Lok Yi Lai recently visited Malaysia and took on the role of a “one-day store manager,” immersing himself in the local food scene and engaging warmly with fans. During the event, he sampled a variety of Malay

(Kuala Lumpur, April 8) Hong Kong actor Lokyi Lai recently visited Malaysia to promote the variety show My Happy Era, where he serves as both producer and host. During his trip, he made a special appearance at an Ipoh café, stepping into the role of a “one-day manager” and personally trying his hand at brewing coffee.

Having frequently visited Malaysia in recent years, Lokyi Lai not only previously appeared in the local drama Yihe, but also sees his trips as an opportunity to expand his career. He shared that every visit lifts his mood, especially thanks to Malaysian cuisine: “Bak kut teh, Ipoh white coffee, and kaya butter toast with soft-boiled eggs—I love them all!” He even joked about the possibility of opening a private dining restaurant in Malaysia one day.

Reflecting on his café experience, he admitted that while he has had various part-time jobs in the past, coffee-making remains new territory for him. “I’ve only had brief exposure during filming before,” he said, adding that brewing coffee requires precision in temperature, technique, and ingredient balance. He also humorously mentioned his friend Moses Chan, who is well-known for his expertise in coffee, expressing hope that he might one day reach a similar level.

When asked about opening a restaurant in Malaysia, Lai said he would first assess market response but expressed genuine interest in running a private dining concept, particularly highlighting his confidence in seafood and Chinese cuisine. He also revealed plans to potentially host charity dinners in the future, combining culinary experiences with community contributions.

Looking ahead, he announced that he will return to Malaysia later this month to film a short drama and hinted at the possibility of a sequel to Yihe. Whether as a series or film, he hopes to continue the story. He also playfully called out to potential collaborators: “I’ll be back at the end of the month—hope to work with more partners!”

Regarding fellow actor Bosco Wong investing heavily in a Malaysian film project, Lai said he prefers to focus on acting, noting that investment requires a different level of responsibility.

Addressing concerns about fewer recent projects with TVB, he clarified that he has no intention of leaving but instead aims to step خارج his comfort zone and explore regional opportunities in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. “Staying in one place limits growth,” he said, while reassuring fans: “I’m still part of TVB.”

When asked if he would consider joining shows like Call Me by Fire, he laughed, admitting singing is not his strength. Instead, he joked that his son might take on that path in the future, even teasing that he could one day become “the next Jay Chou or JJ Lin,” adding humorously, “By then, I’ll still be young enough to be a guest at his concert.”