Joey Yung returns to Malaysia after a year and will perform at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on July 13th for his first major concert in Malaysia since his debut, titled "Joey Yung's 'Forever' Concert." At 67, he humorously joked at the press conference, reminiscing about his previous concert in Genting where he, with good intentions, sang two Malay songs for his Malaysian fans only to end up "making a mess of things." "That was really my mistake!" he laughed, "I was surprised to find out that people didn't really want to hear me sing Malay songs, they just wanted to hear my Mandarin songs. So this year, no Malay songs, hahaha!"
Talking about this time 'coming down the mountain' to host a concert, he joked, "After singing in Genting last year, I felt the audience wasn't large enough, so I told the organizers, why not choose a bigger venue, and it actually worked out!" This time, the show moves to the Axiata Arena, which can accommodate over ten thousand people, with a fully upgraded scale and stage arrangement. He revealed that the performance will include many new elements, such as performing new songs and reinterpreting classic works by Qiong Yao and Liu Jia Chang, paying tribute to these two heavyweights in the Chinese music scene through music, "We will connect and pass on their stories through music."
When asked if he would be inviting guest performers, he kept it mysterious: "Can't say, but I can give a 'hint'... like how Lee Yi Jun and Nicky Wu were in the Tokyo show last year, so there will definitely be surprises this time!"
Returning to the stage for touring in recent years, Joey confidently stated, "My voice and health are both in good condition." He also revealed that he set a goal for himself on his birthday last year to complete 30 concerts before turning 70, "I've already scheduled 15 shows, and at this pace, I will certainly reach the target next year or the year after." He also expressed sentimentally that although many places he might only visit once in a lifetime, there are a few cities he will always remember: "Taipei, Shanghai, and Malaysia are places I will definitely return to again."
Mentioning the concert theme "Forever," Joey reflected, "I debuted in 1984, and this year marks the 41st year. Not every singer can perform for so long; I often tell the audience from the stage—give me two hours, and I will give you my 40 years. That's my expectation of 'forever.'"
Joey has a deep connection with Malaysia, having been awarded the title of "Datuk Wira" in 2018. He generously revealed that he invested in properties in Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, and now comes to Malaysia for short stays every month or two. He expressed a great love for Malaysia's lifestyle pace and has planned a "semi-retirement," saying, "I wish to spend four months each year living in Malaysia. I love Malaysia; the cost of living is reasonable, even a bit cheap, Malaysians are simple, with modest ambitions and simplistic lives."
He also jokingly mentioned that his new home next to a golf course in Malacca is undergoing renovation and expected to be completed by July, "I will invite media friends to my home for a visit and also to promote Malacca!"