KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 — Hong Kong icon Angela Yuen has established herself as a versatile performer, embracing a diverse range of roles that have showcased depth and adaptability.

Her latest role is in Ipoh-born director Keane T.K. Wong’s Afterpiece, where she plays amateur and theatre actress Hannah.

Wong has said that the role was created specifically for Yuen.

The director and Yuen travelled to Kuala Lumpur on August 21 for the opening of the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2026 KL at Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX, where Afterpiece was also screened as the festival’s opening film.

What drew Yuen to Afterpiece

While the character’s personality played a part in her decision, there were several reasons why Yuen wanted to take on the role.

“I think the first reason I said yes was because I’ve been friends with the director even before this production.

“Secondly, I think the character is definitely very interesting to play, especially with the twist happening at the end.

“She’s a very complex and complicated character.

“There’s also something I really like about her, which is that she carries a strong sense of autonomy.

“That’s something that’s lacking in a lot of characters these days, especially in Asian cinema,” she told Malay Mail in an interview at the JW Marriott Hotel.

She added that female characters are often portrayed in supporting or secondary roles, sometimes existing mainly to complement other characters.

In contrast, Yuen sees Hannah as someone who is in charge of her own life — fierce, feisty and almost unapologetic — which made the role particularly exciting for her to play.

When asked about the similarities between herself and Hannah, Yuen pointed to their shared Scorpio sign and joked about the character’s darker side, although she said she would never act on her own more vengeful thoughts.

Exploring new roles and how acting has shaped her

Asked about the kind of roles she would like to explore next, Yuen said she is particularly drawn to characters that offer stronger and more nuanced representations of women.

“In Asian cinema, women are oftentimes portrayed as household wives or as people without much of an idea of what they’re doing, often lacking a sense of autonomy.

“I wouldn’t blame the filmmakers and writers for writing those parts for women.

“It’s because many factors come together—cultural reasons, patriarchy, and so on.

“But I would love to see more fair representation of women in the future, and I would definitely love to play those kinds of characters.”

Reflecting on how acting has shaped her as a person, Yuen said she has gone through many different phases throughout her career.

“In the beginning, it was very difficult because you have to deconstruct yourself in order to construct a new self.

“As an actor, you have to understand yourself first.

“You have to understand your dark sides and really examine yourself.

“It’s almost like being scanned through — not just by yourself, but also by everyone around you.

“That was the first phase, and it was very difficult for me.

“Today, after being in different productions and working with different crews, I would say you truly have to be kind in order to be an actor.”

She added that acting is a collaborative art involving many people.

Yuen believes actors need to stay grounded in their beliefs and remain kind, even when they may get hurt in the process, as this is essential to creating meaningful work.

She also said that being kind allows actors to understand their characters more deeply and notice small details that audiences can connect with, even if they may not realise what makes a performance special.

“So I think being kind is very important, although it’s very difficult.”

Achievements so far and the Malaysia connection formed

Yuen’s career has already earned her several honours and nominations, including a Best Actress win at the 2025 New Zealand Asia-Pacific Film Festival for her performance in 24 Flavours.

More recently, she received the Screen International Rising Star Award at the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF).

Going forward, Yuen said she is open to doing both movies and television series as long as they offer good characters and quality productions.

Although she has yet to have the opportunity to film in Malaysia, she hopes it will happen one day.

Commenting on Malaysia, which she has now visited three times, Yuen said she has developed a fondness for the country, particularly its Indian cuisine.

She also said Malaysia gives her a sense of intimacy due to its large ethnic Chinese community.

“We’re very different, but we kind of speak the same language and come from the same origin.

“That fascinates me,” she said.