Fans in Malaysia were treated to an electrifying night as iQIYI Starship 2026 made its highly anticipated debut in Kuala Lumpur, headlined by iQIYI International Global Ambassador, Esther Yu (虞书欣).
Organised by iQIYI International, Asia’s leading streaming platform, the event brought together more than 1,000 audiences, including iQIYI Malaysia Annual VIP customers, media, partners, and fans, reflecting Esther Yu’s immense popularity in Malaysia and the growing appetite among Malaysians for premium Asian entertainment.
A Star Arrival That Brought Malaysian Audiences Closer Than Ever
From the moment she stepped on stage, Esther Yu captivated the crowd with her signature charm and warmth. The event featured a series of engaging segments, including an exclusive media Q&A, on-stage games, and special fan moments. Local personalities such as Moses Wong, Jestinna Kuan, and Rasyidah Binti Abu Johan also participated, bringing fans closer to the star than ever.
One of the evening’s standout highlights saw Esther Yu attempting Malay phrases live on stage, earning loud cheers from the audience as she embraced local culture and connected with fans in a heartfelt and personal way.
One of the evening’s standout highlights saw Esther Yu attempting Malay phrases live on stage, earning loud cheers from the audience as she embraced local culture and connected with fans in a heartfelt and personal way.
Celebrating the Success of Speed and Love
The evening also marked a celebration of Speed and Love, an iQIYI Original C-Drama which has gained strong traction with audiences across Southeast Asia. Esther Yu’s portrayal of Jiang Mu has resonated deeply with audiences, earning her the title of iQIYI Malaysia’s 2025 Most Popular Modern C-Drama Female Character — a testament to the character’s emotional impact and widespread appeal.
Expressing her gratitude on stage, Esther Yu shared, “I’m so happy to meet everyone in Malaysia. I’ve felt so much love and support for me, and I hope I can come back again soon.”
A Celebration Beyond the Screen: Bringing Fans Closer Than Ever
More than just a fan event, iQIYI Starship 2026 in Malaysia showcased how entertainment is evolving beyond the screen. Reflecting the growing popularity of C-Dramas in Malaysia, the event underscores iQIYI’s strategy to bridge digital entertainment with real-world experiences, deepening connections between audiences and the stars they love.
As one of iQIYI’s key initiatives to drive the globalisation of Chinese content, iQIYI STARSHIP brings together immersive on-ground experiences, celebrity interactions, and curated content showcases, enabling audiences to connect more deeply with Chinese storytelling in a meaningful and experiential way.
A key highlight of the evening was a special lucky draw, where 80 lucky fans were selected for exclusive group photo sessions with Esther Yu, turning admiration into unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Commenting on the significance of Malaysia as the first stop of iQIYI Starship 2026, Dinesh Ratnam, Senior Managing Director of iQIYI Southeast Asia, said, “Malaysia is an increasingly important market for iQIYI in Southeast Asia, and we are excited to bring iQIYI Starship 2026 here as a meaningful way to connect with audiences beyond the screen. With Esther Yu’s special appearance in Malaysia and the strong love shown for Speed and Love, this is a special opportunity to celebrate fandom, stories and shared entertainment experiences together.”
For updates, fans can follow iQIYI’s Instagram (@iqiyimalaysia ), TikTok (@iqiyi_malaysia) and Facebook (iQIYI Malaysia).
