Nicholas Tse Turns 40

Known for his dramatic stunts on screen, actor Nicholas Tse, who has a net worth of US$139 million, loves to cook, likes straightforward people and might just be the world's next kung fu star.

Born to veteran actors Patrick Tse and Deborah Li, Nicholas spent most of his childhood in Vancouver and Phoenix, Arizona, where he was in the limelight because of his parents. Holiday photos of him and his sister were often published in magazines, and as a result, Tse would grow comfortable being in the public eye.

Following his parents' footsteps, Tse made his debut in the entertainment industry as a singer but found mainstream success in acting. He is the only actor to have won best new performer (1999), best supporting actor (2010), and best actor (2011) at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

He is a chef and an entrepreneur

Tse started cooking after he saw a TV show explaining how difficult it is to create a souffle or profiterole. "It immediately inspired me to try making them," he told CNN.

He then opened his own bakery, Chef Nic's Cookies, in 2015. Unfortunately, due to the economic downturn caused by anti-government protests and the Covid-19 pandemic in Hong Kong, the store has since closed.

Aside from the bakery, he launched a TV show in 2014 called Chef Nic where he documents his culinary endeavours with famous personalities like Jackie Chan and Fan Bingbing.

He likes it when people keep things simple

Netizens and viewers of the Netflix series J-Style Trip were surprised when Tse said he likes uncomplicated people and cites co-actor Jay Chou and rumoured love Faye Wong as examples. "Among people I know, only Jay and Faye are equally simple-hearted," he said.

Tse owns two properties at Lyndhurst Terrace in Central, Hong Kong. According to Malay Mail, quoting a report from Apple Daily, he had to slash his rental rates. One of his lots is now offered for rent for HK$82,000 (US$10,500) a month; back in 2012 it was rented out for HK$225,000 (US$29,000).

He might be the next kung fu star

Actor and director Donnie Yen thinks Tse has the potential to be a massive kung fu star. This seems apt given Tse's credentials and background: he was trained by Philip Ng, Andy On and Sammo Hung and has two decades' worth of experience acting in action films.

In an episode of America's Next Top Model Season 18, model mentor Miss Jay Alexander and Tse facilitated an action-packed acting challenge to teach a fight sequence to the models. He showed how to do a left and right hook, uppercut, and pin down an opponent, showcasing why he's one of Hong Kong's most respected action stars.

This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Handsome Prince of Malaysia

The 5th son of Malay Sultan Ibrahim Ismail of Johor is a proud military man who loves to be in the driving seat – inheriting a love of cars and bikes, but also staying in shape by playing golf, polo and sailing.

Being the fifth son of a sultan comes with its fair share of perks – one being that you are far enough away from the burden of the crown but still get to experience all the splendour that comes from being within His Royal Highness’ inner circle. Welcome to the extraordinary life the 27-year-old Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The royal lineage seems to have an affinity with racing cars and Tunku Abdul Rahman has inherited that need to get behind the wheel. In March 2019, His Highness, also known as the Tunku Paglima of Johor, marked his debut as a professional racing driver during the launch of his racing team. Like his grandfather, the Iskandar of Johor, he chose to compete in a Mercedes-Benz.

A skilled driver through and through, Tunku Abdul Rahman has also been known to sail yachts, ride motorbikes, and even manage the reins of a horse while competing in polo.

The prince isn’t one to shy away from social media, and he keeps his 500,000 Instagram followers entertained with posts and stories. And just like any regular fan, he shares shots of himself hanging out with his idols, such as MotoGP champions Marc Marquez of Spain and Australia’s Mick Doohan.

Aside from officially being known as the Tunku Panglima of Johor, Tunku Abdul Rahman was appointed a datu and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Johor while still a teen, in 2009, and was knighted in 2015, aged 22. At times, he has proudly donned his military uniform instead of civilian clothes. He once said on Instagram, “I wear my uniform with pride because I’m proud of the regiment I’m serving and also because I earned the wings and badges I have on my chest – I don’t wear them just as decorations.”

With his love for polo and car racing, it comes as no surprise that Abdul Rahman is comfortable outdoors. He spends his weekends on the golf course at times, and swims in one of the pools at the family’s official residence, Istana Bukit Serene. When he’s not staying fit by cycling, running, or riding, he participates in royal engagements, travelling by private jet when he can.

Source: SCMP