Signing Newcomers Led to Heartbreak: Pan Mei-chen Hesitant to Perform in Malaysia

Mandopop’s “Queen of a Thousand Concerts” Pan Mei-chen revealed the reason behind her years-long absence from performing in Malaysia, confessing that a long-standing emotional scar held her back. She couldn't help but laugh, saying: “It’s been so long since I’ve been here. I really miss you all, but I just didn't quite dare to come. I know you’d scold me!”
 On Saturday night at the Genting Arena of Stars, Pan held her “Homecoming” 2025 World Tour concert. Having debuted for 37 years, she frequently came to Malaysia to promote her albums in her early years, and even performed here with Zhao Chuan in 2016. However, she had never held her own tour in Malaysia. Jokingly, she remarked, “Maybe the organizers think my performance fee is too high and are afraid to invite me! Honestly, all these years I have never forgotten my Malaysian fans—this is from the bottom of my heart. I hope in the future, so long as I haven’t retired, I can keep coming back to sing for everyone before I bow out.” The crowd erupted in agreement and applause.

She also opened up about the “secret” that kept her from coming to Malaysia for more than a decade. Pan shared, “I once signed a newcomer from Malaysia, and brought him to Taipei to prepare for his debut. Without telling me, he took part in a competition. Fearing he’d breach his contract and that I’d hold him accountable, he blocked me. Later, he actually won the competition, but on his big winning day, after thanking those around him, he said he didn’t know me. That really broke my heart. I’m unsure if it was just a misunderstanding, or if I didn’t communicate well with him. Afterwards, he did apologize to me. Honestly, there’s still some pain inside. I keep wondering if coming here means I’ll accidentally ruin his career, or if I shouldn’t have come. I just hope he’s doing well now. I’m actually a simple person, willing to teach and support, and all I hope is that everyone walks their path well—so that before I retire, I can leave some beauty to the world.”
During the concert, Pan appeared in her usual androgynous style. The instant her classic melodies played, the entire crowd joined in in a full sing-along, transporting everyone back in time. Songs like “It’s You,” “You’re My Only Love,” “Ice That Refuses to Melt,” “I Want a Home,” and “I Could Die for You”, all sent fans into waves of nostalgia.

Deeply grateful to Malaysian fans, Pan shared that at performances in many places, she’s asked to wear dresses or make changes, “Only Malaysian fans accept all of me—they don’t ask me to wear dresses. With you, I feel completely unrestrained. My performance may be a bit casual today, so please don’t mind.” During the show, Pan candidly called her stylist to the stage to touch up her makeup and wipe her hair, and, because she had a cold, held a nasal inhaler onstage. At one point, while singing “Don’t Go, Don’t Go,” she was sweating and had the stylist come out and dab her sweat, and because she lost control of her emotions, she even restarted the song.
Throughout the concert, Pan showcased her skills on the guitar, piano, drums, and dance, and even brought her student Li Zongna onstage to tackle Cantonese songs like “Monica,” “Love Escort,” and “Love Trap.” She also introduced her pride in her brother Pan Xieqing’s work: “My brother became a hit songwriter without my knowing and composed so many great pieces. But, he’s never written one for me. Honestly, his songs are hard to sing, and really don’t suit me.” She then performed “When Love Gets Close” and “Ice Rain.”

For the interactive segment, instead of Pan singing for fans, she had fans sing for her—but only “deep cuts” were allowed! This challenge was for true “hardcore fans” only. The four chosen fans rose to the challenge, impressing Pan, who offered each a thumbs-up. After a roughly two-and-a-half-hour “Homecoming” concert, the evening ended with waves of nostalgia, and even as fans exited the venue, many were still humming her tunes, keeping the energy alive.