Taiwan-based Malaysian actor Frederick Lee comes home to film new drama: 'My roots are here'

Taiwan-based actor Frederick Lee (middle), who was born in Malacca, is excited to finally work on a Malaysian project after years. Photo: Loo Aye Keng/Facebook

Taiwan-based actor Frederick Lee, who has been absent from Malaysia's film industry for several years, has returned to the country to shoot his new drama, The Hidden Dragon. Shooting began Thursday (Sept 14).

Speaking to local reporters, Lee said that he felt "touched" after receiving local director Teddy Chin's offer to star in the upcoming drama, slated for release next year, as he had not starred in a Malaysian production for years.

His last listed Malaysian project, as per IMDB.com, is the 2018 film Rise: Ini Kalilah.

"Having seen the script and considering the fact that it's been such a long time since I last filmed in Malaysia and my roots are here, I've always wanted to return for a filming project.

"However, I have not receive any offers to film in Malaysia in recent years (until The Hidden Dragon)," the Melaka-born actor said.

Lee, 47, also told Sin Chew Daily that he loves Malaysia very much and returns here often.

"I will keep travelling back and forth (from Taiwan). I don't plan to stay there all the time as I love Malaysia too. My family is also here," he explained.

Lee will be starring opposite Chinese actor Guo Xiaodong in The Hidden Dragon.

The drama also stars Malaysian singer Daniel Chezi, radio announcer Royce Tan and actresses Loo Aye Keng and Jojo Goh.