Penny Phan, Veteran Entertainment Figure Who Made Stars of Crystal Ong, Four Golden Princesses and Other Child Stars, Passes Away

 

Penny Phan, a veteran figure in the local entertainment industry who helped launch the careers of child stars like Crystal Ong, Four Golden Princesses and was considered one of the masterminds behind the “Eight Superstars”, passed away on June 17th due to kidney failure resulting from complications and infection following intestinal surgery. She was 72.

With a career spanning over 40 years in the Malaysian entertainment scene, Penny Phan was renowned as a key driving force behind the golden age of local child stars. She served as director for Asia Records and Wei Yang Entertainment, actively participating in record production, artiste management, and concert planning. Throughout the 1990s, she discovered and cultivated child star groups such as Crystal Ong, Four Golden Princesses, Seven Fairies, and was also involved in the Chinese New Year album series “Eight Superstars”.

From the era of cassette tapes to VCDs, she coordinated the production of multiple child star and festive albums and music videos, including “Double Stars Brings Good News”, “Asia Records All Stars Celebrate CNY”, “Crystal Ong Golden Collection of Folk Songs” series, “Seven Fairies: Retrospective of 1993’s Hottest Hits” and “Eight Superstars: Beijing Joyfully Celebrates Spring” and more. She witnessed and promoted the golden era of local child star culture, and is also regarded as one of the pivotal figures behind the legendary “Eight Superstars” of the local Chinese New Year music market.

In recent years, she turned her career focus to the tourism industry, running a travel agency with her family and leading local artistes and fans on domestic and international tours. She was also part of the executive council of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA). Earlier in April this year, she led a group to Xi’an, China, including members of the Four Golden Princesses and the family of the late artiste Zhuang Qunshi.

After news of her passing broke, many artistes and singers who were mentored by her, including Jiang Menglei, Huang Xiaofeng, Huang Mingde, and Sun Yiling, expressed their grief. They thanked her for her years of support and care in their artistic careers and commemorated her significant contributions to the local entertainment industry.

According to a notice from her family, Penny Phan’s wake is held at Hall 12, Ji Shan Tang, Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur, with a funeral ceremony taking place at 9 a.m. on the 20th. The remains will then be moved to Kepong Crematorium for cremation.