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Loan sharks threaten family over son's debt
Loan sharks threaten family over son's debt

New Straits Times

time13-07-2025

  • New Straits Times

Loan sharks threaten family over son's debt

KUALA LUMPUR: A man who fled after borrowing from loan sharks has triggered a wave of threats against his family, including warnings that his two young daughters could be harmed if the debts are not repaid. The debtor's father, who wanted to be known only as Xie, revealed that his 29-year-old son had borrowed money from more than 10 loan sharks earlier this month and disappeared three days ago after packing his belongings. His whereabouts remain unknown, China Press reported. Xie said his son had borrowed from loan sharks as early as 2019. At that time, Xie used the family's savings and insurance funds to help settle debts amounting to RM20,000. However, six years later, his son has once again turned to illegal lenders. "Since last month, loan sharks have been harassing us daily with phone calls and text messages. "They even created a mock funeral photo using my son's image, spread our family photo online, and threatened to harm my two granddaughters," he said during a press conference organised by DAPSY Public Complaints Bureau chief Lee Wen Bin. Unable to repay the mounting loans, the family has now publicly disowned the man and urged the loan sharks to stop harassing them. Xie admitted the ordeal has left the entire family living in fear. He and his wife have endured sleepless nights, especially due to concerns over the safety of their granddaughters. A police report was lodged yesterday (July 13) to assure the safety of the family members.

TikTok shopper spends $2,300 on jade bracelets that are actually fake -- and that's not the worst part
TikTok shopper spends $2,300 on jade bracelets that are actually fake -- and that's not the worst part

Straits Times

time02-07-2025

  • Straits Times

TikTok shopper spends $2,300 on jade bracelets that are actually fake -- and that's not the worst part

A woman bought jade bracelets advertised on a TikTok livestream and discovered they were fake. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS TikTok shopper spends $2,300 on jade bracelets that are actually fake -- and that's not the worst part A woman bought jade bracelets advertised on a TikTok livestream and discovered they were fake. Mdm Xie Meijun, 48, saw an account selling jade bracelets on TikTok live on May 19. The livestreamer claimed he was selling bracelets made out of Burmese jade for low prices. "The seller said that he was selling high-quality Burmese jade and even showed a certificate of authenticity," Xie told Shin Min Daily News. "The goods in the livestream looked high quality, so I believed him and bought seven jade bracelets for $2,300." She purchased the bracelets for herself, as gifts to friends and relatives, and also to resell them. Xie said that the seven jade bracelets were sold at prices ranging from $100 to over $600, with the most expensive one being $688. "After one of the $500 jade bracelets arrived, I immediately sent it for authentication, which cost $70," she explained. "Unexpectedly, the inspection found that the bracelets were made of fake jade which had been dyed and injected with polymer, and the material was harmful to health when worn." PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS Xie said she could not wear, give or sell away the bracelets, and that her money has gone down the drain. She added: "I questioned the merchant, who claimed that there was a problem with the inspection service and questioned whether I truly knew the goods." After Xie reported the account on TikTok, she found that the merchant had changed his account and started a new livestream to continue selling jade bracelets. She also sent direct messages warning those who expressed interest in buying the bracelets during the livestream, but they ignored her and continued to place orders. Xie speculated that these enthusiastic customers were 'shills' who lured others into being deceived by livening up the broadcast to influence others into placing orders. She also reported the incident to the police. In response to a media query, the police confirmed that a report was lodged. "I no longer expect to get a refund, but I hope to warn others," Xie said. Shin Min Daily News attempted to contact the seller but did not receive a response. Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:

Chinese Fund Manager, 30, Beats 97% Of Peers By Backing Labubu Dollmaker
Chinese Fund Manager, 30, Beats 97% Of Peers By Backing Labubu Dollmaker

News18

time30-06-2025

  • Business
  • News18

Chinese Fund Manager, 30, Beats 97% Of Peers By Backing Labubu Dollmaker

Last Updated: Xie Tianyuan's fund returned 24 per cent so far this year, outperforming 97 per cent of nearly 2,300 mutual funds in China A young Chinese fund manager has shot to the top of investment rankings by backing Pop Mart, the maker of the wildly popular Labubu monster dolls. Xie Tianyuan's Penghua Selected Return Flexible Allocation Mixed Fund returned 24 per cent so far this year, outperforming 97 per cent of nearly 2,300 mutual funds in China, Bloomberg reported. After taking over the Shenzhen-based fund in 2024, Xie quickly shifted away from traditional holdings like liquor giant Kweichow Moutai, choosing instead to focus on trend-driven consumer brands that appeal to younger generations. He made Pop Mart his fund's biggest holding—10.5%, the maximum allowed. Xie's approach is rooted in what he calls 'emotional consumption," a rising trend among China's Gen Z shoppers who are drawn to visually appealing, fun products with personal meaning. His strategy also includes brands like Mao Geping Cosmetics—up 83% this year—pet food company Yantai China Pet Foods, and hygiene brand Chongqing Baiya, all popular with younger buyers. 'The line between what is considered 'old' and 'new' consumption is blurring, and more companies will join the new consumption pool once they realise that there's no future for them eking out a survival in their comfort zones. Even old trees can sprout new shoots," Xie said. Labubu dolls — small, fuzzy creatures with pointy teeth — have become a global hit. Sold in surprise 'blind boxes" for around $40, they've drawn huge crowds at stores in Asia, Europe, and North America. Celebrities like Rihanna and Cher have been seen with them, boosting their appeal even further. Pop Mart's rise reflects a wider wave of Chinese soft power, with cultural exports now gaining fans around the world. Despite concerns about China's global image, Labubu and other toys are reshaping perceptions and creating a new, trendier side of Chinese influence. The dolls have become so popular, they've sparked knock-offs and detailed online guides to spot fakes. Fans eagerly hunt for rare editions, and Pop Mart's success has inspired copycat brands known online as 'Lafufus". Location : China First Published:

Labubu doll craze bet pays off for Chinese fund manager who drops liquor stocks to ride Gen Z's emotional spending wave
Labubu doll craze bet pays off for Chinese fund manager who drops liquor stocks to ride Gen Z's emotional spending wave

Time of India

time30-06-2025

  • Business
  • Time of India

Labubu doll craze bet pays off for Chinese fund manager who drops liquor stocks to ride Gen Z's emotional spending wave

A 30-year-old fund manager in China is defying traditional investing strategies by turning to Gen Z trends. Xie Tianyuan, who manages the Penghua Selected Return Flexible Allocation Mixed Fund, has delivered a 24% return so far this year. This places his fund in the top 3% of nearly 2,300 funds, according to Bloomberg. Instead of betting on long-favored sectors like technology or liquor, Xie shifted his focus to emotional consumer brands, including Pop Mart, the company behind the popular Labubu dolls. A strategic shift to emotional consumption After taking over the fund in 2024, Xie made a key change—he replaced the fund's top holding, liquor producer Kweichow Moutai Co., with Pop Mart. Pop Mart now holds a 10.5% share in his portfolio, the highest permitted by his investment guidelines. Explaining his approach, Xie said, 'I pick companies that have breakthrough products, new business models and innovative sales channels, products that are both visually appealing and fun.' Gen Z trends lead portfolio direction Xie, who grew up immersed in Japanese anime culture, credits that experience for helping him spot design trends and character appeal. He blends his personal interests with online research to identify rising brands. His other major holdings also reflect Gen Z consumer behavior. They include Mao Geping Cosmetics, which has surged 83% this year, pet food brand Yantai China Pet Foods, and Chongqing Baiya Sanitary Products. He believes consumer behavior is changing fast. 'The line between what is considered 'old' and 'new' consumption is blurring,' he said. 'Even old trees can sprout new shoots,' he added, emphasizing that traditional companies may have to reinvent themselves to survive. Regulatory risks remain Despite Pop Mart's success, the brand isn't immune to risk. Recently, its shares declined after Chinese state media called for stricter oversight of 'blind box' toys—products sold in mystery packaging to encourage repeat Tianyuan's bet on emotional consumption reflects a shift in China's investing landscape shaped by Gen Z consumer behavior. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.

Chinese man, 30, bets on Labubu doll maker, outperforms 97% of mutual fund peers
Chinese man, 30, bets on Labubu doll maker, outperforms 97% of mutual fund peers

Hindustan Times

time30-06-2025

  • Business
  • Hindustan Times

Chinese man, 30, bets on Labubu doll maker, outperforms 97% of mutual fund peers

A 30-year-old Chinese fund manager has outperformed most of his peers this year, not by banking on tech giants but by using Gen Z's favourite names like Pop Mart, which created the widely popular Labubu dolls. Labubu maker Pop Mart now accounts for 10.5% of his fund, the maximum allowed under his portfolio rules.(X) According to a Bloomberg report, Xie Tianyuan's Penghua Selected Return Flexible Allocation Mixed Fund has delivered a 24% return so far this year, placing him in the top 3% of nearly 2,300 funds. After taking over in 2024, the Shenzhen-based fund manager quickly replaced the fund's top holding, a liquor distiller called Kweichow Moutai Co and replaced it with the Labubu doll maker. The young fund manager's breakthrough strategy leans heavily on 'emotional consumption,' a fast-growing trend among Gen Z and young Chinese consumers. 'I pick companies that have breakthrough products, new business models and innovative sales channels, products that are both visually appealing and fun,' Xie said. Banking on Gen Z trends Growing up with Japanese anime culture, Xie said he developed an eye for identifying promising characters or designs, using a mix of personal fandom and online research. Pop Mart now accounts for 10.5% of his fund, the maximum allowed under his portfolio rules. Other holdings also reflect Gen Z buying habits, including Mao Geping Cosmetics, which is up 83% this year, pet food brand Yantai China Pet Foods and Chongqing Baiya Sanitary Products. 'The line between what is considered 'old' and 'new' consumption is blurring, and more companies will join the new consumption pool once they realise that there's no future for them eking out a survival in their comfort zones. Even old trees can sprout new shoots," he said. Still, the trend isn't without its drawbacks. Pop Mart shares dropped recently after state media called for tighter regulation of 'blind box' toys, which rely on the surprise element to boost repeat purchases.

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