Still not fully recovered from a cracked sternum, Lin De Rong is pushing on—revealing he’s lost 5kg to take on a high-difficulty lion dance challenge.

(Kuala Lumpur, 15th) Malaysian host and entertainer Lin Derong revealed that he suffered injuries while filming the Chinese New Year movie Ah Bing vs. Granny Leung, including a cracked sternum and a leg injury. Despite not having fully recovered, he still decided to personally perform a lion dance for Astro’s All Right Coo Daa Daa Chinese New Year Countdown Party. He joked that he was already out of breath after just 30 seconds, but confidently promised to train harder and aims to lose 5 kg so he can deliver his best performance by the end of the month.

Astro’s annual Chinese New Year countdown celebration is set to take place on January 31 (Saturday) at 6:30 PM at IJM Rimbayu, bringing the public together to welcome the Lunar New Year. The event will be hosted by Astro familiar faces Siew Hui Min, Yen Jiang Han, Yen Wei En, and Owen Siew, alongside younger hosts Lai Ming Quan, Huang Cheng Xi, Wen Yang, and Kai Xin. More than 60 local artistes are expected to perform, with Hong Kong guests including Nancy Sit, Alice Chan, Tiffany Lau, Elaine Yiu, and Brian Chu also joining the lineup.

Known for delivering surprise-filled performances each year, the show will feature Lin Derong teaming up with Ye Chaoming and Lai Hong En to take on a high-difficulty lion dance routine. Lin said they are already in intensive training and humorously commented on their coordination: “Lai Hong En used to be in a lion dance troupe. Ye Chaoming and I are learning now. We thought we were pretty in sync—until he joined, and suddenly we weren’t!”

Lin shared that he will handle the lion head, while the lion tail will be entrusted to an experienced and stronger performer to ensure stability and safety. He also recalled that he previously trained for a tiger dance for Big Day Woohoo!, joking that he once accidentally injured a colleague back then. This time, the trio will also attempt pole (jong) stunts, and Lin admitted the training has been exhausting—though he laughed that he’s been eating well and still hopes to slim down by 5 kg.

Meanwhile, younger performers such as Aaron Bosco, Wen Yang, Lai Ming Quan, Kaka, and Chen Zhao Ling will present Malaysian culture-inspired ethnic dances, even warming up the crowd with an impromptu bamboo dance. Another highlight includes a cross-over “black-and-white chef” cooking battle featuring Yin Huifen, Little Henn, Ye Chaoming, and Wu Jiarun—where Lin teased that many contestants aren’t exactly skilled cooks, so the audience can expect entertaining outcomes.

The show will also feature performances by newcomers from Rising Stars together with contestants from Astro Classic Songs Singing Competition, delivering Mandarin, Cantonese, and modern CNY tracks. With a large lineup of local celebrities, veteran singers, newcomers, and influencers, the event promises a festive, star-packed celebration.

All Right Coo Daa Daa Chinese New Year Countdown Party will air on February 16 (Chinese New Year’s Eve) at 9:30 PM via Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand, and sooka.