{
  "id": 7239256,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: Chinese star Cheng Lei charms Malaysian fans in memorable KL debut",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/showbiz-chinese-star-cheng-lei-charms-malaysian-fans-in-memorable-kl",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T03:42:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/09/1532419/showbiz-chinese-star-cheng-lei-charms-malaysian-fans-memorable-kl"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR - Renowned Chinese actor Cheng Lei, the iQIYI international ambassador, made his much-anticipated Malaysian debut at the iQIYI STARSHIP 2026 event on Sunday. The 32-year-old native of Guangdong province captivated local fans at the Sunway Velocity Mall with a series of interactive games and stage activities, preceding a press conference.\n\nThrilled by the prospect of connecting with Malaysian audiences, Cheng Lei engaged in playful banter, delighting attendees with newly learned Malay phrases that elicited enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. He also paid tribute to fans by reading their messages and watching a specially curated video showcasing their well-wishes.\n\nThe event was marked with recognition for Cheng Lei, as iQIYI International President Yang Xianghua presented him with a commemorative award, honoring his role as a global ambassador for the streaming platform. Speaking to reporters post-event, Cheng Lei expressed his excitement about exploring Kuala Lumpur, indulging in local cuisine, capturing memorable moments, and returning home the following day.\n\nThe actor's visit provided a memorable opportunity to forge a more personal connection with Malaysian fans, solidifying his association with iQIYI and further endearing him to the audience in his adopted homeland.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese actor and iQIYI international ambassador Cheng Lei made his debut appearance in Malaysia yesterday at the iQIYI STARSHIP 2026 event.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "C-drama star Cheng Lei gets the full Malaysian welcome — from ‘sayang, dah makan belum?’ to cat drawings",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/c-drama-star-cheng-lei-gets-the-full-malaysian-welcome-from-sayang",
        "published": "2026-09-14T02:06:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}