PUTRAJAYA, May 13 – Hong Kong movie star Simon Yam may be best known for playing triad boss roles but the veteran actor could not be more different in person.
Yam, who was in town for a Gintell Mother’s Day event in IOI City Mall, spent his afternoon handing out roses and heart-shaped pillows to some 300 fans who gathered to catch a glimpse of him.
For his wife Qi Qi and daughter Ella back home, Mother’s Day was a low-key affair.
“Since I’m away from my daughter and wife, I sent my family some pictures along with a message to say how important mothers are,” Yam told Malay Mail.
“Love and warmth are the best things my mother gave me. My dad died when I was 11 and my mum single-handedly raised me.”
At the event, the 63-year-old who was complimented for his youthful appearance also shared his secrets to staying young.
“Eat less, tak mau gula (no sugar), tak mau garam (no salt), and less oil,” he said, in a mix of Cantonese and Malay, impressing the crowd.
“I enjoy outdoor activities like jogging and swimming.”
With a career spanning over four decades, Yam said being young at heart helps him keep up with the film industry.
“On top of doing what I love best which is acting, I have a passion for life and connecting with people,” he said, adding that he has a knack for communicating with young people.
Known for films such as Election, Young and Dangerous and Hollywood action-adventure flick Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life as well as Mrs K which was directed by Malaysian Ho Yuhang, Yam will next star in Justice in Northwest, a thriller about cross-border smuggling and drug trafficking.
“It’s a film that has a strong message about staying away from drugs,” he said.
