HK actor brings star power to massage chair launch

POPULAR Hong Kong actor Simon Yam Tat Wah loves Malaysia so much that he considers it his second home.

He has a penchant for Penang, which he has visited more than 20 times over the years.

The 69-year-old legend, whose career spans 50 years with hundreds of movies under his belt, said he found Penang to be a wonderful place to visit with its heritage buildings and glorious food.

“I also find the state to be a suitable site for filming with its beautiful buildings and nice weather.

“I will promote it to all my friends who are producers and directors.”

Yam has worked with many of the industry’s prominent directors, producers, and actors.

Fans flocking to greet Yam and take photos of him at the event.

He is one of the most well-known and respected figures in Hong Kong cinema.

He won the Golden Bauhinia Award twice for Best Actor (for PTU and Election) and also the Asia Pacific Screen Award’s Best Performance by an Actor for Sparrow directed by Johnnie To.

He made his Hollywood debut in 2003 as an antagonist in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, with Angelina Jolie in the titular role.

He was also in 2013’s Man of Tai Chi with Keanu Reeves.

Yam said he loved acting and attributed his long career to this passion, adding that while he could portray various roles, he was particularly recognised for his portrayal of “bad guy” characters.

“I have just wrapped up filming The Thieves 2: Red Bean, a drama set in the 1980s and when I go back to Hong Kong, I will start filming another movie with Louis Koo Tin Lok, in which I play the role of a good cop.”

He was speaking to reporters recently at Queensbay Mall where he was launching Gintell’s limited edition Spider-Man massage chair in conjunction with Parents Day.

Nearly 1,000 people turned up to meet Yam, who spoke to his fans about the massage chair, which has high-density rollers to enable deep tissue massage.

According to Yam, the rollers mimic the action of a real-life massage therapist on the neck and shoulder to reduce body tension and stress.

Several fortunate fans were invited on stage to meet Yam in person. As he was leaving the stage, he took a few wefies with them.

Also present at the launch was Gintell group managing director Datuk Goh Cheh Yak.

The company is having a massage chair promotion until Sunday.

Gintell is an international brand founded by a Malaysian entrepreneur in 1996.

With more than 100 retail outlets nationwide, the company has been certified by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest healthcare product chain in Malaysia.

Gintell was also certified twice by the Malaysia Book of Records for selling the most massage chairs and treadmills in the country.