous return to Kuala Lumpur after six long years.
And fans can prepare to be electrified by his brand-new "WILD/MILD" World Tour, hitting the iconic Axiata Arena on Saturday, 2 August 2025, at 8pm in Bukit Jalil.
Fans can dive headfirst into the captivating universe of Jam Hsiao's latest album with the "WILD/MILD" World Tour – a breathtaking exploration of nature's majesty, the depths of human emotion, and the untamed energy of live music.
"Brace yourselves for a sensory explosion where cutting-edge stage design, mesmerizing lights, and genre-defying musical arrangements collide in a spectacle of raw beauty and profound feeling. Each note and every beat will take you on an unforgettable journey through contrasting moods, igniting a primal, personal connection within," announced the organisers.
The tour's bold official poster offers a compelling preview of its artistic direction. The tour's key visual poster has been meticulously designed, featuring a striking concept inspired by René Magritte.
Within Jam Hsiao's eyes, wisps of white clouds and blue sky emerge—playing with the duality of "seeing" and "being seen." The artwork exudes a bold, cool intensity, charged with tension, while delivering a compelling call to action: "Why settle for hearing about Jam Hsiao when you can witness his wild energy live?"
Having already ignited stages across major cities in China, North America, Hong Kong, Macau, and South-East Asia since its spectacular launch in Shanghai on 3 August 2024, the "WILD/MILD" World Tour is gearing up for a phenomenal Kuala Lumpur stop.
"Get ready to be swept away by a concert experience that will reignite your passion and linger in your memory long after the final note fades."
A Mandopop Titan Unleashed
Celebrating an incredible 17 years of musical brilliance, Jam Hsiao stands tall as one of the most dynamic and versatile forces in the Chinese music scene.
His unforgettable breakout performance of 'New Endless Love' on One Million Star in 2007 was just the beginning of an inspiring journey marked by his instantly recognizable vocals and deeply emotive interpretations.
His self-titled debut album, 'Jam Hsiao' (2008), dominated charts and gifted the world with timeless anthems like 'Princess,' 'I Can Only Miss You,' and 'How to Say I Don't Love You'—beloved karaoke staples across the region.
Renowned for his electrifying stage presence, Jam Hsiao consistently delivers concerts that fuse exceptional musicality with an undeniable emotional connection.
Throughout his illustrious career, he has amassed numerous prestigious accolades, including honors from the KKBOX Music Awards, Hito Music Awards, Global Chinese Golden Chart Awards, and QQ Music's Artist of the Year, solidifying his iconic status in the realm of contemporary Mandopop.
The 2025 "WILD/MILD" tour draws its spirit from Jam Hsiao's album of the same name—a tribute to the raw, unrestrained energy of life.
It reflects his deep fascination and love for the untamed wonders of the world, inviting audiences to embrace that same wild vitality. Alongside fan favorites, the tour will debut electrifying new tracks from the album, including 'White Night' and 'Fusion/Diffusion'.
Ticket Details
Organised by Star Planet, in collaboration with Live Nation as co-organiser, tickets for the Jam Hsiao 'WILD/MILD' World Tour in Malaysia will go on sale starting May 19 at 12pm via my.bookmyshow.com Tickets are priced from RM298 (excluding a RM4 processing fee).
For more information, head to the official websites at starplanet.com.my

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

All gloved up: award-winning absurdist play 'Le Tabouret' heads to Penang
All gloved up: award-winning absurdist play 'Le Tabouret' heads to Penang

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

All gloved up: award-winning absurdist play 'Le Tabouret' heads to Penang

The play begins with an empty stage. As it progresses, a man and a woman – both well, well on in years – fill the space with chairs for their guests. Though invisible to the audience, the couple engage enigmatically with those who arrive until everyone turns to see the entrance of an orator. In his tragic farce production entitled Les Chaises (French for The Chairs ), Romanian-French playwright Eugene Ionesco claimed that 'we all live in illusion' and recognising meaningless is the only meaningful thing that can be done. Now, this 1952 play is being adapted by three local arts groups and is travelling to George Town, Penang this month. The atmospheric theatre show will run at Auditorium A, Komtar, George Town from June 13–15. Le Tabouret or The Stool dives into the melancholy world of two retired Chinese glove puppeteers as they confront a command seemingly from the divine, abandonment and the nearing end of their days. No strings attached Chinese glove puppetry, which is also known as 'potehi', originated in Fujian, China in the 17th century and is believed to have come to Penang over 100 years ago. Using small but elaborate hand puppets that range from 25cm to 35cm in height, the uniqueness of this artform stems from the absence of strings controlling the characters from above. 'Le Tabouret', adapted from Eugene Ionesco's seminal absurdist work, tells the story of stage characters Chen Yulian and Zhang Ming, two retired glove puppeteers. Photo: Weng Hong This traditional entertainment became popular during festivals as it was more cost effective than hiring an opera troupe and also required less time and preparation to set up. Le Tabouret director and scriptwriter Dylan Yeo, from Kuala Lumpur-based D Yang Productions, says the idea of centring the adaptation around a stool rather than the original chairs came from here. 'The reason I chose a stool instead of a chair is because it resonates with traditional Chinese puppetry performances. These are often held during festivals or god-praying events, where typically only stools are placed in front of the stage,' says Yeo. 'To honour this tradition and pay homage to the roots of the original script, I decided to name the piece in French,' he adds. The decision to change the title to a singular form also stems from refocusing the play around a dying traditional art. 'I used the singular form ( Le Tabouret ) to symbolise that – although there may be many stools – ultimately, only one remains to support both the performers and the art form itself,' he says. At last year's Boh Cameronian Awards, Teoh (left) won Best Actor (Theatre) for her role in 'Le Tabouret', presented by Zahim Albakri. Photo: KakiSeni Like other traditional art forms like Chinese silk embroidery and signboard making, there has been an apparent decline in potehi in recent times due to more accessible and modernised entertainment. The appearance of these art forms nowadays, however, almost always strikes a nostalgic chord with those who grew up with them. 'As an art creator, this art form holds a special place in my heart. Every year during the Ghost Festival, my parents would bring me around different parts of the city to take part in the celebrations,' says Yeo. 'While they were busy praying, I would find myself drawn to the Chinese puppetry performances happening nearby. 'As I grew older and started doing research, I realised this once-vibrant tradition is slowly fading away; becoming less visible, almost as if it's disappearing into thin air,' he laments. To ponder more deeply into the loss of an art form, Le Tabouret follows Chan Yuk Lian and Cheong Meng, two elderly, retired glove puppeteers who are struggling with late-life loneliness and the demise of their craft. Since receiving support from the Krishen Jit Fund in December 2022, Yeo has watched the show grow and move onto a bigger stage. Photo: Dylan Yeo Amidst this backdrop, Chan suddenly receives a divine revelation and, determined to share it, she summons a gathering at her home by channeling the oracle through a spirit medium. Though this development hints at hope and reconnection, audiences would be wise to brace themselves for a rough road (and perhaps, end) for the two protaganists if the adaptation stays true to the original play. 'What begins as an act of salvation slowly unravels into a revelation of humanity's absurd core. 'When traditional arts are abandoned by time and faith is deconstructed by reality, can we still find an anchor for existence in the void?' the play's creators question. Visiting potehi land Le Tabouret held an experimental premiere in 2022 in Selangor and, after receiving support from the Krishen Jit Fund later that same year, was officially staged at the Five Arts Centre in Kuala Lumpur in October 2023. Actor Teoh Siew Thung, who played the part of the elderly female puppeteer, was awarded Best Actor In A Leading Role (Theatre) at the 19th Boh Cameronian Arts Awards last year for her performance. The production, jointly created by D Yang Productions, Noise Performance House and Wave-Breaking Puppet Theatre, also earned three nominations at the 19th ADA Drama Awards that celebrates achievements in Malaysian Chinese theatre. 'The reason I chose a stool instead of a chair is because it resonates with traditional Chinese puppetry performances,' says Yeo. Photo: Weng Hong Taking the production on the road for the first time, the team immediately had one place in mind. 'When we first staged the show in KL, the main support I received from the Chinese puppetry community came from (experimental glove puppetry theatre troupe) Ombak Potehi, which is based in Penang. So, when it came time to plan our first out-of-town production, Penang naturally became the first place that came to mind,' says Yeo. The show will be held in Mandarin and Hokkien (yes, Penang Hokkien) with English subtitles and some changes have been made for the new location. Lee Chin Kuan, who is known for his previous roles both on stage and behind the scenes, will take over the role of the elderly male puppeteer from Fred Chan in the original production, while dancer Lim Li Jun will reprise her role of the orator. 'The performance will be in Penang Hokkien and the actors have learned traditional puppetry singing techniques. The chemistry between the actors is different now, so the backstory has been adjusted a bit,' says Yeo. 'There are also some changes with the staging, since it is a new venue with new set and lighting design, and this time, we have the musicians playing live at the back,' he adds. (Chinese glove puppetry is usually accompanied by a variety of percussion instruments and sometimes, traditional string and wind instruments.) Yeo says that the absurd theatre genre may not be as popular as on-stage comedies or musicals but he hopes Penang audiences would welcome something new. 'For me, Penang is a place where cultural appreciation remains strong – second only to KL. I hope the Penang audience can connect with the story of a puppeteer's life, which also mirrors our own journeys. 'Sometimes, the things we love may fade or get lost along the way, but we must find the strength to hold on to them,' concludes Yeo. Le Tabouret will be staged at Auditorium A in Komtar, George Town, Penang from June 13-15.

#NSTviral: Elderly man's Raya tradition of friendship melts hearts online [WATCH]
#NSTviral: Elderly man's Raya tradition of friendship melts hearts online [WATCH]

New Straits Times

time10 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

#NSTviral: Elderly man's Raya tradition of friendship melts hearts online [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: They say food brings people together, and for one elderly man, it's also a way to keep memories, friendships, and traditions alive. In a now-viral TikTok video posted by @Miss_mie.co, a heartwarming scene unfolds, shared by the man's daughter. The elderly man is seen distributing homemade lemang and rendang to a group of his old friends — all of them Chinese — with his daughter driving him from house to house. "Every year during Aidiladha, Dad never forgets his friends. "He makes the lemang and chicken rendang all by himself," she wrote in the caption. The clip has touched thousands, with viewers praising the man's sincerity and the beautiful tradition he keeps alive year after year. User @yourdisaster2 said: "Your dad s so sweet! I hope their friendship lasts forever." Another user, @jaszjayzee, wrote: "You're amazing, uncle! Wishing you continued good health and abundant blessings. "Always be kind to all of humanity, regardless of race or religion." User @mientsburger commented: "The truth is, the father is indirectly teaching his children noble values. "Hopefully, when he's no longer around one day, this beautiful tradition will be carried on. May their bond of friendship remain strong always."

Who is Megan Skiendiel? Katseye's half-Singaporean teen member in the limelight for being bisexual but she also loves her laksa
Who is Megan Skiendiel? Katseye's half-Singaporean teen member in the limelight for being bisexual but she also loves her laksa

The Star

timea day ago

  • The Star

Who is Megan Skiendiel? Katseye's half-Singaporean teen member in the limelight for being bisexual but she also loves her laksa

American teenager Megan Skiendiel is in the limelight for saying that she is actually a bisexual. It is in the news and making big rounds in all the social media sites. But she makes it a point makes it a point to connect with her Singapore roots, just like how her Singaporean-Chinese mother, known only as Sylvia. This is a report on her background that had appeared in The Straits Times several months ago. SINGAPORE: Her name is Megan and she is from the booming global band Katseye. She also loves local food like laksa and chicken rice, and speaks to her Singaporean maternal grandmother every day even though they live on opposite sides of the world. American teenager Megan Skiendiel makes it a point to connect with her Singapore roots, just like how her Singaporean-Chinese mother – who is known only as Sylvia – remains close to her family here even after living in Honolulu, Hawaii, for almost two decades. Skiendiel, 18, is part of Katseye, the new global girl group formed via a high-profile partnership between South Korean music conglomerate Hybe, the label behind K-pop juggernaut BTS, and American record label Geffen Records under Universal Music Group. The other five members of the multiracial Los Angeles-based pop act are South Korean Jeong Yoon-chae, 16; Indian-American Lara Rajagopalan, 18; Cuban-American Daniela Avanzini, 20; Filipina Sophia Laforteza, 21; and Manon Bannerman, 22, a Swiss of Italian-Ghanaian descent. The sextet beat more than 120,000 young women from around the world who participated in online and offline auditions that started in November 2021. Out of these aspiring auditionees, 20 were selected to be put through a rigorous, year-long K-pop trainee system involving gruelling dance and vocal lessons. They were ranked according to their abilities, with the lowest-scoring candidate eliminated from the programme. Their progress was streamed on YouTube for 12 weeks beginning Sept 1, 2023, where viewers could select their favourite trainees. The final members of Katseye were revealed in the live finale on Nov 18 via YouTube and fan platform Weverse. Chinese-American Megan Skiendiel from global girl group Katseye is very close to her Singapore family, especially with her maternal grandmother. -- PHOTO: UNIVERSAL MUSIC via The Straits Times/ANN In a Zoom interview with The Straits Times on Aug 23, Skiendiel says she enjoys hanging out with her Singaporean family members and visiting Universal Studios Singapore. 'I love laksa and Hainanese chicken rice. They are my favourite,' she says. 'My mum took me to Singapore when I was about three months old,' says Skiendiel, adding they would make it a point to return to Singapore every year and stay with her maternal grandmother. While she has not been back to Singapore in about three years, she still keeps in touch with her relatives daily via their family WhatsApp group chat. 'My po po (grandmother) is always sending me things she reads about Katseye. My uncles, aunties and cousins too. It's so amazing that they are on the other side of the world yet can still follow what we do,' says Skiendiel, who is now based in Los Angeles and has an American-Swedish father. 'We have a close connection even though they are so far away.' The Eurasian teen, who has an elder brother, credits her 'tiger and dragon mum' for pushing her to chase her dreams of becoming an entertainer. 'Being an Asian mum, she practises tough love on her kids, but I love her for that,' says Skiendiel, who started taking dance lessons when she was four and singing classes at six. At that young age, she would fly to Los Angeles from Honolulu every weekend to hone her craft. On the second episode of Pop Star Academy: Katseye, she revealed she would attend dance class on Friday, fly home on Sunday night and attend school on Monday. Sylvia then explained that children growing up in Hawaii are introduced to the arts at a very young age. In another episode, the older woman broke down in tears as her daughter prepared for the final stage of the audition. Skiendiel is seen hugging and comforting her mother, and thanking her for being her biggest pillar of support. Now sporting long red hair, the former brunette – whose idol is Jennie of South Korean girl group Blackpink – says: 'My mum always pushes me to be the greatest version of myself, even though it's hard sometimes. That's how she shows her love for me, and I love her so much for that.' Katseye have been receiving much love since they released their first single, aptly titled Debut, on June 28. It has clocked more than eight million streams on Spotify. The rookie group's second single, a catchy pop track called Touch which dropped on July 26, has chalked up 23 million streams on Spotify. The music video garnered over 10 million views on YouTube. Katseye staged their first live performance at KCON in Los Angeles on July 28, a popular K-culture festival celebrating South Korean pop culture and music. On Aug 16, their first mini-album SIS (Soft Is Strong) was released, and the group now have over 4.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The sextet say their multiracial background helped them amass a global fan base and are thankful that Pop Star Academy: Katseye is giving them 'a lot of new exposure'. The group's name also reflects their diversity. Katseye alludes to the gemstone cat's-eye, which displays a spectrum of colours depending on the direction of the light. 'Our goal is to have Eyekons (their fandom name) all over the world. Since we're such a diverse group, fans can see themselves in us,' says Bannerman. Laforteza, Rajagopalan and Jeong hope their Asian background will connect them to fans outside the US. Katseye leader Laforteza has already received great support from her native country Philippines as seen in the Netflix show, when the audition added a voting criteria in which fans could decide who they wanted to be part of the final line-up. Meanwhile, the unwavering support from their families is pushing the Gen Z artistes to reach for the stars. 'My parents have always nurtured my love for singing and dancing... what's important to them is that I'm fully committed to my dream,' says Laforteza. Her mother is Filipina actress Carla Guevara Laforteza, 48, who had faced disapproval from her family when she wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Daniela Avanzini (left) and Megan Skiendiel in Netflix's docuseries Pop Star Academy: Katseye. -- PHOTO: NETFLIX via The Straits Times/ANN Sophia Laforteza adds: 'My mum was always told that she needed to be a doctor or lawyer, so she knew what it was like when I said I wanted to be like her.' Rajagopalan says: 'My parents have been the most supportive people on this journey. My sister is also an artiste. 'My mum grew up in India and faced much pressure from her family. She wasn't able to do what she wanted to in life. So she wanted my sister and me to be able to do what we want, as long as we are disciplined and work hard to pursue our dreams.' Katseye are aspiring to be like American girl groups The Pussycat Dolls and Destiny's Child, as well as Blackpink and British girl group Spice Girls. While there has not been any new prominent international girl group in the market in the past decade, Katseye face stiff competition from a slew of K-pop girl groups such as NewJeans, Illit, BabyMonster, Le Sserafim and IVE. Laforteza says: 'We are doing our best. Our goal is to make a name for ourselves, push boundaries and create our own sound as Katseye.' Rajagopalan adds: 'Our music has a nostalgic feeling. A great way to describe it is that it is fresh, but it is also reminiscent of other girl groups we're so inspired by.' 'All of us came into this with our strengths,' says Laforteza. 'We have dancers in Megan, Daniela and Yoon-chae, while the rest of us are singers. We balance one another out really well.' -- Report from The Straits Times/Asia News Network as appeared on August 28, 2024

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store