HK singer Kay Tse says she wants her family to enjoy Malaysia’s food and culture

When Hong Kong singer Kay Tse takes the stage in Petaling Jaya this December, it won’t just mark another stop on her Tidal world tour.

It will be her first-ever solo concert in Malaysia, and she’s set on making it a night to remember.

“I’ll be treating Malaysian fans to something unexpected,” the 48-year-old said in a roundtable Zoom interview joined by StarLifestyle.

“I’ve included playful and creative elements that may surprise the audience and reveal a side of me they haven’t seen before.”

Tse is set to perform at Idea Live Arena in Petaling Jaya, Selangor on Dec 13.

On why she chose Malaysia to kick-start her tour, the Wedding Invitation Street hitmaker cited her deep affection for the country and its people.

“The scenery, weather and warmth of the people make me look forward to every visit.

“Whenever I bump into fans here, they’re always so passionate, and it feels like catching up with close friends – we can laugh and chat about literally anything.

“I always feel relaxed here and often wish I could stay longer,” she said, smiling brightly.

Tse is set to perform in Malaysia on Dec 13. Photo: HandoutThat love for Malaysia makes it only natural for Tse to extend her stay after the concert.

This time, however, the trip will be even more special as she’ll be bringing along her eight-year-old daughter Karina for her very first visit.

She shares another 18-year-old son James from her marriage to singer-actor Louis Cheung, whom she married in 2007.

“My daughter has never been to Malaysia, so I want to introduce her to a place I really love.

“James has already visited the country on a two-week school field trip, and he loved it.

“I want to bring my family along to enjoy Malaysia’s food and culture together,” she added.

Marking a milestone

Tse’s love for music took root at a young age.

She started learning piano at six and – while competing in a university singing contest years later – she caught the attention of music producer Adrian Chow.

Impressed by her talent, Chow signed Tse to his independent label Ban Ban Music, where she released her debut album Kay One.

Since then, the singer has produced a string of chart- toppers such as Song Of The Year, Hillwood Road, The Egg And The Lamb and Rashomon.

Known for weaving social commentary into her music, she’s regarded as one of the four leading female Cantopop stars of the 2000s, alongside Miriam Yeung, Joey Yung and Denise Ho.

Looking back on her two-decade career, Tse shared: “It’s been 20 years, and many fans have grown with me.

“Some began listening to my music as children, and they’re now in their 20s.

“The most precious thing to me is hearing how my songs have accompanied them through different stages of life – be it falling in love or finding the strength to overcome struggles.

“We’ve really shared so many life experiences together.”

While revisiting her artistic journey, Tse reflected on the people who shaped her path.

Among them was the late singer-songwriter Khalil Fong, who passed away at the age of 41 in February of an undisclosed illness.

Tse and Fong collaborated on the 2010 track Fragile and again in 2015 with Xiang Nu Ren.

Late singer-songwriter Khalil Fong and Tse previously collaborated on the songs ‘Fragile’ and ‘Xiang Nu Ren’. Photo: Khalil Fong/FacebookTse said she “cried uncontrollably” upon learning of her friend’s passing, admitting that she struggled to accept the reality.

“Singing his songs on stage is still too difficult for me,” she said.

“One of the most meaningful songs of my career is Fragile, which he wrote for me.

“It was one of the first Mandarin songs I released, so I do hope to perform it in Malaysia, though I’ll need some time and emotional preparation before I can deliver his work properly,” she added.

Tse then praised Fong not only for his unique approach to music but also for his kindness and the wisdom with which he viewed life.

“Even though he’s no longer here, the love and energy he gave me and other people remains something I carry with me to this day,” she added.

Moving forward with strength

Longevity in the music business comes with its own challenges.

While Tse has amassed more than 90 awards over the course of her career, she has also faced intense scrutiny that at times felt overwhelming.

In August, she faced heavy criticism from netizens for singing off-key during her appearance as a guest performer at fellow artiste Kelly Chen’s concert.

When asked about the incident, Tse explained that her mishap came from nerves.

Tse (right) appeared as a guest performer at singer Kelly Chen’s concert in August. Photo: Kay Tse/Instagram“I had an anxiety episode that day and wasn’t my usual self… I was tense, my breathing was heavy, and my voice was shaky,” she said.

Tse acknowledged that while social media had amplified the situation, netizens themselves weren’t to blame.

“The reviews weren’t easy to hear, but I can’t blame them as they have the right to comment.

“What upset me more at the time was realising that even after so many years in the entertainment industry, I still hadn’t learned how to manage my stress well,” she said.

Over time, however, Tse learned that she couldn’t allow negativity to dictate her self-image.

Tse no longer fears criticism, embracing it as part of her life journey. Photo: Kay Tse/InstagramSo, she took conscious steps to protect her peace and focus on improving herself – from adopting a regular exercise routine to consistently rehearsing her vocals.

“I trained like an athlete preparing for the Olympics,” she said with a laugh, adding that this new routine helped her regain confidence.

Today, Tse has made peace with both the challenges and joys that come with fame.

Rather than fearing criticism, she chooses to embrace it as part of her journey.

“I’ve gone through sleepless nights in the past but have since found better ways to cope.

“I’m no longer as harsh on myself when something goes wrong on stage and am looking forward to performing in Malaysia with this positive mindset.

“Of course, there’s pressure in holding a concert, but it’s the love from my beloved fans and trusted team that gives me courage,” she concluded.