Malaysian fans gathered for an exciting afternoon as iQIYI International Global Ambassador Cheng Lei made his first-ever appearance in Malaysia with iQIYI at iQIYI Starship 2026, held today at Sunway Velocity Mall, Kuala Lumpur.
The event brought Cheng Lei closer to local audiences through interactive games and memorable on-stage moments, followed by a dedicated press conference.
The afternoon kicked off with fans gathering to welcome Cheng Lei and experience a more playful side of the actor beyond his on-screen roles.
A highlight of the afternoon was seeing him learn Malay phrases and playfully use them to charm the crowd, drawing enthusiastic cheers and laughter. The exchange added a distinctly Malaysian touch to his first iQIYI STARSHIP appearance in the country.
The atmosphere grew more heartfelt as Cheng Lei read messages from fans and watched a touching fan video, creating a warm, meaningful connection with the audience.
At the close of the public event, Yang Xianghua, President of iQIYI International, presented Cheng Lei with a commemorative award in recognition of his role as iQIYI International Global Ambassador.
Dinesh Ratnam, Senior Managing Director of iQIYI Southeast Asia, said: “Bringing iQIYI Starship to Malaysia for the second time this year reflects the strength of this market and the growing local engagement with Chinese entertainment. Following previous appearances by artists such as Luo Zheng,
Chen Zheyuan and Esther Yu, we are delighted to welcome Cheng Lei and bring him closer to Malaysian fans. Through drama promotions, fan events and exclusive experiences, iQIYI Starship allows us to extend entertainment beyond the screen and strengthen the connection between Chinese artists and local audiences.”
Cheng Lei’s popularity continues to grow among international audiences, supported by a strong portfolio of Chinese dramas. His starring drama 'How Dare You!?' has become one of iQIYI International’s top C-dramas, with his portrayal of Xiahou Dan, a “transmigrated tyrant” full of striking contrasts, resonating strongly with viewers.
His other popular works, including Legend of the Female General and Shadow Love, are also eagerly anticipating his upcoming drama, 'Leading Stars'.
Cheng Lei shared: “This is my first time joining iQIYI Starship in Malaysia, and I’m truly happy to meet everyone here. The welcome has been incredibly warm, and seeing everyone’s enthusiasm in person has made this visit even more memorable. I’m very grateful for the support and hope to return to Malaysia in the future.” (For updates, follow: Instagram: @iqiyimalaysia; TikTok: @iqiyi_malaysia; Facebook: iQIYI Malaysia)
