
TVB star Niklas Lam goes to China for tooth extraction, cites higher costs in HK
Just over a month ago, Hong Kong actor Niklas Lam revealed that he had to juggle up to five part-time jobs since joining the entertainment industry in 2017 to make ends meet.
While Lam, 30, may have gained widespread popularity in 2023 for his role in the hit series The Queen Of News , his path to financial stability remains a challenging one.
In a recent vlog, the TVB star revealed that he had travelled all the way to Shenzhen, China, to get his tooth extracted as the cost was much cheaper than in Hong Kong.
Lam said extracting just one tooth in Hong Kong would've cost him between HK$700 (RM380) and HK$2,500 (RM1,360), but in Shenzhen, he paid 630 yuan (RM365) to have two removed.
'I'm lucky I didn't have to get my wisdom tooth removed because that would've cost even more in Hong Kong,' he added.
According to the actor, extracting a wisdom tooth in Hong Kong costs around HK$5,000 (RM2,720), and if surgery is required, the price could reach up to HK$8,000 (RM4,351).
Meanwhile, a wisdom tooth extraction in Shenzhen only costs 700 yuan (RM405).
'(The price difference) is ridiculous. Will an actor in Hong Kong be very rich? The truth is they won't. If they're solely relying on their job as an artiste for income, they won't have enough to feed themselves,' Lam lamented.
Many netizens have since flooded the comments, expressing shock at the high cost of living in Hong Kong.
'No wonder my cousin goes to Shenzhen every week for groceries,' said one netizen.
Another added: 'The price difference is enough to buy a new phone.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Acclaimed Artist Anish Kapoor Creates Art For Cognac House Rémy Martin
The House of Rémy Martin recently unveiled an exceptional collaboration with internationally renowned contemporary artist Anish Kapoor, with a limited-edition Rémy Martin XO decanter and an exclusive artwork. The Rémy Martin XO x Anish Kapoor limited edition collaboration was launched in Malaysia at an event last month held at Private Chamber, Starhill Gallery, KL. Only 480 units of the limited edition are available here in Malaysia, and it retails from RM1,049.00 onwards. Best known for large-scale sculptures like Chicago's 'Cloud Gate' (aka 'The Bean'), 'Descension', and 'Dismemberment Site', Kapoor is recognised as one of the world's leading contemporary artists. Kapoor sensed from the beginning that the Rémy Martin project would be one that "refers to my history". "My father used to drink it when I was a boy in India, and I carried that with me.' he says. Kapoor reimagined it as a minimalist curve with a concave centre in glowing amber tones. Starting with the iconic Rémy Martin XO decanter, Kapoor reimagined it as a minimalist curve with a concave centre in glowing amber tones. He revisited the original glass mold to form a smooth front surface that fuses with the classic scooped design on the back to amplify its luminous effect, enhance its solar shape, and reflect infinite possibilities. After "toying with it" for a while, Kapoor eventually decided on a "much simpler design'. The result is a highly collectible limited-edition decanter that is worthy of standing alongside not just the iconic Rémy Martin XO decanter, but also some of Kapoor's previous masterpieces. Kapoor is recognised as one of the world's leading contemporary artists. Featuring a new copper bottle neck and stopper, the decanter is a true work of art. The concave surface of the vast mirror immerses viewers in its dense yet ethereal tones. These are inspired by all the shades of Rémy Martin XO eaux-de-vie - hundreds of hues, ranging from pale gold to dark amber, carefully blended, then patiently aged in French oak casks, browned by time in the darkness of its cellars. As you move around the work, the colours change, with endless rays of reflections coming to light. 'I had to search for this colour,' explains the artist, 'because it's a liquid and as the light changes, it changes - and the concave mirror captures its reflective qualities.' The Rémy Martin XO x Anish Kapoor limited edition collaboration was launched in Malaysia at an event last month held at Private Chamber, Starhill Gallery, KL. Speaking of liquid, Rémy Martin XO is truly a spirit befitting a work of art. The House of Rémy Martin is well known to be the only major House to craft Cognacs Fine Champagne. These are cognacs made exclusively with grapes from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, with at least 50% eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne as requested by the AOC (Appellation d'origine controllée – Controlled appellation of origin). Rémy Martin XO is its most iconic expression of the House, and provides the perfect balance of fruit and spice, which gives way to an outstanding sensory experience. 'Rémy Martin XO perfectly embodies the heritage and savoir-faire of the Maison," said Jean-Philippe Hecquet, CEO of the House of Rémy Martin. "It is the ultimate expression of our terroir, offering an exceptionally smooth, full-bodied blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne that gradually releases a wealth of harmonious aromas. "Its opulent radiance paired with the timeless design of its magnificent decanter has inspired Anish Kapoor whose creation now becomes a part of our brand's enduring legacy.' he concluded. The Rémy Martin XO x Anish Kapoor limited edition retails from RM1,049, and is available in a 700ml format exclusively in The Chamber stores in Starhill, Pavilion Bukit Jalil and Sunway Pyramid, and online at


The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Cafe's sea view turns out to be just printed mural
Compiled by CHARLES RAMENDRAN, TAN SIN CHOW and R. ARAVINTHAN A CAFE in China has stirred online controversy after its much-hyped 'lemon tree-themed sea view' turned out to be just a printed mural on an interior wall, China Press reported. Feeling deceived, a netizen shared her frustration on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese lifestyle platform, after travelling a long way to the cafe in Qingdao, Shandong province. The woman, who enjoys exploring different cafes and shops, said there was no real sea at the backdrop or lemon tree in sight unlike what was featured online. Her post went viral and drew a wave of sarcastic comments. A social media user said: 'Good thing you posted this – I might have gone myself.' Another likened the marketing as 'worse than scams in KK Garden in Myanmar', referring to a cybercrime and online fraud hub. > The residence of the late Cantopop diva Anita Mui has been described as 'maze-like', with some suggesting it should be converted into a museum, Sin Chew Daily reported. Many social media users commented that her home at Henredon Court, Shouson Hill Road in Hong Kong is spacious, with others even analysing its feng shui. This came after Michael Lui, a real estate agent, showcased a rare look inside the house on his YouTube channel. Mui purchased the property in 1993 under a company name for HK$20mil (about RM10.86mil) then. The duplex unit, measuring 4,075sq ft, overlooks Ocean Park and the Wong Chuk Hang MTR Station. It also offers a breathtaking 180-degree view of Shouson Hill. Mui, known as the 'Asian Madonna', died in 2003 at the age of 40 after a long battle with cervical cancer. The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.


The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Cameras roll in Penang for Miss Hong Kong 2025
Beauties in white: The Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2025 finalists began filming at the City Hall and the Esplanade seafront in Penang. — Photo courtesy of Sin Chew Daily GEORGE TOWN: The production team of the Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2025 is in Penang for a four-day outdoor shoot, marking the first time the iconic event is being filmed in the state. Outdoor filming began at City Hall and the Esplanade seafront here yesterday, with additional shoots scheduled at several well-known attractions until Monday. The 14 finalists will wear traditional Nyonya attire and participate in a swimsuit segment, with local cuisine tasting sessions included in the itinerary. TVB stars Benjamin Yuen Wai-ho and Moon Lau Pui-yuet are also in town, joining the shoot as special guests. Yuen, who won the Mr Hong Kong title 17 years ago, hoped the contestants would enjoy the experience despite the tight schedule and challenges. 'The process will be tough and challenging, but it will be valuable for growth and learning,' he said. Yuen added he was glad to be part of the shoot and looked forward to relaxing and sampling local food. Lau, who was crowned second runner-up in the Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2013, said the contestants should not shy away from expressing themselves. 'Since I do not have to participate in the swimsuit segment, I will gladly 'take on' more of the local food on behalf of the contestants,' she said jokingly when met outside the City Hall yesterday. Welcoming them on-site was Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai. Also present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee and Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan. Wong said the state's global visibility would be enhanced through the lens of a major Chinese-language entertainment brand. He said the Miss Hong Kong pageant, which began in 1946 and organised by TVB since 1973, is one of the most recognised beauty contests in the Chinese-speaking world. 'Its decision to film in Penang shows the state's growing appeal as an international filming destination. 'This is a historic moment. We see it as a chance to showcase Penang's cultural depth and modern appeal to audiences worldwide,' he was quoted as saying by state publisher Buletin Mutiara. Wong said the filming was made possible through collaboration between the Penang government and Hong Kong-based budget airline HK Express, following several weeks of discussions. He added that HK Express would double its daily flights between Hong Kong and Penang starting Oct 26. This followed a promotional campaign in late June, when Wong led a Penang delegation to Hong Kong under the theme 'Penang: Not the Penang You Know' to showcase the state's diverse cultural and tourism offerings.