Global music sensation Ed Sheeran brought his Mathematics Tour to Malaysia on 24 February, treating fans to a mesmerising performance that will forever be etched in their memories. Beyond the stage, Ed immersed himself in the rich Malaysian culture, capturing local moments that are sure to resonate with fans worldwide.

During his stay in Malaysia, Ed took a step away from the spotlight to experience the authenticity of Kuala Lumpur. Immersing himself in the rich tradition of Batik, Ed had a unique painting session with a select group of lucky fans. The intimate gathering allowed fans to share the creative space with the Grammy-winning artist. Following the Batik painting session, Ed decided to immerse himself further in local traditions by paying a visit to a traditional Malaysian barber nestled in the heart of the city for a refreshing shave.

Adding a sporty twist to his Malaysian adventure, Ed engaged in a friendly round of badminton with none other than Malaysian national badminton player, Chan Peng Soon.

Chan, known for his remarkable achievements in the sport, including an Olympic silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics (together with Goh Liu Ying) and numerous international titles, shared the court with Ed, along with local content creators Jin and Joseph.

Chan, a true icon in Malaysian badminton, guided the session, providing insights into the sport and creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved. This decision was not only an appreciation of the local culture but also a nod to the significance of badminton in Malaysia.

Badminton holds a special place in the hearts of Malaysians, fostering a sense of unity and pride. Ed decision to partake in a badminton session symbolizes his acknowledgment of the cultural fabric that binds Malaysians together.

Prior to the show, Ed, along with his bandmates, embraced the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year backstage before his electrifying performance in Malaysia. In a heartwarming cultural exchange, Ed Sheeran, Jin and Joseph participated in a ‘Lou Sang’ session, immersing themselves in the cherished Malaysian tradition. The trio engaged in the ‘Lou Sang’ ritual, a festive tossing of ingredients symbolising prosperity and good luck. Jin and Joseph took the opportunity to explain the significance of the ‘Lou Sang’ session to Ed and his team, also highlighting that it was the last day of the Lunar New Year to partake in this age-old tradition.

The cultural exchange provided Ed and his team with a unique and memorable experience, deepening their connection with Malaysian traditions. The ‘Lou Sang’ session created a joyful atmosphere, fostering camaraderie and spreading good vibes before Ed took the stage to captivate his audience. This cultural exchange not only showcased Ed’s openness to embracing local customs but also demonstrated the universal language of celebration and unity that transcends borders.

Madame Tussauds Singapore has finally unveiled the wax figure of former world no.1 badminton player, Lee Chong Wei today.

A household name in Malaysia – Lee Chong Wei is the first ever athlete from the country to grace the halls of Madame Tussauds. His wax figure will star alongside the world’s top athletes including legendary football players Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.

Says Lee, “It feels surreal to see a perfect likeness myself at @mtssingapore Madame Tussauds Singapore. Can you tell who is the real me here? A big thank you to the team at Madame Tussauds for creating a realistic wax figure of me and I can’t wait for the world to see it. I am also extremely honoured to be the first Malaysian athlete to grace the Madame Tussauds’ halls.”

“Fans worldwide can meet ‘me’ in Singapore before the wax figure moves permanently to Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2023. See you there!”

Lee marks his spot in the hall of fame with a record 349 weeks as the top badminton player worldwide – spending a consecutive 199 weeks at the top spot. With 69 super series titles under his belt, he has also represented Malaysia as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

In November 2019, Lee Chong Wei was put through a 6-hour ‘sitting’ as the team from Madame Tussauds meticulously took over 200 measurements of the iconic athlete. With much excitement and anticipation, Madame Tussauds Singapore is excited to debut Lee’s wax figure for fans in Southeast Asia before it makes its way back to its permanent residence in Hong Kong. Making the wax figure extra special, Lee had donated his official jersey from his final Olympics performance in Rio 2016.

Steven Chung, General Manager, Madame Tussauds Singapore also reveals his excitement over playing host to the Lee Chong Wei wax figure.

“Sports legends are extraordinary, larger-than-life individuals who have the unique ability to capture the hearts of fans and inspire the younger generation from around the world. We are proud to be chosen as the first Madame Tussauds to display Lee, one of this region’s best ever, right here in Singapore, where he will stand among giants in our very own Sports ‘Hall of Fame’.”