6th December might have been an ordinary day for some, but a momentous occasion was taking place in Johor. Chinese actress Fan Bingbing (范冰冰) had managed to meet Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar!
News of Fan Bingbing’s visit was uploaded yesterday to the Johor Sultan’s Facebook, with many delighted by the actress’s visit. None more so than, Fan Bingbing’s Johor-born manager, who was overjoyed that the actress had gotten the opportunity to meet the Johor Sultan.
“As (an) Anak Johor, I am so proud that my Sultan will be the next King of Malaysia,” Bingbing’s manager, Jersey Chong explained. “We wrote officially to the Johor Istana to enquire if Bingbing could call on His Majesty. We were thrilled when the reply came that Tuanku Sultan has graciously agreed to meet Bingbing.”
Bingbing had been accompanied by her mother, Zhang Chuanmei (张传美), an entrepreneur and her younger brother, Fan Chengcheng (Adam Fan, 范丞丞), a famous pop singer and actor in China. From the photos shared, Sultan Ibrahim and Bingbing had a good time conversing and other photos showed them posing together to commemorate the occasion.
Reportedly, Bingbing made the courtesy call as part of her engagements at the 34th Singapore International Film Festival. Still, her visit delighted netizens who flooded the comments with their joy. “Wonderful to know other nationals recognise our royalty. Daulat Tuanku,” one read. “Daulat Tuanku,” another said. “She is gifted to meet our beloved King of Johor.”
Fan Bingbing is often touted as the face of global Chinese culture, and is known as one of the world’s highest paid actresses. Additionally, Bingbing also runs an artists’ management agency, a production company and cosmetics and skincare brand Fan Beauty.
Well, like other Malaysians, we too are pleased the Johor Sultan was gracious enough to grant Fan Bingbing a visit, an honour most would be envious of. We wish the actress well and hope she enjoys her time here in Malaysia.
