Penang's Festive Atmosphere: Joel Chan, Bob Lam, and Benjamin Yuen Rekindle Childhood Memories

Hong Kong stars Joel Chan (陈山聪), Bob Lam (林盛斌), and Benjamin Yuen (梁烈唯) headed north to Penang to promote the Chinese New Year film Mama, Getting Married Again, unanimously praising the thick local festive atmosphere. The lively streets and celebratory vibe evoked fond childhood memories of celebrating Lunar New Year in Hong Kong.

Joel Chan described the New Year atmosphere in Penang as very traditional, “It's just like when we were young—with red lanterns hanging everywhere and many festive decorations.” He feels Penang is relatively quiet compared to the bustling Kuala Lumpur, but it has its own unique charm. For example, around the main office of Kwong Wah Yit Poh on Penang's Jalan Datuk Keramat, many double-storey old shophouses are still preserved.

Bob candidly said that Penang's festive atmosphere is even stronger than Hong Kong’s, “People in Penang really love Chinese New Year. Both in homes and on the streets, decorations are everywhere; the atmosphere is much more intense than in Hong Kong.”

Benjamin Yuen strongly agreed, lamenting that Hong Kong now almost lacks any festive spirit, “The feeling of Chinese New Year in Penang is just like how it was in my childhood in Hong Kong. In the 1980s, the New Year was a major event, with many customs, rituals, and activities for everyone to celebrate together.”

To promote the Chinese New Year film Mama, Getting Married Again, Malaysian director Chiu Li-Chien led Joel Chan, Bob Lam, and Benjamin Yuen in an appearance on the “Kwong Wah Spring Gala.” In an exclusive interview with Kwong Wah Yit Poh earlier, the three lead actors from Hong Kong each shared their impressions of Penang.

Joel Chan revealed that during this promotional trip to Penang, he especially arranged a morning run with his old friend “Brother Hak” Philip Keung (姜皓文). He joked that, since Keung now lives in Penang and their activities didn't start too early the next day, he invited Keung for a run at 6:30 am.

“I often run with him in Hong Kong. I’ve also run a lot in Penang before, but this time, thanks to him leading the way, I discovered a new bridge here, and we did a 10km run.”

Joel Chan and Philip Keung went for a run last Saturday (the 7th) morning at the new Gurney Bridge on Andaman Island, a new Penang landmark. Afterwards, Philip Keung posted a photo of the two of them on social media, sparking envy among netizens, many of whom expressed a desire to run with the two fit actors.

When asked whether “Brother Hak” played host and took him to explore Penang’s delicacies, Joel Chan admitted that, because of a packed schedule, they only had a cup of coffee after the run before rushing to work.

He also observed that, although the overall look of Penang hasn’t changed much, there are now quite a few new high-rise buildings and residences, the seaside city environment is “excellent,” and he truly loves Penang food. He has recorded many videos to share with his family and plans to return in the future with his wife and child.

Benjamin Yuen shared that he has previously visited Penang many times for filming and especially loves that you can see the sea everywhere. The sunshine and ocean are a source of important vitality for him, and being here makes him feel comfortable.

He said, Penang’s abundance of small shops and street food is overwhelming—if you want to try every restaurant here, you’d really need to stay a long time. Bob Lam immediately chimed in with a laugh, saying, then you’ll end up in Bob’s size. Benjamin Yuen snapped back, “Turning into him is not so easy.”

Having filmed, hosted events, and performed in Penang many times, Bob Lam has long harbored a special affection for both Malaysia and Penang. He noted that Bak Kut Teh tastes different throughout Malaysia and that Penang and Kuala Lumpur each have their own flavor. As a self-professed “noodle lover,” he named Char Koay Teow, shredded chicken rice noodles, and bean sprout chicken among his favorites.

He revealed that after work the previous night, he enjoyed Penang’s famous Green House Hokkien Mee and stir-fried noodles with the team. He relishes the feeling of having supper together after a day of work.

Director Chiu Li-Chien (far left) and the three stars appear at the “Kwong Wah Spring Gala.”Mama, Getting Married Again Centers on Warmth; Director Chiu Li-Chien: We Want Resonance

Speaking about the film, director Chiu Li-Chien pointed out that Mama, Getting Married Again is the only full Cantonese drama among his works, and it’s a warm-hearted Cantonese-style comedy, different from local CNY films by Jack Lim or Diu Cheng this year.

“Diu Cheng’s Parasite Underworld is about gangster world, and Ah Beng vs. Granny Leong combines two big IPs; ours is more of a vignette, hoping to be more grounded and relatable.”

He said that though the movie has Cantonese flair, it also incorporates many familiar Malaysian life elements, like roti canai and air suam (warm water), hoping to resonate with local audiences.

He also joked, his favorite audience feedback would be: “Laughed from beginning to end, even nearly laughed to the point of wetting themselves,” and hopes viewers can also find something moving amidst the laughter.

Screenwriter Benjamin Yuen noted that since Malaysia, and Penang especially, boasts a strong Chinese New Year spirit and people here are extra sentimental, the movie’s aim is for viewers to feel more caring and cherish those around them, especially family, after watching.

“Sometimes we squabble with parents over a trivial sentence and then don’t talk for ages, but such things are really insignificant in life.” He suggests that during New Year, it’s good to call and greet parents, or even go to the movies together as a family.

He emphasized that although the movie didn’t have a large production budget, all the necessary elements are still present. Much effort was put into the script, especially in terms of structure and plot twists, hoping viewers won’t easily guess what comes next.

Joel Chan emphasized that although the movie has its share of comedic moments, it’s absolutely a family-friendly CNY film. At the earlier premiere in Butterworth, four cinemas screened it and many students and children attended.

“A lot of kids have also messaged and tagged me on Instagram, saying it was great and hilarious.”

He hopes that after watching the film, audiences will bravely say a word about “love” to their partner, parents, siblings, or friends.

Bob described it as a “sincerely made” New Year film, not something done half-heartedly—this spirit permeated preparation, shooting, and post-production, so audiences can really feel the team’s dedication.