Latest news with #Sinchew
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Economic Times
75-year-old man obsessed with AI avatar seeks divorce from wife until his kids expose the illusion
Synopsis A Chinese man, Jiang, divorced his wife to be with an AI avatar. He became obsessed with the digital woman. His family intervened and revealed the truth about AI. This case highlights a growing trend in China. Virtual digital people target lonely seniors. These avatars simulate affection and promote products. Experts warn of emotional manipulation and economic losses. iStock A 75-year-old Chinese man, identified as Jiang, divorced his wife to pursue a relationship with an AI avatar he encountered on social media. (Image: iStock) Related In a bizarre case from China, a 75-year-old man reportedly chose to end his marriage of several decades to be with an artificial intelligence–generated avatar. Identified as Jiang, he fell deeply attached to a digital woman who greeted him every morning, flirted on cue, and never aged. According to Beijing Daily, Jiang stumbled upon the AI avatar while scrolling on social media. Despite her stiff expressions and awkward lip-sync, the elderly man was captivated. He would wait eagerly for her pre-programmed messages, which addressed him affectionately as 'brother' and showered him with gratitude for his companionship. For Jiang, this was enough to create a sense of intimacy, one that soon overshadowed his real marriage. Jiang's wife grew increasingly distressed as he spent more time glued to his phone. Heated arguments followed, until Jiang eventually demanded a divorce so he could dedicate himself entirely to his virtual partner. It was only after his adult children intervened—explaining how AI avatars function—that he began to recognize the illusion. This case is not isolated. In China, 'virtual digital people' have become a growing industry targeting lonely seniors. These avatars are designed to simulate affection while simultaneously promoting products—from camel milk to calcium candy with questionable health claims. 'Emotional manipulation and false propaganda targeting the elderly may lead to economic losses and emotional dependence,' experts told Sinchew. RECOMMENDED STORIES FOR YOU Though Jiang eventually accepted the truth, his brief devotion to an AI persona highlights a concerning trend. Parasocial relationships with avatars, though entirely artificial, are blurring the boundaries of human connection. For some, like Jiang, the affection feels real enough to dismantle real-world relationships.
New Straits Times
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Jet Li faces criticism for 'stingy' wedding gift to daughter
SINGAPORE: Martial arts legend Jet Li has sparked an online debate after gifting his eldest daughter, Li Si, a 300,000 yuan (RM178,000) car as a wedding dowry. Li announced on Weibo that his 37-year-old daughter, whom he shares with his ex-wife Huang Qiuyan, is getting married. According to a report by Sinchew, the actor made a light-hearted comment about the gift, joking that he hoped she would collect the car soon so she could drive him around whenever he wished. While many fans offered their congratulations, others criticised Li for being "stingy." They pointed out that the dowry seemed modest given his wealth, which is estimated to be in the multibillion-yuan range. However, some defended the star, arguing that personal family matters should not be judged based on financial value. Li married Huang, a former Chinese actress, in 1987, and they had two daughters, Si and Li Taimi. The couple divorced in 1991 after years of living separately. While Huang moved to the US, Li stayed in Asia to focus on his acting career. Following their separation, the children initially lived with their mother but later moved back to Beijing, China, to be cared for by Li's mother, as per an agreement between the ex-couple. In other news, the Beijing-born actor, who became a Singaporean citizen in 2009, expressed his frustration at being occasionally mocked by fellow Singaporeans for his choice of citizenship, as reported by 8Days. "Some people will mock you no matter what you do—'Oh, the Singapore actor is back'," Li said, referring to comments left on his social media. "It's very normal. They just enjoy doing it." The actor stated he was unfazed by these remarks and did not expect everyone to be his fan. He then joked: "There are three people at home who aren't my fans—including my two younger daughters. They hear me talk nonsense at home all the time. There's no way they would want to follow me on social media too. Totally normal." His younger daughters are Jane, 25, and Jada, 22, from his current marriage.
Independent Singapore
03-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Li Yapeng gives up his kindergarten while his wife and daughter move out of their villa to cut costs
CHINA: According to a report by VnExpress, Chinese actor Li Yapeng transferred ownership of his kindergarten for free while his wife and daughter reportedly downsized from a villa to a smaller apartment. Photo: Weibo/Li Yapeng At the Children's Day event at his kindergarten, Li surprised everyone. According to Sinchew, Li astonished everyone when he announced that he would give ownership of his kindergarten to an education manager without asking for any money. What's important The actor believes that everyone who is born has a responsibility to contribute positively to society. He emphasised, 'This isn't about being rich; it's about what's important to you as a person.' In 2011, Li established the kindergarten with a personal investment of 100 million yuan (S$17 million). For 14 years, he developed a one-of-a-kind program that incorporated elements of Chinese culture, propelling it to the top of the private kindergarten rankings. His decision to hand over the institution, however, has sparked fierce debate. While Li presented the act as a societal contribution, other opponents say that it stems from his financial troubles following unsuccessful business ventures. They argue that his donation is a means of disposing of his assets due to his inability to pay off debts. See also Lily Allen considered taking heroin during Miley Cyrus tour A netizen said that Li fails at everything, while another asked Li to pay off his debts first. Yet another netizen stated that his wife and children are renting, whereas Li is giving away assets. Financial difficulties Last month, Li's wife, model Haiha Jinxi, said in a livestream that the family is facing financial difficulties due to an outstanding debt of 40 million yuan from his unsuccessful real estate investment in 2015. Haiha also posted a video showing her dealing with the whole move from their big villa to a smaller apartment all by herself, because Li was away working. Even though things were tough, she made it clear she's still behind him. Back in the day, Li Yapeng, who's now 54, was a major star in China. He was the leading man in a bunch of hit TV series, including The Legend of the Condor Heroes and Laughing in the Wind , as well as The Singer and Eternal Moment . Still , in 2011, he did something a lot of people didn't expect – he quit acting to focus on his other interests, his businesses. So, Haiha, 35, first gained attention when she competed in the Miss World China competition back in 2011. Following that, she dabbled in modelling. Li and Haiha got married in 2022. This is not Li's first marriage, though. He was married to the famous singer Faye Wong from 2005 to 2013, and they have a daughter together named Li Yan. After the couple parted ways, Faye Wong began dating Nicholas Tse again.
