SINJE LEE'S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT IN 'DEAR CHILD, HOW ARE YOU?' DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Sinje Lee juggles her directorial debut with her producer role and a member of the cast

Golden Horse Award-winning actress Sinje Lee produced, directed and starred in ‘Dear Child, How Are You?’, a documentary series by Little Yellow Flower Foundation. 

Not only is Lee the executive producer of the entire series, she also makes her directorial debut for one of the documentary episodes, “Hilltop House”. The series explores the theme of "love”: family relationships, parenting styles, and the interactive communication of love between parents, educators, and children.

 
Two other episodes in the series, directed by emerging directors Tan Seng Kiat and Kethsvin Chee respectively, feature Sinje Lee in the lead role, sharing her life story in ‘The Journey of Sinje’, and about two families who homeschool their children in ‘We Rode An Ostrich’.

Sinje with her sons in her hometown

In ‘The Journey of Sinje', Lee accompanies her children to explore nature and cultivate interests such as drawing amidst her busy work schedule; highlighting different educational system from the perspective of a career-oriented mother and her views on education as well as different educational philosophies.
 
Focusing on Waldorf education in her directorial ‘Hilltop House’ episode, Lee shares how each family faces different educational problems, and cites the importance of teachers, parents, and children in the education process. 

Communing with Nature...Sinje and her twin sons

Sinje Lee says: “I never thought about directing for the first time, shooting a documentary I'm not good at. It comes from my love for children. I hope through this documentary, everyone can once again feel the power of truth, kindness, and beauty.”
 
She candidly admits as a director, she had to change her way of thinking, and gained lots of invaluable experiences as the filming period for documentaries is longer than for that for movies.
 
In her maiden role as producer, director and a member of the cast, she faced numerous challenges from the planning stages to the actual filming, but with the production crew team’s assistance and her husband, Oxide Pang’s support, she overcame everything.

The adorable young cast of Dear Child, How Are You?

Initially hesitant to share her complete three-generation family story in ‘The Journey of Sinje’, the low-profile Lee gives audience insights of her real life and educational beliefs after Sylvia Chang encouraged her to be honest and sincere in her creative process. Lee hopes her life story will bring encouragement and hope to everyone.  
 
Founded in 2007 by Sinje Lee and her celebrity friends: Charlie Young, Gigi Leung and Valen Hsu, Little Yellow Flower Foundation aims to spread love and hope, and make a difference in children’s lives.  

Children from Hilltop House

 
Through their collective love for children and concern for children’s welfare, the Foundation has provided assistance for children in need, regardless of nationality or social standing, through educational environment enhancement and giving the children better educational opportunities, to help create a better future for them. 

‘Dear Child, How Are You?’ was officially released on 13 April 2023. More information available in FB: https://www.facebook.com/littleyellowflowerfoundation     
 
‘Dear Child, How Are You?’  Movie Trailer Link: https://fb.watch/jRSBGLOWGv/?mibextid=MO6U97  
 
The Making of Video for ‘The Journey of Sinje’ Movie Link:
https://youtu.be/iNHWnoN0Cz4 
 
The Making of Video for ‘Hilltop House’ Movie Link：https://fb.watch/jN6xA1M353/?mibextid=RUbZ1f            
 

MALAYSIAN TEAM AT THE COUPE DU MONDE DE LA PÂTISSERIE

Patrick Siau (2nd from right), Head Chef and Teaching Fellow, and Coach for the Malaysia National Pastry team will be leading the Malaysia National Pastry Team comprising Chefs Tan Wei Loon, Otto Tay and Loi Ming Ai at the famous Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie - World Pastry Cup in Lyon, France.

An exclusive dinner was hosted by The School of Hospitality at Sunway University to bid the team good luck as they prepare to pitch their skills at the World Pastry Cup — an international competition which takes place every two years where the world’s best pastry chefs pitch their skills against each other. Last year the team emerged champion in

the 2018 Asian Pastry Cup (APC) in Singapore and won the ‘Best Display’ award, proving they are a creative force to be reckoned with.

Chef Patrick said, “I am proud to represent Malaysia at the world stage once again. With strong will, passion and patience, I have always challenged myself to perfect the art of pastry production, ensuring innovative and exciting ends results.”

He also thanked Professor Stephenson, and his colleagues at Sunway University’s School of Hospitality especially the chefs and, the food and beverage team for their trust and full support. “We look forward to bringing glory and honour to our country.”

Prior to his appointment by the Professional Culinaire Association, Malaysia as Team Coach for the Asian Pastry Cup 2018, Chef Patrick had previously participated in the 2010 edition and the World Pastry Cup in 2011 as the Malaysia National Pastry Team Captain.

Chef Tan Wei Loon admitted preparing for the competition is a challenge as the team comprises individuals working in different areas. They have to allocate time for practice and discussions. 

Both Chefs Otto Tay and Loi Ming Ai also have their own challenges to overcome but Chef Patrick remains confident they stand a chance at nabbing a top three spot in the competition.

Chef Patrick then worked with Sunway University Chefs Soon Pau Voon, Lee Han Ying, Chong Wei Tzeh, Yee Suet Rene and Nur Amirah to create a special four-course dinner for the evening. The menu featured Yu Sheng with Smoked Duck, Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Longan, Salmon with Butternut Squash and Baby Nai Pak. Guests were later treated to chocolate dessert prepared by Chef Patrick and the Malaysia National Pastry Team. 

DHL Express Malaysia will be the one of the key sponsor of the National Pastry Team’s participation in the competition, covering the cost of transporting the team’s equipment to France.  “We are excited to be the Official Logistics Provider for the National Pastry Team representing Malaysia at the Coup du Monde de la Pâtisserie. DHL Express will ensure the equipment gets delivered in good condition and on time to the world capital of gastronomy, giving our Chefs peace of mind to fully concentrate on the competition. We wish the Malaysian team all the best!” said Ms Ooi Chooi Lee, Head of Commercial, DHL Express Malaysia.

Ms Ooi was among the invited guests who attended the dinner at Sunway University in addition to luminaries such as Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director, Sunway Education Group and Sunway University; Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice-Chancellor, Sunway University; Gille Barrier, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of France in Malaysia; Datuk Fazley Yaakob, singer and celebrity chef; and Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, better known as Chef Wan.