KUALA LUMPUR: Controversial Hong Kong superstar Edison Chen Koon Hei made a special appearance in Bangsar Baru here to launch the first Malaysian outlet of his boutique yesterday.

His arrival at the Juice Store at 2pm caused fans to crowd around the junction of Jalan Maarof and Jalan Telawi 5 where the boutique is located.

Chen, 28, who was accompanied by fellow Hong Kong actor Sam Lee and the boutique's Malaysian business partner, Edwin Choong, said he chose to set up the outlet in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysians were interested in the latest fashion trends and loved Hong Kong entertainment.

"I'm happy to have in Edwin a collaborator who is full of ideas. This is our first store outside Hong Kong and we'll be coming up with specially-designed products for Malay-sians," he said.

Chen is the store's creative director.
The Canadian-born jack-of-all-trades is an actor, singer and producer. His best known films include the Infernal Affairs trilogy and The Dark Knight.

Embroiled in a sex photo scandal last year, after which he expressed remorse and announced his indefinite departure from entertainment, Chen is now focusing on his business.

He co-owns Clot, an urban lifestyle and fashion business, which he co-founded with Kevin Poon in 2003. The Juice Stores are part of the business and sell branded apparel from Adidas, Nike and Clot itself.

Clot also has a media division which produces films and advertisements.

Chen, who speaks English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese, has also set up an artiste management company in Hong Kong. The actors it manages include Josie Ho, daughter of Macao's casino king Stanley Ho.

"I'm determined to put the past behind me and become a successful businessman and producer. I'm thankful to all my friends and fans for their love and support, and I'd love to visit Kuala Lumpur again," said Chen.

Choong said he met Chen in Singapore last year and believed that Juice would bring about a fresh and exciting start to Malaysian lifestyle.

Taiwanese computer student Nick Wang, 21, said he had come all the way to Kuala Lumpur to get a glimpse of his idol.

"Edison is big in Taiwan and many of us are fans of Juice.

"We don't have a Juice Store yet but I visit the Hong Kong outlet and try out its hip wear."