Honestly successful

MALAYSIA is a very special place to me because my mom and dad met here in this beautiful country, where the people are nice and the food is great,” shared Joyce Cheng Yan Yee during a press conference recently in Kuala Lumpur for local Chinese New Year flick Huat Ah! Huat Ah! Huat.

The 26-year-old Canadian-born Hong Kong-based artiste, daughter of Hong Kong stars Adam Cheng and the late Lydia Shum, was revealed as the made-inMalaysia film’s lead actress.

Cast as a fishmonger named Xiao Ping in the US$1mil (RM3.2mil) comedy, the cheery actress is prepared to portray a full-figured character in the movie.

“I have not stopped eating ever since I got off the plane. The food is wonderful, but I am not skinny to begin with, so need I actually eat that much?” she jested.

“She enjoys spicy food as much as we Malaysians do. In fact, she can even eat super spicy small chillies without batting an eyelid,” chorused the film’s director Tan Boon Huat and lead actor Aniu (Tan Kheng Seong), who plays her love interest Ah Huat, an autistic man with an extraordinary sense of smell and a unique ability to brew the perfect cup of coffee.

Child actors Leong Sawyer, 5, and Bosvin Chen Chung Kai, 8, were also unveiled during the press conference.

Huat Ah! Huat Ah! Huat revolves around a young man named Ah Huat, who strives for success, armed with his motto that “honesty is the best policy”.

As the main character in the movie, Ah Huat reflects the typical Malaysian Chinese guy who treats everyone with kindness and sincerity.

The movie is jointly produced by Golden Screen Cinemas, Clover Films, and Very Good Movie, with The Star’s 988 as the official radio station.

The movie commenced filming last week in Kuala Lumpur and will continue in other locations like Serendah, Selangor and Rasah, Negri Sembilan.

Filming is due to be completed before Hari Raya.

Huat Ah! Huat Ah! Huat will be released during Chinese New Year next year.