By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 15: Legendary Hong Kong actor and producer Simon Yam says Sarawak has become a place he calls home, ever since his first visit 30 years ago to work on a tourism documentary.
He recalled a memorable experience where he had to travel to rural areas by river, where it took him about four hours to reach a particular longhouse, reflecting on the warm hospitality he received.
“Today, I understand the journey takes only about an hour,” he said, describing the people of Sarawak as exceptionally friendly and hospitable.
Yam also shared that he knows Sarawak’s iconic dishes well, such as Kolok Mee and Laksa.
“I love Sarawak white pepper and Sarawak Laksa. Whenever I’m here, I have laksa every day—both for lunch and dinner,” he told reporters at a press conference during a Meet and Greet Session while on the Kuching Royal Cruise along the Sarawak River today.
Meanwhile, he said that his continued ‘hunger’ and curiosity for creating quality films is what has kept him in the industry after five decades.
He elaborated that this aspiration has continued to drive his passion and curiosity for producing quality films and taking on a wide range of roles.
“These are the qualities I have instilled in myself as an actor, despite not having any formal acting classes.
“To me, these are important prerequisites for me to stay in the film industry,” he told reporters at a press conference during a meet and greet session while on the Kuching Royal Cruise along the Sarawak River today.
He said that his acting career taught him to work hard, and he considers himself blessed to have worked with professional Hong Kong film crews over the years.
He said he deeply admired their dedication and discipline, wherever their film work took them around the world.
“We are always together, and this sense of camaraderie is one of the greatest lessons an actor can gain over the years,” he enthused.
Regarding the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA), where he is a celebrity guest, he said that creating films across diverse cultures will be instrumental to strengthening the film industry in the ASEAN region.
“It serves as a platform for film industries from diverse cultural backgrounds to come together as one. In other words, AIFFA is a platform of unity for all ASEAN filmmakers.”
He later met his fans at the Kuching Waterfront, where he took selfies, signed autographs, and handed out his AIFFA T-shirts.
Deputy of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datu Sherrina Hussaini, and AIFFA Festival Director Livan Tajang were also present at the event. — DayakDaily
