Modern Dah Kum: Tradition Keeper and Show Runner 大妗姐

In the intricate world of Chinese weddings, few roles carry the weight of heritage, superstition, and social etiquette like the Dai Kam (大妗)—a traditional female wedding emcee and consultant often tasked with orchestrating rituals, offering blessings, and ensuring customs are upheld properly. Literally known as “the elder auntie” (Dai Kam Jie 大妗姐), the Dai Kam is considered the indispensable soul of a Chinese wedding, a role traditionally filled by an older woman entrusted with guiding the couple through the complex rites. Once a figure closely associated with older generations and conservative values, the Dai Kam has evolved in recent years.

Jameson Yap Unveils Commissioned Calligraphy Series for CloutHaus Residences in Kuala Lumpur

Acclaimed Malaysian contemporary calligraphy artist Jameson Yap has unveiled a commissioned series of artworks for CloutHaus Residences, the luxury residential component of TA Global Berhad’s latest mixed-use development in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). Presented at an exclusive exhibition held at the CloutHaus Sales Gallery on May 14, the showcase marked the venue’s first major cultural activation and reflected the development’s support for local creative talent, and ambitions to position itself as a destination shaped by art, culture, and curated experiences.

Current Affairs, Community & PeopleFête ChinoiseMay 19, 2026Chinese Art, chinese artComment

A Golden Voice and Life of Triumphal Hope: Jackie Li 擁抱不是必然•李金凱

For the live audience and the thousands tuning in from their living rooms around the world, time seemed to stand still as a deep, velvety voice filled the room and stirred the souls of everyone listening. The lyrics of an Alan Tam classic were being sung with a storied richness that felt like the warm glow of love that was longed for. An unlikely silhouette emerged and Jackie Li stepped into the light to greet the judges.

Personal StoriesFête ChinoiseMay 11, 2026chinese canadian, Chinese Canadian, Personal Stories, singer, hong kong, Hong KongComment

The Ai Lian Tang Collection Returns to Christie’s Hong Kong, Achieving HK$376.7 Million and Setting a New Benchmark for Chinese Ceramics

Last week, on April 30, Christie’s Hong Kong presented “The Ai Lian Tang Collection – 800 Years of Chinese Ceramics”, achieving HK$376.7 million with all 20 lots sold. Spanning the Northern Song to Qing dynasties, the collection highlighted the enduring cultural and artistic significance of Chinese ceramics. Strong international bidding reflected sustained global demand for works with distinguished provenance and historical depth. The standout Yuan dynasty “Jinxiang Ting” narrative jar became the most valuable auction object in Asia this year to date, achieving HK$174.9 million (approximately CAD$30.6 million).

Mark Your Calendar, Current AffairsFête ChinoiseMay 8, 2026Chinese Art, chinese artComment

PAFF 2026 Lineup: Pride Asian Film Festival Returns to Toronto with Asian Cinema and Canadian Shorts

PAFF (Pride Asian Film Festival) returns to Toronto for its 2026 edition at Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, showcasing a bold lineup of Asian cinema and Canadian short films. Opening the festival is Herman Yau’s We’re Nothing At All, alongside major highlights including Juno Mak’s highly anticipated Sons of the Neon Night, the animated feature Another World, Fish Liew’s award-winning Someone Like Me, Shu Qi’s directorial debut Girl, and a special 4K restoration of Millennium Mambo starring Shu Qi, celebrating a powerful range of contemporary and classic Asian storytelling.

Current Affairs, Film & Books, Mark Your CalendarFête ChinoiseMay 8, 2026movies, Film, film, hong kong film, hong kong, Hong Kong, TaiwanComment

Reinvention in Real Time: The Many Lives of Dominic Lam 人生有戲不言悔•林嘉華

Dominic Lam once painted himself head-to-toe in red, transforming into the God of Spicy Food for a Toronto TV segment. The producers were nervous. Lam was a respected host and a veteran actor from Hong Kong. Was this really how he wanted to be seen? Lam didn’t hesitate. “If it makes people connect, I’ll do it,” he says. “That’s what matters.”

For more than 50 years, Lam has moved between professions and continents without hesitation. He’s been a police officer, television host, actor, radio personality and community builder, always learning as he goes and rarely choosing the obvious path.

Personal StoriesFête ChinoiseMay 5, 2026chinese canadian, Chinese Canadian, Personal Stories, actor, Actor, chineseactorComment

Eight Years Later: Crowd Lu Returns to Toronto with HeartBreakFast 盧廣仲《HeartBreakFast 傷心早餐店》

On April 28, 2026, Taiwanese singer-songwriter Crowd Lu 盧廣仲 brought his HeartBreakFast World Tour to Toronto. This marked his return to North America after eight years since his last visit in 2018. Toronto’s “Little Troops” (小隊員, the nickname of Crowd Lu’s fans) finally received the musical blend we had long been waiting for.

Current AffairsFête ChinoiseMay 1, 2026music, Music, hong kong, Hong Kong, concerts, CelebrityComment

Brand Builder Eugene Chan redefines how Asian brands reach International audiences 擴建餐飲文化版圖 • 陳汝軒

As a child, Eugene Chan spent Saturday nights wedged between relatives and neighbours in bustling Chinese restaurants north of Toronto, plates clattering, chopsticks flashing, laughter cresting above the din. Yet, even in the warmth of community, he noticed an absence. “Why,” he wondered, “are these places always full, but never with a single westerner?” The question lingered for years. It’s now the driving force behind Accencis Group, the company Chan founded to help Asian-led brands break new ground, connecting with audiences across Canada and into new markets.

Personal StoriesFête ChinoiseMay 1, 2026chinese canadian, Chinese Canadian, Personal StoriesComment

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Thoughtful Luxury Gifts & Toronto Experiences to Celebrate Mom 2026 母親節送禮推薦

Mother’s Day is a collective moment to honour the women who shape our lives through quiet gestures, enduring care, and unwavering presence, and to express our gratitude. This year, our edit brings together a considered mix of objects and experiences: timeless jewellery, elevated essentials, and meaningful time together over a special meal. From pieces she’ll wear every day to moments you can share around the table, enjoy beauty, function, and a sense of lasting connection.

Objects of DesireFête ChinoiseMay 1, 2026mother's day, gift guide, GiftingComment

Between Journeys: Cathay Pacific Reopens The Wing, First Lounge in Hong Kong

For travellers passing through Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific has reopened its flagship lounge The Wing, First at Hong Kong International Airport on April 22, 2026, marking a renewed expression of its signature First Class experience. Located on the east side of Terminal 1, the lounge was reimagined by Cathay Pacific’s long-time collaborator, London-based design studio Studioilse. The redesign shapes a more holistic environment where comfort, privacy, and craft come together.

Design Dialogue, Food and LifestyleFête ChinoiseApril 30, 2026Cathay Pacific, design, Travel, travelComment

GALLERY: Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards 2026 Lights Up Montreal

The Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards was held in Montreal for the first time on April 23, 2026, honouring RVNG, École de Pensée, Coco Rocha, and Ashley Galang alongside Canada’s leading designers and creatives in fashion, beauty, and styling.

Current Affairs, Art and FashionFête ChinoiseApril 24, 2026fashion, Fashion, CelebrityComment

Biblio Bash 2026 Raises Over $1M for Toronto Public Library’s After School Clubs

The Toronto Public Library (TPL) Foundation’s Biblio Bash held its 2026 edition at the Toronto Reference Library on April 23, 2026, once again transforming the iconic atrium into an evening where storytelling and philanthropy converged. The annual black-tie fundraiser welcomed more than 400 of Toronto’s leading philanthropists, city builders, and literary voices, raising over $1 million in support of youth-focused programming across the city.

Community & People, Current AffairsFête ChinoiseApril 24, 2026Toronto Public Library, Events, CommunityComment