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Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, aka Uncle Roger, expecting first child with wife Sabrina Ahmed

On Friday (Feb 20) morning, Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng and his lawyer wife, Sabrina Ahmed, jointly announced that they are expecting their first child.

Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, aka Uncle Roger, expecting first child with wife Sabrina Ahmed

Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng and his wife, Sabrina Ahmed, are expecting their first child. (Photo: Instagram/mrnigelng)

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20 Feb 2026 11:06AM
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Popular Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, aka Uncle Roger, took to his social media pages on Friday (Feb 20) morning to announce that he and his wife, lawyer Sabrina Ahmed, are expecting their first child.

The post, which also doubled as a festive greeting for Chinese New Year and the start of Ramadan, featured Ng and Ahmed in festive Chinese outfits, along with a sonogram of the baby.

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"New nephew coming soon! Happy Lunar New Year and Ramadan Mubarak," wrote Ng, referencing how his Uncle Roger character calls his audience his "nieces and nephews".

The pregnancy news comes seven months after the couple’s lavish three-day wedding in Portugal – “a blend of Malaysian, Chinese and Bengali traditions”, according to Vogue, which attended the ceremony.

Ahmed first saw Ng in person at one of his shows, where a luxury resort real estate developer – for which she served as corporate counsel – had engaged Ng to perform at one of its properties. They later matched on a dating app and had their first in-person meeting at Boston Airport. 

“Within a few months, in March 2023, I realised already that I loved her and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. The rest is history," said Ng, who popped the question in 2024 in Tokyo.

Source: CNA/hq
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'It started as a passion project': Pangdemonium’s Adrian and Tracie Pang reflect on 16 years of theatre

After 16 years and over 40 productions, Pangdemonium will take its final bow at the end of 2026. Co-artistic directors Adrian and Tracie Pang reflect on family, legacy and ending on their own terms.

'It started as a passion project': Pangdemonium’s Adrian and Tracie Pang reflect on 16 years of theatre

Husband-and-wife artistic directors Adrian and Tracie Pang started Pangdemonium in 2010 as a "passion project" to channel their love for theatre. (Photo: CNA/Izza Haziqah)

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21 Feb 2026 07:23AM (Updated: 21 Feb 2026 11:39AM)
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When I arrived at Pangdemonium's office on a Friday evening, rehearsals for their upcoming production Force Majeure had just ended for the day. Costumes and props were being kept, the actors had all gone home, and a few remaining backstage crew were taking a breather at the pantry. 

It might seem like just another wrap at the theatre company's Changi South base except this time, the clock is ticking. 

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On Feb 2, the husband-and-wife team of Adrian and Tracie Pang, who serve as co-artistic directors, announced that Pangdemonium's 2026 season will be its last. 

Force Majeure, opening in March, is the first of three shows in Pangdemonium's final season before the curtain falls. The show, written by Stephanie Street and starring the likes of Inch Chua, Benjamin Kheng and Ebi Shankara, will be followed by A Mirror in June and Come From Away in September.

Back in 2010, when it launched, Pangdemonium had promised “ass-kicking adventures in theatre”. And for over 15 years, it delivered. 

From their very first show, The Full Monty, to subsequent shows like Spring Awakening and Into The Woods, the company has staged over 40 productions. These ranged from plays that explored mental health and existential crises to musicals highlighting sharp satires of capitalism and social behaviour – often with distinctly local twists.

Right before the Chinese New Year break, CNA Lifestyle sat down for a chat with the couple as they reflected on the journey – the highs and the lows of running a theatre company in Singapore, what it has meant to build something together for this long, and what it feels to be closing a major chapter of their lives. 

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A JOURNEY ROOTED IN LOVE FOR THEATRE

One production Pangdemonium staged was Urinetown: The Musical, a satire set in a dystopian future where a severe water shortage has forced a ban on private toilets. A poster of Adrian Pang's character from the production still stands outside the Pangdemonium studio today. (Photo: Pangdemonium)

“Pangdemonium began because we loved theatre and we wanted to do things our way – it was something we did for ourselves,” said Tracie, as we settled in a cosy corner of their office. 

“We looked at each other, eyes starry and bright with what felt like the whole world in front of us, and we thought, let’s do it. Come what may, let’s just do it.”

Adrian added: “It started as a passion project – there was no major vision or aspiration, there was no intention to grow or take over anything. It was like, let's just do something that we truly believe in and hope that people care, honestly.

“We started the company in 2010 when, you know, in the middle of a huge global recession, the last thing anybody probably needed was a theatre company,” he said, with a laugh.

Back then, of course, the 60-year-old actor was already a household name in Singapore showbiz, appearing in movies such as Forever Fever, I Do, I Do, and The Blue Mansion, as well as TV shows such as Portrait Of Home, Red Thread and Maggi & Me. Not to mention the odd hosting show (remember Deal Or No Deal?). Along the way, he garnered acting nominations and awards from Star Awards and the Asian Television Awards. 

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“Acting allowed me to discover many parts of myself,” he said. "And we just felt that theatre was something everyone, no matter how old or how much they were earning, needed in their lives."

Meanwhile, Tracie, who's in her late 50s, had years of experience working in theatre in the United Kingdom and in Asia. A former associate artistic director of Singapore Repertory Theatre, she would bring her directorial chops to Pangdemonium, eventually getting nominated multiple times for Best Director at The Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards, and winning in 2017 for her work on Falling. 

The Pangs look back at Pangdemonium shows

The Full Monty (2010)

Adapted from the 1997 British film, The Full Monty follows six unemployed steelworkers who decide to form a male striptease act to earn money and reclaim their dignity. Beneath its comedic surface, the musical explores masculinity, friendship, economic insecurity and self-worth.

Tracie described this first Pangdemonium production as being the most memorable for her, as the warm reception it got encouraged them to continue.

Spring Awakening (2012)

The rock musical follows a group of teenagers in the 19th century who navigate sexual awakening, repression and mental health in a rigid German society. The show deals with themes of suicide, abuse, identity and generational silence.

“I have a very soft spot for Spring Awakening, almost the whole cast were new, fresh graduates," Adrian said. "They were just so hungry, and the ensemble that came together was so tight and so loving and so giving of themselves. It was a very special production.”

Rabbit Hole (2013)

This drama centres on a couple grieving the accidental death of their young, four-year-old son. The play examines loss, marriage, guilt and the fragile process of healing.

To Adrian, the play was "very special" because of its difficult themes and the emotional range of the character he played. 

"The writing is exquisite," he said. "It's one of the best pieces of writing I've been lucky enough to be part of."

Next To Normal (2013)

The musical follows a suburban family grappling with bipolar disorder and unresolved trauma following the loss of a child. Through rock-driven music, the show explores mental illness, grief and the complexity of memory.

“I also have a soft spot for Next To Normal," Adrian said. "The storyline was just so gut-wrenching and, I suppose, in many ways, kind of close to home.”

“This was the play I realised that young people are not afraid of these gut-wrenching, heartbreaking stories about dead children, bipolar disorder and fractured families," said Tracie. "It meant a lot that people left the theatre and were like, going, whoa, okay, this is real life.”

The Pillowman (2017)

The dark psychological drama follows a writer interrogated by authorities when gruesome child murders resemble the violent stories he has written. The play examines censorship, storytelling, morality and the impact of fiction.

Before the 2017 production, the play was previously staged by Singapore Repertory Theatre in 2007 and was also directed by Tracie Pang and starred Adrian Pang.

“One of my favourite plays to produce has got to be Pillowman," Adrian said. "I had so much fun on it. I love each iteration that we've done, I just re-fall in love with it every time.”

“It's so dark, so dark,” Tracie added. 

Late Company (2019)

This contemporary drama centres on a dinner between two families after one teenage boy dies by suicide following cyberbullying. The play confronts accountability, grief, privilege and digital-age cruelty.

“I just loved working on Late Company,” Tracie said, highlighting how the challenging themes felt very important to explore on stage.

The Son (2020)

This play follows a teenager struggling with depression as his divorced parents' desperate, often futile attempts to fix him with love and logic. It examines mental health within modern family structures, parent-child relationships, and depression. 

“I absolutely loved working on The Son, directing both Adrian and Zachary was so tough but so creatively enriching in many ways,” Tracie said. 

Dear Evan Hansen (2024)

The musical follows socially anxious teenager Evan Hansen, who becomes entangled in a lie after a classmate’s death leads others to believe they were close friends. The show explores grief, mental health, loneliness, social media and the desire to belong.

“Dear Evan Hansen is special because we chased it for so long," Adrian said. "It was something we wanted to do for such a long time, and it's a story and a production and a story and music that means so much to a generation.”

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With such pedigree and passion, the couple said that starting their own company felt less like a gamble and more like a natural extension of a shared devotion to the craft.

Their first production, The Full Monty, came out in June 2010. "It was so special to see our first show come to life and witness our first audience come together," said Tracie, looking misty-eyed. "We were still unsure if we could do it, but our supporters told us, yes, we could."

Their audience would grow and their shows would sell out. Season tickets – a first for a theatre company based in Singapore – were snapped up year after year, including for their final 2026 season.

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HIGHS AND LOWS OF WORKING WITH FAMILY

All four members of the Pangs are deeply in love and involved in theatre and the arts. (Photo: Tracie Pang)

The love they poured into Pangdemonium did not stop at the stage. It eventually spilled into their home and onto their two sons, Zachary and Xander, now 26 and 25, respectively.

Both were there from the start, taking turns to play their father's on-stage son in The Full Monty. They would later take part in other productions, including The Son, Dear Evan Hansen and Late Company. 

“When people ask us how we establish boundaries between work and family, I’d ask them back, what boundaries?” Adrian said, with a laugh. “We told them to stay far, far away from theatre, but you know kids – they never listen.”

“As Pangdemonium grew, it became a family project, because our two sons wanted to get involved in the shows as well,” added Tracie. “They saw how we struggled in this industry since they were born, yet for some reason, instead of being put off by it, and despite our many ‘warnings’, they were drawn to it.”

It's been a blessing that as a family, as a foursome, the arts and theatre have been such a strong point of connection and closeness for us.

Working as a family inevitably came with its highs and lows. But for the Pangs, the closeness outweighed the strain. 

“What family can work together? It's so rare to do that, we're so lucky to have been able to have those opportunities,” Tracie said. “We’ve come to believe that perhaps it’s the lack of boundaries that has cemented us as a family."

“It's been a blessing that as a family, as a foursome, the arts and theatre have been such a strong point of connection and closeness for us,” Adrian added.

Both sons are now actors pursuing projects in the United Kingdom and Singapore. Zachary recently played the titular character in a production of Aladdin at Chelmsford Theatre, which concluded in January, while Xander is part of local content creator Annette Lee’s directorial debut Dream Stall, set for release in mid-2026.

“That’s one of my proudest moments, actually – that we’ve been working for so long together and spending so much time together in this company, this industry, yet we’re so close as a family,” said Tracie, while giving Adrian, to whom she has been married for over 30 years, a knowing look. 

“And of course, that we’re still together as husband and wife.”

“Oh yes, for sure,” Adrian quipped. “That – and that I still have my hair after all this.”

NURTURING TALENT IN THE LOCAL THEATRE SCENE

While part of the appeal of Pangdemonium was undoubtedly the presence of someone like Adrian Pang himself, the team was very conscious about discovering and nurturing emerging performers. 

“It’s another thing we’re proud of – that we actively looked for new talent in Singapore,” said Tracie. “We wanted to make sure that the industry didn't become a clique for only a certain group of people."

Some of these talents include actor Andrew Marko, who played Joshua in Falling in 2017, and singer-songwriter Nathan Hartono, who was part of their 2012 production of Spring Awakening.

The couple chuckled as Tracie recalled the latter as a “boy just serving National Service” when he first started in Pangdemonium. 

Casting young actors alongside veterans also helped to grow the audience.

We wanted to make sure that the industry didn't become a clique for only a certain group of people.

“Theatre across the world has always been something that only those who are older and often with more means can enjoy,” said Tracie. “But we managed to attract young people too, and that surprised me – it meant a lot to see young faces in the audience, enjoying what was personal to us."

Adrian added: “It has been encouraging to know when the shows and art you do attract and resonate not just with people your age but with a younger demographic – it makes me feel assured and humbled, touched, when I know that these kids feel seen when they watch theatre."

REALITY OF RUNNING AN ARTS COMPANY

Adrian and Tracie Pang chose to close the chapter on Pangdemonium on their own terms and look ahead to new ventures that even they aren't sure of yet. (Photo: CNA/Izza Haziqah)

Passion, however, has its limits.

While the Pangs recognise how much “ass-kicking” their theatre adventures have been, they also acknowledge the weight that comes with running not just a theatre company, but also a charity, a business, and an institution within Singapore’s arts ecosystem.

“I’ll always love theatre, I still do, but running a theatre company is very, very different from working for one,” said Tracie, with a sigh. “Sometimes it’s more company than it is theatre, when I want to be able to just direct and focus on the art of it all.”

She added: "When I walk into the theatre before a production's opening night, I'll be putting everything together, and I'll think about how I'm the luckiest person alive to do this job, because I love this job.

"But it's gotten to a point where I only say it during that week. And that's the thing – I don't want to get to a point where I don't say those things anymore."

Adrian continued his wife's train of thought: "The joy of putting on the shows themselves at times can be overshadowed by the encroaching larger percentage of your time and effort just running the business and doing everything else.

"There's no such thing as a sure thing in theatre, every show is a risk – and right now, as much as we love the craft, we may not want to risk too much anymore."

And it has indeed been a risk. In their February announcement, the Pangs had mentioned the challenges many theatre groups in general continue to face around the world, citing “inflated theatre production costs” and “worldwide economic uncertainty”.

One moment that stood out for the Pangs was the global pandemic in 2020, which shuttered theatres and reshaped audiences' watching habits. 

The company was forced to pivot – that season began with The Son, starring Adrian and his son, Zachary, before they shifted to a digital production, Waiting For The Host, later that year in response to safe distancing measures.

"The pandemic was an insane period because at times it felt like we were out of work for months, we couldn't gather and do anything – it was extremely frustrating and soul-destroying – but we knew we could make it, we knew we could emerge better, and we did," Adrian said. 

Whatever you do, just listen to the voices that might be telling you something, not necessarily in a negative way, but in a way that empowers you to make a firm decision to claim a new lease of life.

This time around, they're making decisions by choice, not circumstance. Adrian said he was certain he did not want to close when it was “too late”, or when he felt “too extremely jaded and done and cynical”.

The Pangs also emphasised, in a previous statement to CNA Lifestyle, that their decision to close was "not driven by cost pressures" and instead by a "personal leadership decision" to wrap up Pangdemonium with "intention and integrity". 

They reiterated how fortunate they are to, as they say, “close on their own terms”. With the support of organisations such as the National Arts Council, Pangdemonium is also working to help find new roles and arts homes for their staff, who have a year’s runway before beginning anew elsewhere.

"To be honest, we never really thought about ending," Adrian said. "Five years ago, 10 years ago, it was always like, let's just keep on going.

"But it's different lately, and I feel it's important in everybody's life to, whatever you do, just listen to the voices that might be telling you something, not necessarily in a negative way, but in a way that empowers you to make a firm decision to claim a new lease of life." 

Yes, they had explored the idea of succession but eventually, the theatre company’s board of directors decided that it was better to end it completely.

That said, they've been heartened by the outpouring of emotions across the industry.

“We hear the people's voices and their heartbreak – from the actors who worked with us just once to every sound designer, stage manager, even the critics who had not very nice things to say, and we appreciate every single word, but it’s time for this chapter to end and another to begin,” said Tracie.

ONCE AN ARTIST, ALWAYS AN ARTIST

As the Pangs continue to prepare for their final season, they are in no rush to map out life beyond 2026. That uncertainty, surprisingly, feels freeing. For the first time in 15 years, the calendar is not planned years in advance, and the pair welcome the blank spaces. 

“I’ve no idea what I’m going to do in 2027, and somehow, that makes me feel at ease,” Tracie said.

Whatever comes next, she knows it will not be too far from theatre. It remains her first love, after all. 

"As a producer and as an actor, Pangdemonium has furnished me with opportunities to tell stories and take on different roles that feel less of an escape and more of a chance to recognise the different sides of me," Adrian said. "These are parts of me that I can face and confront on stage – and that's a wonderful, incredible privilege."

He quickly added with a grin: "It's why I say the end of Pangdemonium is the end of my 16 years of therapy."

"It's been wonderful to welcome a new and young generation of theatre goers," Tracie said. "As we close this chapter for ourselves, I certainly hope and believe that people will continue to keep theatre in their lives, and that's how the industry keeps flourishing, developing and renewing itself."

Adrian echoes his wife's hopeful sentiment. Even amid growing cynicism about the arts in an increasingly digital age, he is certain that the arts will continue to flourish, even without the presence of their “proudly Singaporean theatre company”.

“The arts is what makes us human, and as long as we’re around, no matter what crazy new invention comes up, the arts will always be around,” he said.

He is encouraged by the emergence of new independent theatre companies in recent years: "There has to be space for the new players that come and form their own name on the stage – and the show, as it always does, must go on.”

Pangdemonium's Force Majeure will run from Mar 6 to 15 at Victoria Theatre. For more details, visit their website

Source: CNA/iz
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Actress Michelle Yeoh gets Hollywood Walk Of Fame star, as Jon M Chu, Sandra Oh and more turn up in support

In her acceptance speech, Yeoh said: “The star may carry one name, but it represents so many people who made this journey possible. I hope it also reminds someone somewhere that it is possible, that where you begin does not define where you can go.”

Actress Michelle Yeoh gets Hollywood Walk Of Fame star, as Jon M Chu, Sandra Oh and more turn up in support

Malaysia-born actress Michelle Yeoh was honoured with the 2,836th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo: AFP/Unique Nicole)

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20 Feb 2026 12:39PM (Updated: 20 Feb 2026 02:38PM)
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From the hills of Ipoh to the world’s most famous pavement, actress Michelle Yeoh has officially been immortalised. On Wednesday (Feb 18), the Oscar winner received the 2,836th star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, and she didn’t do it alone.

Yeoh, who made history in 2023 as the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for Everything Everywhere All At Once, drew a star-studded guest list at her star unveiling from across her journey, many of whom have also since taken to social media to celebrate the accomplishment.

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American filmmaker Jon M Chu, who emceed the ceremony, worked with Yeoh on Crazy Rich Asians and the Wicked franchise. Sharing a group photo from the event on Instagram, he wrote: “I mean this crew is an all-timer. What a beautiful afternoon together and all for our Queen @michelleyeoh_official finally getting her Star on the @hwdwalkoffame!!! Couldn’t be more proud and fulfilled today and the sun came out.”

The post drew a "NICE!" comment from American actor and musician John Stamos, while the official Wicked movie Instagram page also shared a dedicated tribute to the actress.

Also emceeing for the special occasion was Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee, who directed Yeoh in the critically acclaimed 2000 film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Actress Sandra Oh was also present. She later posted a photo from the ceremony with the caption: “Congratulations to the magnificent @michelleyeoh_official on her well deserved (star)... What a great way to start the (fire horse) year!”

In Oh’s photo, Yeoh is seen seated alongside American actress Awkwafina, who starred with Yeoh in Crazy Rich Asians and Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings. Awkwafina reposted Oh’s congratulatory posts on her Instagram story.

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Also spotted at the ceremony was actor Ke Huy Quan, Yeoh’s co-star in Everything Everywhere All At Once, the film that earned both of them Academy Awards. Director Paul Feig, who helmed Yeoh in the 2019 rom-com Last Christmas, also turned up in support of the actress.

Filmmaking duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as the Daniels and the writers-directors behind Everything Everywhere All At Once, were also in attendance. The pair played a pivotal role in Yeoh’s historic Oscar win. Janet Yang, who served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 2022 to 2025, was also among the guests.

Entrepreneur Bing Chen, co-founder and CEO of Gold House, shared on Instagram: “Congratulations to the sun that’s also a star, Mother @michelleyeoh_official on her @hwdwalkoffame! It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to work with, for, and cheer you on everywhere.”

Emmy Award-winning entertainment journalist Jenelle Riley delivered remarks as a guest speaker at the event and shared the unveiling moment on her Instagram story.

Another guest who joined the celebration was Yeoh’s younger self – in doll form. The actress was seen holding a doll modelled after her historic 2023 Oscar win, complete with a miniature Oscar trophy. 

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The doll was created by Jilly Bing, described as the first authentic Asian American doll brand, founded by Elenor Mak, who developed the five-month project with her mother. The doll’s dress was designed from scratch by a customer from Hong Kong.

Mak shared the moment on the brand’s Instagram page, adding in the caption: “The woman I grew up watching on Cantonese VHS tapes didn’t just make it...she broke generational norms and kicked open doors that had long been closed. When she hugged and thanked me for the doll... I cried the ugliest, most joyful cry.”

Source: CNA/ba
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Hong Kong actress Jessica Hsuan’s sweet CNY Eve outing with 102-year-old former helper moves fans

The 55-year-old actress warmed hearts online after bringing her former helper out for ice cream on Chinese New Year’s Eve.

Hong Kong actress Jessica Hsuan’s sweet CNY Eve outing with 102-year-old former helper moves fans

In her Instagram caption, the actress wrote in Chinese: "Happy Chinese New Year's Eve! From 102 to 103." (Photo: Jessica Hsuan; Instagram/@jessicahsuan_official)

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20 Feb 2026 11:59AM (Updated: 20 Feb 2026 12:03PM)
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Hong Kong actress Jessica Hsuan showed a touching gesture on Monday (Feb 16) when she picked up her 102-year-old former helper, known as Ying Je, from a nursing home to celebrate Chinese New Year’s Eve together.

In an Instagram post, the 55-year-old wrote in Chinese: “Happy Chinese New Year's Eve! Moving from 102 to 103,” alongside photos of herself and Ying Je smiling in a car. In the pictures, the elderly woman gives a thumbs-up and is later seen enjoying an ice cream treat.

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The pair’s outing resonated with many followers, who wished Ying Je continued health and longevity in the comments. Some playfully teased Hsuan for not joining her former helper in eating ice cream. When one commenter remarked that Ying Je looked especially adorable enjoying the treat, Hsuan replied in agreement, saying it made her look “like a kid”.

Hsuan also responded to other lighthearted comments, including questions about whether Ying Je had cola as well. She shared that she did not want to give her too many cold treats at once, out of concern for her health.

The actress is known for her performances in hit dramas such as Old Time Buddy, Detective Investigation Files – for which she won TVB’s Best Actress award – and A Step Into The Past. She recently starred in the Mandarin thriller Kill Sera Sera, and won Best Actress at Singapore’s Star Awards 2025 for her role.

Fans and followers responded warmly to Hsuan’s Instagram post, expressing admiration for her kindness and long-standing bond with her former helper. Many flooded the comments section with New Year wishes for Ying Je, praising the actress for her thoughtfulness and for maintaining such a meaningful relationship over the years.

Source: CNA/iz
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Eric Dane, Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star, dies at 53

His representatives said Dane died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known also as Lou Gehrig’s disease, less than a year after he announced his diagnosis.

Eric Dane, Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star, dies at 53

FILE - Eric Dane arrives at a promotional event for the series Euphoria, in Los Angeles, Apr 20, 2022. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

20 Feb 2026 10:56AM (Updated: 20 Feb 2026 03:05PM)
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Eric Dane, the celebrated actor best known for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria and who later in life became an advocate for ALS awareness, died Thursday (Feb 19). He was 53.

His representatives said Dane died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known also as Lou Gehrig’s disease, less than a year after he announced his diagnosis.

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“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world,” said a statement that requested privacy for his family. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”

Dane developed a devoted fanbase when his big break arrived in the mid-2000s: He was cast as Dr Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, on the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, a role he would play from 2006 until 2012 and reprise in 2021.

Although his character was killed off on the show after a plane crash, Dane’s character left an indelible mark on the still-running show: Seattle Grace Hospital became Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

In 2019, he did a complete 180 from the charming McSteamy and became the troubled Cal Jacobs in HBO’s provocative drama Euphoria, a role he continued in up until his death.

Dane also starred as Tom Chandler, the captain of a US Navy destroyer at sea after a global catastrophe wiped out most of the world’s population, in the TNT drama The Last Ship. In 2017, production was halted as Dane battled depression.

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In April 2025, Dane announced he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells controlling muscles throughout the body.

ALS gradually destroys the nerve cells and connections needed to walk, talk, speak and breathe. Most patients die within three to five years of a diagnosis.

Dane became an advocate for ALS awareness, speaking a news conference in Washington on health insurance prior authorisation. “Some of you may know me from TV shows, such as Grey's Anatomy, which I play a doctor. But I am here today to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS," he said in June 2025. In September of that year, the ALS Network named Dane the recipient of their advocate of the year award, recognising his commitment to raising awareness and support for people living with ALS.

Dane was born on Nov 9, 1972 and raised in California. His father, a Navy man, died of a gunshot wound when he was seven. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles to purse acting, landing guest roles on shows like Saved By The Bell, Married...With Children, Charmed and X-Men: The Last Stand, and one season of the short-lived medical drama Gideon's Crossing.

A memoir by Dane is scheduled to be published in late 2026. Book Of Days: A Memoir In Moments will be released by Maria Shriver’s The Open Field, a Penguin Random House imprint. According to Open Field, Dane will look back upon key moments in his life, from his first day at work on Grey’s Anatomy to the births of his two daughters and learning that he has ALS.

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“I want to capture the moments that shaped me the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart," Dane said in a statement around the book's announcement. "If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling.”

FILE - Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart arrive at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium, Sep 16, 2007, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)

Dane is survived by his wife, actor Rebecca Gayheart, and their two teen daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. Gayheart and Dane wed in 2004 and separated in September 2017. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, but later filed to dismiss the petition. In a December essay for New York magazine’s The Cut reflecting on Dane’s diagnosis, Gayheart called their dynamic “a very complicated relationship, one that’s confusing for people”. She said they never got a divorce, but dated other people and lived separately.

“Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love,” she said. “Eric knows that I am always going to want the best for him. That I’m going to do my best to do right by him. And I know he would do the same for me. So whatever I can do or however I can show up to make this journey better for him or easier for him, I want to do that.”

Source: AP/sr
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Dining

Singaporean rapper Sheikh Haikel opens halal version of popular Hwa Heng Beef Noodle in Yishun

After countless taste tests with his Chinese pals to get the flavour of the Hainanese beef noodles right at his new eatery Hai Ge Ji Beef Noodles, the rapper says: “We all look like beef balls now.”

Singaporean rapper Sheikh Haikel opens halal version of popular Hwa Heng Beef Noodle in Yishun

Singaporean rapper Sheikh Haikel and his wife Anna Belle Francis have opened opened Hai Ge Ji Beef Noodles in Yishun. (Photo: Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Beef Noodles)

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19 Feb 2026 02:25PM
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Following the success of their halal Hainanese chicken rice eatery Hai Ge Ji at North Bridge Road, local rapper Sheikh Haikel, 50, and his wife Anna Belle Francis, 47, have now ventured into halal Hainanese-style beef noodles.

The couple opened Hai Ge Ji Beef Noodles in Yishun last October, a 30-seat, air-conditioned eatery.

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Sheikh Haikel (right) and his wife Anna Belle Francis (left) opened Hai Ge Ji Beef Noodles in Yishun last October. (Photo: Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Boat Noodles)

The couple collaborated with beef noodle chain Hwa Heng Group, owned by Eric Lim, in partnership with Kiang Kin Nam – son of the original founder of Odeon Beef Noodle (later renamed Hwa Heng Beef Noodle) at Scotts Road. The brand owns nine outlets, and Haikel and Francis took over its existing Yishun outlet.

“Kiang’s younger brother runs a separate [unaffiliated] hawker stall at Upper Boon Keng Hawker Centre, also called Hwa Heng Beef Noodle,” Lim told 8days.sg.

Haikel later renovated the Yishun unit and renamed it Hai Ge Ji Beef Noodles. All recipes and dishes remain the same, but with halal ingredients.

The couple’s love for Hainanese beef noodles goes way back. It was the original Hwa Heng Beef Noodle (formerly known as Odeon Beef Noodles) stall at the now-defunct Scotts Picnic food court that started it all. 

“[In the past], there were two makciks serving at the stall, and the meat and ingredients used were all halal,” Haikel told 8days.sg. “It’s just that Odeon Beef Noodles (rebranded to Hwa Heng) was never [officially] halal-certified.”

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Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Boat Noodles is halal-certified. (Photo: Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Boat Noodles)

“I ate there and thought it was the best beef noodles I’ve ever had, and I wanted it again,” he added. 

Francis said she, too, grew up around Hwa Heng’s beef noodle at the same Scotts Picnic spot. It was her go-to meal after secondary school classes.

Haikel had been meaning to open a Hainanese beef noodle spot following his chicken rice restaurant, but it was only when a friend suggested a collaboration with this brand that the idea really took shape.

Since most of Hwa Heng’s ingredients are already halal, there aren't many changes to the recipe other than the type of vinegar or beef balls, to meet MUIS’ halal-certification standards. “It had to be the same,” Haikel exclaimed. “Or better!”

But how do they know their dishes were identical to the original Hwa Heng's? The couple had brought Chinese friends for a taste test before opening the eatery.

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“We trialled it so many times, that’s why we all look like beef balls now,” Haikel joked.

Beef Ball Noodles (S$6.90 dry or soup). (Photo: Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Beef Noodles)

Their customers are a mix of both Muslims or non-Muslims, with the non-Muslims often telling them, “It tastes just like the real [Hwa Heng’s noodles]”. 

“The non-Muslims can eat at Hwa Heng’s outlets anytime,” Haikel added, “but we hope that Hei Ge Ji Beef Noodles will be a place where Muslims and non-Muslims can eat together.”

At the Yishun beef noodle outlet, they hired a few Chinese cooks from Hwa Heng, and trained their Muslim staff as well. “It’s to maintain the authenticity,” Haikel said. “We hardly see non-Malays serving nasi padang. It’s the same for Hainanese food.”

Both the chicken rice and beef noodle restaurants have been profitable, though they declined to share how much they invested in their new partnership with Hwa Heng. 

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Haikel, who previously co-owned halal yakiniku joint, Wakuwaku Yakiniku (which he sold off to focus on Hai Ge Ji) and the now-defunct burger joint, FatPapas, is the “mastermind” behind the food. 

Fun fact: the restaurant is named after the rapper. “Hai Ge” for Haikel and “Ji” for chicken.

Neither Francis nor Haikel do the cooking, but the dishes are all tweaked based on Haikel's tastebuds.

Sliced beef noodles (S$6.90). (Photo: Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Beef Noodles)

Despite announcing his retirement from the music industry a few years ago, Haikel is now working on a new hip-hop album (this is truly likely his last, he told 8days.sg). 

Francis handles everything at the front of the house, from serving to inventory – anything but cooking.

“I go to each outlet so often that I have to update my location status to my family, friends and staff with: ‘I am ‘chicken’ or I am ‘beef’’,” she joked.

“I became a chicken rice aunty,” she joked.

Why doesn’t Haikel help out at the restaurants too? His wife says every time he shows up, it gets [too] crowded fast. “Our staff will playfully tell him to leave,” she laughed.

His fans-turned-customers also make her job fulfilling. “It’s moments like these that keep me going,” she added.

As we spoke to them separately over the phone, the couple – who have three children – were gushing about each other.

What’s the secret? “Love,” Haikel said. “For each other, for the food.”

Sheikh Haikel (left) with his wife Anna Belle Francis (right). (Photo: Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Boat Noodles)

The couple have been together for 26 years, and have worked together as artistes for even longer. “We were from different management teams, but we respected each other as workers from the start,” the local rapper shared.

He added that they don’t bring work home, nor do they argue in front of their kids. “She’s a beautiful girl, and I’m working with the right person,” he said fondly. 

“We’re looking for any other businesses to partner or collaborate with us to open new eateries,” Francis shared. 

The couple are looking to venture outside the country to “bring the beauty of Singapore to others”, Haikel added.

While the family of five are foodies, it’s unclear if the couple’s kids plan to take over the business. Their three children – Triqka, 22, Abbra, 21, and Juz, 11 – had been helping out at their eateries since they were little. “[Abbra], who studied app development in ITE helped set up the technical stuff,” Francis said.

The couple say they serve big portions. “What do you expect from a Sheikh Haikel restaurant?,” Francis giggled.

Signature dishes include the Beef Ball Noodles (S$6.90 dry or soup), Sliced Beef Noodles (S$6.90) and Sliced Beef and Beef Balls (S$8.90 dry or soup). The dishes are customisable, so you can pick your type of beef and noodles.

Mixed Beef Noodles with Tendon (S$12.90) (Photo: Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Beef Noodles)

Francis and Haikel's go-to combo is the mixed beef (sliced beef, tendon, tripe and beef balls) with soup and thick bee hoon. 

The beef noodles are also available at Hai Ge Ji Chicken Rice restaurant every Tuesday.

Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Beef Noodles is at #01-01, 461 Yishun Ave 6, Singapore 760461. Open daily 9am–9pm; till 7pm on 18 Feb.  More info via website and Instagram.

This story was originally published in 8Days.

For more 8Days stories, visit https://www.8days.sg/  

Source: 8 Days/ba
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U2's new music honours Renee Good and draws inspiration from world events

The Irish rock band released the six-song EP U2 - Days Of Ash on Wednesday (Feb 18). Its first track, American Obituary, is dedicated to Good, who died Jan 7 in Minneapolis during an encounter with a Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.

U2's new music honours Renee Good and draws inspiration from world events

U2 musician Bono performs during the stage presentation of the film Kiss The Future at Verti Music Hall, in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Feb 19, 2023. (Jens Kalaene/dpa via AP)

19 Feb 2026 10:51AM (Updated: 19 Feb 2026 10:57AM)

U2 is returning with its first collection of new songs in nearly a decade, opening with a tribute to Renee Good, the Minnesota mum fatally shot by a federal agent during this winter's massive immigration crackdown.

The Irish rock band released the six-song EP U2 - Days Of Ash on Wednesday (Feb 18). Its first track, American Obituary, is dedicated to Good, who died Jan 7 in Minneapolis during an encounter with a Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The song is a call for peace and a dedication to Good's life.

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“Renee didn’t just believe in kindness; she lived it, fully and fiercely,” said Becca Good, her partner, in a statement released with the project. “She believed every person deserved the same compassion, care and dignity regardless of who they were.”

The band released the EP on Ash Wednesday, describing it as an immediate response to current events and inspired by the people “fighting on the front lines of freedom”.

FILE - Adam Clayton, from left, Bono, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr., of the Irish band U2, arrive at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington on Dec 4, 2022. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)

Frontman Bono has frequently incorporated social themes into U2’s music, and the new songs maintain that approach. Some tracks reference international tensions and humanitarian concerns, including the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East and immigration debates in the United States. One song also mentions Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, whose death last year in the Israeli-occupied West Bank drew international attention.

The project marks U2’s first major release of new original material since 2017’s Songs of Experience, although the band has remained active through touring and rerecorded projects in recent years.

Antonio Romanucci, an attorney representing Good’s family in a civil case connected to her death, said the tribute reflects a broader message.

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“We certainly feel the urgency of the country’s situation reflected in the band’s powerful call for coming together,” he said in a statement.

Throughout its career, U2 has used its platform to highlight issues ranging from global poverty initiatives to human rights advocacy. The EP was released alongside lyric videos for each track and is available on major streaming platforms.

Good’s parents and siblings also described the song as an honour and said they hope it encourages reflection and unity.

“It's an incredible honour to have the talent and impact of U2 spreading the message of peace in Renee's name,” the statement read. “We certainly feel the urgency of the country's situation reflected in the band's powerful call for change and coming together.”

Source: AP/sr
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Entertainment

South Korean deejay DJ Soda to hold fan meeting in Singapore

DJ Soda will hold a meet-and-greet session at Italian restaurant Medusa Osteria Romana this Sunday (Feb 22).

South Korean deejay DJ Soda to hold fan meeting in Singapore

DJ Soda will stage a meet and greet session in Singapore on Feb 22. (Photo: Instagram/deejaysoda)

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19 Feb 2026 10:30AM (Updated: 19 Feb 2026 08:09PM)
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If you're a fan of DJ Soda, be sure to keep this Sunday (Feb 22) free as the popular South Korean deejay will stage a meet-and-greet at Italian restaurant Medusa Osteria Romana on Beach Road, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. DJ Soda, whose real name is Hwang So-hee, recently performed at Singapore nightclub Marquee on Tuesday.

According to Medusa Osteria Romana, entry to Sunday's fan meeting is free. However, those who purchase the limited-edition T-shirts (S$88 each) sold on site will get photos and autographs. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will be donated.

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Each guest will also be able to choose one out of the two complimentary cocktails made for the occasion: The Hennessy raspberry soda cocktail and the Diana cocktail.

DJ Soda is currently one of the biggest names in the EDM scene, boasting millions of followers on her social media pages. The 37-year-old is a regular on the festival circuit, having performed at big events such as Ultra Music Festival and S2O Songkran Music Festival.

Outside of music, DJ Soda is also a model and released her first photobook in 2024.

Source: CNA/hq
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Entertainment

Bad Bunny to star in movie about Puerto Rico

Porto Rico, which will be directed by Grammy-winning rapper Rene "Residente" Perez Joglar, is described as a cross between a Caribbean western and a historical drama about the island both men call home.

Bad Bunny to star in movie about Puerto Rico

Bad Bunny arrives at the 68th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

19 Feb 2026 08:22AM (Updated: 19 Feb 2026 08:30AM)
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Fresh from his success at the Grammys and a triumphant Super Bowl halftime show, Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny is set to take the lead role in an all-star film, producers announced Wednesday (Feb 18).

Porto Rico, which will be directed by Grammy-winning rapper Rene "Residente" Perez Joglar, is described as a cross between a Caribbean western and a historical drama about the island both men call home.

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The film will also feature stars such as Viggo Mortensen, Javier Bardem, and Edward Norton, and will be produced by Academy Award winner Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. 

Porto Rico tells the story of Jose Maldonado Roman, known as "Aguila Blanca" (White Eagle), a revolutionary who fought against colonialism in the late 19th century. 

"I have dreamed of making a film about my country since I was a child," said Perez Joglar. 

"Puerto Rico's true history has always been surrounded by controversy.

"This film is a reaffirmation of who we are told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves."

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The film fuses "historical scope with a visceral, lyrical approach and a gripping narrative inspired by true events", a statement added. 

The rapper and founder of Calle 13 posted a carousel of historical photos and thanked the team accompanying him on the film project, which will centre on Bad Bunny.

The 31-year-old reggaeton artist is on an unstoppable streak. 

At the beginning of February, he won three Grammys with his acclaimed DeBI Tirar Mas Fotos, which was crowned album of the year, a first for an all-Spanish language offering. 

A week later, he delivered his Super Bowl halftime show, the most-watched musical performance in the world with over 120 million viewers, in which he celebrated the rhythms, colours, flavours, and traditions of Puerto Rico. 

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While many people acclaimed the joyous performance, President Donald Trump griped that he could not understand what was being said because it was in Spanish.

The performer, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio had already ventured into film with minor roles in movies like Bullet Train, alongside Brad Pitt, and Caught Stealing, with Austin Butler.

But Porto Rico will mark another milestone in the career of the most popular performer on the planet.

Residente, also an actor and producer, said he had been looking for someone to lead his directorial debut who "feels Puerto Rico as deeply as I do and who is as proud as I am when they sing our true anthem".

Edward Norton, who also produces, highlighted the potential of the Residente-Bad Bunny duo. 

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"Everybody knows what a poet of language and rhythm Rene is. Now they're going to see what a visual visionary he is as well," said Norton, who recently appeared in Olivia Wilde's The Invite which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

"Bringing him and Bad Bunny together to tell the true story of Puerto Rico's roots is going to be like a flame finding the stick of dynamite that's been waiting for it."

Source: AFP/sr
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Entertainment

Taylor Swift named best-selling artist of the year for sixth time

K-pop group Stray Kids took the second spot for 2025 while Canadian rapper Drake took the third place.

Taylor Swift named best-selling artist of the year for sixth time

Taylor Swift poses at the red carpet during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., Feb 2, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel Cole

19 Feb 2026 07:59AM (Updated: 19 Feb 2026 08:04AM)
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Taylor Swift was 2025's best-selling global artist of the year, the IFPI said on Wednesday (Feb 18), marking the sixth time she won the title from the organisation that represents the recorded music industry.

The award follows the success of the megastar's latest album, The Life Of A Showgirl, which according to Billboard, sold more copies in its first week than any other album in the modern era. Billboard cited data from Luminate.

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Swift saw worldwide engagement across streaming, physical and digital formats with the release of The Life Of A Showgirl and the documentary of her tour The End Of An Era, IFPI said.

She was first named IFPI global recording artist of the year in 2014 and then in 2019 and from 2022 to 2024.

Swift has now won the award as many times as all other artists combined over the past ten years, which reflects both her creative consistency and the long-term global strategies supporting her releases, the IFPI said in a statement.

The award is calculated by looking at an artist's or group's worldwide sales across streaming, download and physical music formats during the calendar year and covers their entire body of work, according to the organisation.

K-pop group Stray Kids took the second spot for 2025 while Canadian rapper Drake took the third place.

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Source: Reuters/sr
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Radio DJ Hazelle Teo and fiance address online criticism over their 6-year age gap

The YES 933 radio DJ, who turns 32 in April, and her 26-year-old fiance James Wong shared how they handled negative comments following their engagement, saying emotional maturity and shared goals matter more than age.

Radio DJ Hazelle Teo and fiance address online criticism over their 6-year age gap

YES 933 DJ Hazelle Teo and fiance James Wong address online comments about their six-year age gap in the latest episode of their podcast, Couple’s Classroom. (Photo: Wei Jie)

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16 Feb 2026 12:54PM (Updated: 19 Feb 2026 07:31AM)
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What’s it like being in a relationship where the woman is older? That’s what YES 933 DJ Hazelle Teo and fiance James Wong discussed in the latest episode of their podcast, Couple’s Classroom.

The couple have a six-year age gap – Wong is 26, while Teo turns 32 in April.

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Diving right into the topic, Wong recalled: “When we first published the news of our engagement, there were a lot of people talking about our age gap. Most guys are older than their partners, [so] I think it’s fair that people talk about it. But because we worked out so well, I want to tell people that this society norm can be broken.”

For Teo, Wong was the first guy she dated who was younger than her. She admitted she was initially surprised at how well things worked out, noting how society considers women more emotionally mature than men and that it’s preferable for them to date older men.

“But in all honesty, I feel like age is just a number,” she declared.

Teo knew that Wong was 'the one'. (Photo: Wei Jie)

Wong was 24 when he and Teo started dating, but she shared that “he’s always been a mature person,” even before they met.

Their goals have always been aligned, and even on their first date, they connected over discussions about the future, from property investments to work experiences. By then, Wong was already earning a stable income, which Teo admitted made it easier for her to date someone younger.

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Wong did change one thing about himself, though. He revealed he started dressing “a little bit older” when they first got together, to which Teo responded: “That’s what I tell him not to do. I tell him, ‘James, I signed up for a 24-year-old man, stop dressing older than you look.’”

Wong explained: “I used to dress in T-shirts and shorts because it’s so hot in Singapore, and I always carried a backpack. Sometimes she would have a [work] shoot, all dressed up and in full makeup, and when we walk to the car, I look like a little kid. I look like her PA or her younger brother.”

He then started dressing more maturely, swapping T-shirts for collared shirts and his backpack for a tote bag. “I feel like it makes us complement each other better,” he said, “but it also boosts my confidence, and people take me more seriously.”

Ultimately, the pair agreed that age was just a number for them, as long as they shared the same future goals and continued growing together.

That said, Wong and Teo also faced some cutting remarks online about their age gap after announcing their engagement.

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Though they received many well-wishes, Teo also remembered seeing many nasty comments, not on their own social media posts, but on articles written about them.

She recalled: “There were so many people saying ‘Oh, is it because Hazelle is pregnant?’, or ‘This wouldn’t work out because the girl is six years older than the guy. She’s only after the tender fresh meat’.”

One comment, in particular, stuck with James. “There was one comment that said ‘Now James has two mothers’. The [person] is trying to say that now that we are engaged, I’ve got my own mother, and the second one is Hazy,” James said.

Hazelle’s mother, however, didn’t quite catch it. Chancing upon comment, she thought the person was being “so nice”, since it implied that with Teo and Wong engaged, he now has two mothers – his own and Teo's.

“My mum actually took a screenshot and sent it to our group chat, saying how they were so sweet. I couldn’t bear to break it to her that the person was being nasty,” said Teo.

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Chuckling, Teo didn't forget to throw in this comeback: "So to this person, you know how to spell karma or not? One day you will get your karma."

This story was originally published in 8Days.

For more 8Days stories, visit https://www.8days.sg/   

Source: 8 Days/ba
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Entertainment

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz returning for The Mummy 4 in 2028

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are officially returning for a new instalment in The Mummy series – with the movie slated to hit screens on May 19, 2028.

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz returning for The Mummy 4 in 2028

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in 'The Mummy Returns'. (Photo: Universal/Keith Hamshere)

13 Feb 2026 03:33PM
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Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are officially returning for a fourth movie in The Mummy franchise.

After starring in the original 1999 adventure film and its 2001 sequel The Mummy Returns together – with Fraser also appearing in 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor – the two actors are set to come back for Universal Pictures’ next instalment.

The studio is planning to release the fourth Mummy film on May 19, 2028.

While it has not been officially confirmed who is to direct the movie, it was previously reported that Radio Silence’s Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett will be at the helm of The Mummy’s next outing.

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The pair will reportedly be working from a screenplay written by Orphan: First Kill’s David Coggeshall, though the story for the movie is currently unknown.

Series producer Sean Daniel is due to produce the next Mummy flick alongside William Sherak, James Vanderbilt and Paul Neinstein, who will produce under the Project X Entertainment banner.

Meanwhile, Fraser, Hivemind’s Jason F Brown and Denis Stewart are to serve as executive producers.

The fourth Mummy movie will mark the next joint venture between Radio Silence and Universal, with the two companies previously helming the 2024 vampire flick Abigail.

In The Mummy, Fraser portrayed action hero Rick O’Connell, while Weisz played his on-screen wife Evelyn O’Connell.

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Following the trilogy’s conclusion, The Mummy was rebooted in 2017 with the Tom Cruise-starring film of the same name, but plans for future sequels and expansions of the Dark Universe were subsequently cancelled when the movie underperformed critically and commercially.

After it was reported in November 2025 that Fraser and Weisz were in talks to return for the next Mummy movie, The Whale star, 57, teased “anything’s possible” in the series.

He told Deadline: “Hey, anything’s possible at this point. It is speculation, and I would love to tell you…I would love to answer more about that. But my lips are kind of sealed.

“I am sorry, but I want you to know that there is a definite fan base.”

The George Of The Jungle actor also reflected on the huge fanbase he had amassed through The Mummy series.

He said: “The fan convention that I just came from in Minnesota.

“We were there to sign autographs, meet fans, but we did have a [question-and-answer session] on stage in front of 3,000 attendees and I thought we were rockstars too, so much so like I walked off stage thinking, ‘Man I am gonna get a personality hangover out of those.’ That was a lot of love.”

Fraser previously spoke about his near-death experience on The Mummy set when a stunt went wrong.

When asked if he had had any close calls when working on The Mummy during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, he said: “Nearly. Well, I was choked out accidentally.

“I was standing on my toes like this, with the rope [around my neck], and you only got so far.

“And [director] Stephen [Sommers] ran over and he said, ‘Hey, it doesn’t really look like you’re choking – can you sell it?’ “And I was like, ‘All right, fine.’

“So I thought, ‘One more take, man.’ And the camera swooped around and I went up on the toes, and the guy holding the rope above me, he pulled it up a little higher and I was stuck on my toes – I had nowhere to go but down.

“And so he was pulling up and I was going down. And then the next thing I knew, my elbow was in my ear, the world was sideways, there was gravel in my teeth and everyone was really quiet.”

Source: Others/Bang Showbiz/ba
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Entertainment

South Korean celebrities Lee Seung-gi and Lee Da-in expecting second child

Lee Da-in is currently five months pregnant.

South Korean celebrities Lee Seung-gi and Lee Da-in expecting second child

Lee Da-in (left) and Lee Seung-gi (right) tied the knot at a five-star hotel in Gangnam, Seoul on Apr 7, 2023. (Photo: Instagram/byhumanmade)

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13 Feb 2026 10:33AM
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South Korean actors Lee Seung-gi and Lee Da-in are set to welcome another member into their family. The couple is expecting their second child.

On Thursday (Feb 12), Lee Seung-gi’s agency, Big Planet Made Entertainment, officially told South Korean media outlet OSEN, “Lee Da-in is in her fifth month of pregnancy, and the couple is prioritising the health and stability of the expectant mother while engaging in prenatal education.”

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Prenatal education refers to structured programmes, classes, or resources designed to prepare expectant parents for pregnancy, labour, childbirth, and newborn care.

The news arrives two years after the couple welcomed their first baby girl on Feb 5, 2024.

The couple tied the knot in April 2023 in a lavish wedding at a five-star hotel in Seoul. Highly-accomplished actor-singer Lee Seung-gi, known for his roles in Korean dramas including Mouse and Vagabond, had announced their marriage in a letter posted on his Instagram. 

In it, he wrote: "She is someone with a lot of warmth and love, and she is someone I want to keep by my side forever. I want to share our happiness together, and even if there are difficult times in life, I want to overcome those difficulties together without letting go of each other’s hands.”

Lee Seung-gi has shared his joy about fatherhood in recent broadcasts, speaking fondly about his daughter – whom he says resembles him, especially in her smile – and the happiness he finds in everyday parenting. Appearing on Korean reality show My Little Old Boy, he said he and his wife now take their child to and from school, admitting that while parenting can be tough, the moments of happiness far outweigh the challenges.

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Mother Lee Da-in also often takes to social media to share moments with her daughter. Her post from February of a pink-themed party at home for her daughter’s second birthday has drawn attention.

Nonetheless, the couple has experienced some hiccups in their journey, with controversies unravelling mere days after their wedding. Actor-singer Lee Seung-gi addressed reports claiming that Lee Da-in’s father, Lee Hong-heon had embezzled 26 billion won (US$19.6 million), saying it was “clear misinformation” and “completely groundless content”. 

However, in April 2025, when Lee Da-in's father was arrested for his alleged involvement in stock manipulation and for violating the Capital Markets Act, Lee Seung-gi released a statement, saying, “As someone who had been waiting for the outcome based on family trust, I am devastated by my father-in-law’s misconduct”.

He shared that the incident had "severely damaged the trust within the family to an irreparable degree", hence, the couple had “decided to sever ties with my in-laws.”

Source: CNA/ba
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Entertainment

Mediacorp unveils Chinese New Year 2026 TV specials, concerts and digital treats

Mediacorp's upcoming Chinese New Year programming includes a live Chinese New Year Eve Special 2026 and many other TV and digital offerings across all Mediacorp platforms.

Popular Mediacorp artistes Desmond Tan, Carrie Wong, Paige Chua and more will be performing at Mediacorp’s annual Chinese New Year Eve countdown programme. (Photo: Mediacorp)

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12 Feb 2026 04:28PM (Updated: 12 Feb 2026 04:29PM)
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Mediacorp has announced its slate of Chinese New Year 2026 programming, including the live Chinese New Year Eve Special 2026, festive dramas and movies, and digital offerings across its TV, streaming and audio platforms.

Mediacorp’s Chinese New Year Eve Special 2026 will air live on Feb 16 at 10.30pm on Channel 8, mewatch and Mediacorp Entertainment’s YouTube channel. It will be hosted by actor and host Guo Liang, host Lee Teng, Yes933 Radio DJ Hazelle Teo, and actress and Miss Universe Singapore 2016 Cheryl Chou.

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A rousing opening number will see Tyler Ten, Zhai Siming, He Ying Ying and Denise Camilla Tan perform with Dance Ensemble Singapore. This will be followed by a calligraphy dance performance by Zoe Tay, Chen Hanwei, Tiffany Ho and June Tan, which blends movement with live brushwork. Romeo Tan, Herman Keh, Sheryl Ang and Jernelle Oh then add a dynamic twist with a song-and-skate performance.

Music and laughter take centrestage as stars including Xiang Yun, Hong Hui Fang, Aileen Tan, Marcus Chin, Desmond Tan, Paige Chua, Pierre Png, and Carrie Wong perform festive hits, while the legendary OG Gang – Chen Shucheng, Zhu Houren, and Richard Low – add their signature humour through a mix of stand-up and song.

The variety special will include cross-cultural segments, such as a Teochew opera performance and a sustainability-themed Green Drumming segment using upcycled instruments. The evening will culminate in the premiere of Mediacorp’s 2026 Chinese New Year theme song, Money Money, performed by Xiang Yun, Zhu Zeliang and Star Search 2024 winner Tiffany Ho.

Beyond the eve broadcast, Mediacorp will also roll out a curated festive line-up across Channel 8, Channel U and streaming service mewatch from Feb 16. Programmes include variety specials, concerts, dramas and films for different age groups, including regional films like The Goldfinger and Cyber Heist from Hong Kong, Hindi film We Are Family, and Korean titles like My Puppy and Single In Seoul.

Among the originals is Chinese drama Last But Not Least where Tasha Low and Tyler Ten reunite as teachers navigating growth and second chances. A microdrama, Bring It On, will also be available on Mediacorp’s TikTok page following an aspiring picture-book creator whose fictional character, a mysterious dark horse, comes to life.

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The festivities continue with the Chingay Parade 2026. Themed “Wish” this year, the parade will feature illuminated costumes, performances and show-stopping floats, along with parade firsts like a circular parade route and a transformable multi-tier stage. Watch it live on mewatch on Feb 27, and catch it again on Channel 5 and Channel 8 on Mar 8.

Mediacorp also brings along its digital offerings, including Chinese New Year playlists on melisten and a vibrant music video to the catchy theme song for this year, Money Money. Spice up your greetings this year with downloadable WhatsApp and Telegram stickers featuring Mediacorp’s spirited horse mascot Jun Ma.

Mediacorp’s spirited horse mascot Jun Ma. (Photo: Mediacorp)

The full schedule of Chinese New Year programming is available on Mediacorp’s website.

Source: CNA/ba
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Obsessions

Jungkook of BTS joins Hublot as latest brand ambassador

Swiss watchmaker Hublot has announced Jungkook of BTS as its latest brand ambassador, tapping the K-pop star’s influence as BTS builds momentum for its 2026 comeback.

Jungkook wearing the Hublot Big Bang Original Unico Black Magic. (Photo: Hublot)

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12 Feb 2026 04:01PM
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It’s official: Jungkook, a member of K-pop boy band BTS, is the latest ambassador for Swiss watch brand Hublot, the company announced on Feb 12.

Hublot sent ARMYs into a frenzy when it dropped a short teaser clip on Instagram on Feb 10. The video featured only the silhouette of a man, followed by an announcement date, Feb 12, and was purposefully shrouded in mystery. But fans quickly recognised the familiar frame and hairstyle of the singer, flooding the comment section with his name and GIFs of the K-pop idol. " A new chapter is about to begin," the caption read.

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Rising to prominence as one of the vocalists of BTS, Jungkook has established himself as a global artist and performer. In 2022, the K-pop sensation kicked off the Qatar World Cup by performing his hit solo single, Dreamers. In July 2023, his single Seven (featuring Latto) became the first K-pop solo track to surpass 2.5 billion streams on Spotify.

The Hublot appointment comes at a time when BTS mania is once again peaking, following the group’s announcement of its comeback after all the members completed their mandatory national service. The septet will return with the Arirang World Tour, set to kick off on Apr 9, 2026, in Goyang, South Korea. The band's upcoming album, Arirang, drops on Mar 20. BTS will also stage a free comeback concert titled The Comeback Live Arirang on Mar 21 at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square, which will be livestreamed globally on Netflix.

Jungkook wearing the Hublot Big Bang Original Unico Black Magic. (Photo: Hublot)

Commenting on the Hublot partnership, Jungkook said, “Performing Dreamers at the FIFA World Cup in 2022, with Hublot as Official Timekeeper of the competition, was a moment where time and music felt connected. Now, collaborating with Hublot feels like that moment coming full circle. I’ve always admired the brand’s confidence, its craftsmanship, its way of creating its own path.”

Jungkook wearing the Hublot Big Bang Original Unico King Gold Ceramic. (Photo: Hublot)

Jungkook joins Hublot’s stable of high-profile ambassadors, which include football star Kylian Mbappe, tennis legend Novak Djokovic, sprinter Usain Bolt and artist Daniel Arsham. 

Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot, affirmed: “Jungkook is one of the most influential artists of his generation. His precision, his passion and his willingness to push boundaries reflect the very spirit of Hublot. Just as we continuously rethink, refine and re-engineer our creations, from the fusion of materials to the mastery of our in-house movements, Jungkook carries the spirit of evolution, always transforming, always original. We are honoured to welcome him into the Hublot family.”

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In campaign images, Jungkook wears the Big Bang Original Unico, which launched in January 2026. The watch features a dial engraved with a pattern resembling carbon fibre. Its bezel is set with six functional screws, while the multi-layered construction juxtaposes materials such as ceramic, titanium and King Gold.

Source: CNA/st
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Entertainment

South Korean actor Jung Eun-woo dies at 39 after cryptic message on Instagram

The news follows a cryptic Instagram post Jung shared on Feb 10, featuring a carousel of late stars Leslie Cheung and Amy Winehouse that concluded with a photo of himself, captioned: “Missing jealous sorry... PIR.BG.”

South Korean actor, Jung Eun-woo, died on Wednesday (Feb 11). (Photo: Instagram/eun_woo109)

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12 Feb 2026 11:50AM
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South Korean actor Jung Eun-woo, who appeared in popular Korean dramas like Welcome To Waikiki 2 and Bride Of The Sun, died on Wednesday (Feb 11) at the age of 39. 

While the cause of death has not been disclosed, the news comes after Jung left behind a cryptic message on an Instagram post on Feb 10. He shared an Instagram carousel post with images of the late Hong Kong actor-singer Leslie Cheung, who died in 2003, British singer Amy Winehouse, who died in 2011, and ended the carousel with a photo of himself, using Winehouse's song, Back To Black. The post was captioned, “Missing jealous sorry... PIR.BG.”

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Many have speculated that “PIR.BG” could be an abbreviation. When read backwards, it is viewed as “GB.RIP” which could stand for “Goodbye. Rest in peace”, leading many fans to believe it might have been a message from the actor.

Jung's penultimate post is also catching attention. With a photo of a red moon, the post was cryptically captioned: “Red moon. Whether it’s hanging there or suspended, it’s going to fall anyway…”

Tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues of the actor. Pop artist Nancy Lang commented, “Eun-woo! I just heard the news. I didn't even know these photos were a signal the day before. My heart hurts so much and I’m so sad. I feel numb. Why... was it that difficult? Rest in peace in heaven, Eun-woo. My deepest condolences.”

South Korean actress Kim Yoon-seo paid tribute to the actor in an Instagram post, captioned: “Eun-woo. Hello. Sorry. I let you go like this without even saying goodbye properly. Today I am heartbroken all day long. But when I think of the times you've endured, I don’t think I can just cry. You've been through a lot. I'll pray for you. Goodbye, my friend.”

Fans have also flooded the actor’s comment section with tributes and heartfelt messages. One fan said in English: “He was definitely saying goodbye. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” Another fan commented in Korean: “Eun-woo, you worked hard. Rest in peace, my friend.” 

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Born on Apr 10, 1986, Jung initially played basketball in middle and high schools but changed his career path to later pursue acting. He then made his acting debut in 2006, with Drama City’s episode titled A Parting More Beautiful Than Love. He gained recognition for his roles in One Well-Raised Daughter, The Return of Hwang Geum-bok and My Only One. The 2021 film, Memory: Manipulated Murder, became his final work.

Jung's funeral is scheduled to take place on Thursday (Feb 12) afternoon. 

Where to get help:

National mental health helpline: 1771

Samaritans of Singapore Hotline: 1767

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Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline: 1800 283 7019

You can also find a list of international helplines here. If someone you know is at immediate risk, call 24-hour emergency medical services.

Source: CNA/ba
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Entertainment

James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson's Creek, dies at 48

The actor, who played the main character Dawson in the late 90s teen drama, died on Feb 11 after after a battle with colorectal cancer.

James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson's Creek, dies at 48

James Van Der Beek attends the premiere of The Words in Los Angeles on Sep 4, 2012. (Photo: AP/Jordan Strauss)

12 Feb 2026 05:51AM (Updated: 12 Feb 2026 10:07AM)
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US actor James Van Der Beek, the star of the American TV series Dawson's Creek, died on Wednesday (Feb 11) at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," read a post on his Instagram page.

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Van Der Beek, who was married and had six children, announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024.

He was best known for playing Dawson, the lead character of the eponymous teen drama that ran from 1998 to 2003, which followed a group of friends living in a small Massachusetts town. 

While he also had roles in the films Varsity Blues and The Rules Of Attraction, Van Der Beek never truly established himself in cinema as he struggled to separate himself from the legacy of Dawson's Creek.

71st Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals - Los Angeles, California, US, Sep 22, 2019. James Van Der Beek. (Photo: REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

But the actor insisted he was happy with his career path. 

"Overall, I've worn my past with pride rather than seeing it as something to get rid of," he told celebrity site Page Six in 2011. 

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Wednesday's Instagram post showed a picture of Van Der Beek wearing a white top and cardigan. It was also shared by his wife Kimberly.

"There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come," the post added.

"For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

Source: AFP/fs
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