The Main Cast of 'Nisha' Visits Penang for Promotion, Director Recommends Local Cuisine Like Family

Penang-born Malaysian director Ke Wenli brought his new film 'Nisha' along with three leading actors, Huang Xiaoming, Janine Chang, and Shen Hao, back to his hometown Penang for a promotional tour. As a "half-Penangite," Janine Chang and her boyfriend Ke Wenli acted like locals, enthusiastically recommending various Penang delicacies to Huang Xiaoming, making his first visit to Penang feel just like coming home!

As one of the leads, Huang Xiaoming specially took leave to support the promotional event for 'Nisha' in Penang. At the media press conference on Saturday (January 24), he said this was his second visit to Malaysia, but his first time in Penang.

“I haven't been to Malaysia in a long time; it feels just like coming home because Director Ke is like 'family.' I especially love the people, scenery, and cuisine here in Penang. I believe I'll come here more often in the future.”

He revealed that watching 'Nisha' was really satisfying for him, and this time he has a major breakthrough in his performance in the film. He said it's been a long time since he played such a role, noting that the contrast before and after is significant, which is a good thing for an actor.

He believes that such a great film is well worth the effort to come all the way to Penang for promotion, and called on everyone to support 'Nisha.' The movie has already been a box office champion in China for several days, and he hopes it will be a big hit in Malaysia as well.

Director Ke Wenli also praised Huang Xiaoming for his dedication on set, saying he was not afraid to do multiple takes and delivered precise performances every time. He was also very considerate to both the crew and fellow actors.

He also revealed that Huang Xiaoming especially loves bak kut teh. While filming, a member of the crew brought ingredients from Penang to Qingdao, China, so that they could make bak kut teh and Penang prawn noodles for everyone on set.

Janine Chang, regarded as “half a Penangite,” also blended in with the locals, greeting at the press conference in Hokkien: “Hello, Happy New Year!” Even Huang Xiaoming and Shen Hao, both from Qingdao, China, asked her to teach them how to greet the locals in the southern dialect. Subsequently, all three actors, led by MC Aki, enthusiastically greeted everyone in Malay, saying “Selamat Pagi” (Good Morning).

Janine Chang shared that in her previous film 'Lost in the Stars,' she played a tragic mother, but this time she's a “cool police detective,” making her exclaim, “This time, I'm back for revenge!”

“Previously, 'Lost in the Stars' was entirely shot in Penang, which gave me plenty of time to explore local delicacies like rice noodle soup and koay teow. The very first thing I did when I came back was go and eat some good food—this morning we already had delicious rice noodle soup for breakfast.”

She and Director Ke also recommended various Penang specialties to first-timer Huang Xiaoming, including her favorites like laksa, char koay teow, Hainanese chicken rice, curry noodles, bak kut teh, and more.

Having previously participated in the film 'Lost in the Stars,' Shen Hao said he felt very blessed to collaborate once again with Ke Wenli in 'Nisha.'

Shen Hao revealed that during the filming of 'Lost in the Stars,' he did not actually meet “sister” Janine Chang on set, but this time in 'Nisha,' he tightly protects his sister, leading Janine Chang to call him a “reliable bro.”

Janine Chang laughed and replied, saying every person should have a warm, supportive man like “Hao Hao” at their side.

'Nisha' will premiere nationwide in Malaysia on Saturday (January 29). On Saturday morning, Ke Wenli led Huang Xiaoming, Janine Chang, Shen Hao, and the main production crew in a series of promotional events in Penang.

At the press conference, Ke Wenli shared his special excitement bringing the film back to share with his hometown crowd, and thanked the three actors for coming to fight alongside him in Penang to promote the movie.

At the event, Ke Wenli led the lead actors, production team, and guests in a ribbon-removal ceremony. He explained that the red ribbon appearing in the film is a symbol of gifts and also a label of objectification of women, so this ceremony aimed to tear off the red ribbon of objectification.

He believes women should not be objectified but should instead be respected.