'The Cheng Ho Series' to start production soon

By Sharen Kaur
sharen.kaur@gmail.com

KUALA LUMPUR :Malaysia's Trillion Film Group Ltd and Trillion Production will co-produce "The Cheng Ho Series" with China and it is expected to take eight months to finish.

1. (L-R) : Chairman Of Trillion Film Group Datuk Jerry Wern; Co-Founder CEO of Hainan Xiuhai Culture Development Co., Ltd, Sam Shung; CEO Of Trillion Film Group, Ken Yuen; Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Chong Chieng Jen; Chief of Press and Public Communication Section Spokesperson for Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, Tang Tang; Television Production Committee China Alliance Of Radio, Film and Television, Li Gang; Chief Advisor of Chengho Series and Famous Scenarist, Ai Anjun; and Vice Chairman Of Trillion Film Group, Melvin Ong Xeng Thou after inking a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to kick-start The Cheng Ho Series production.

Trillion Film Group chief executive officer Ken Yuen said, The Cheng Ho Series airs in 2021 and there will be a total of 36 episodes.

Yuen said about 60 per cent of the series will be filmed in Malaysia,  particularly in Melaka and Johor
Bahru and the rest, most likely in Hainan, China. It will comprise cast and crew members from both Malaysia and China.


The production of The Cheng Ho Series will cost an estimated RM178 million.


Trillion Film Group and Trillion Production were entrusted by China International Culture and Artistic Centre (CICAC) to co-produce the 36 episodes.


A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked her last week, between Trillion Film Group and its counterparts from China,witnessed by Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Chong Chieng Jen.

Trillion Film Group vice chairman Melvin Ong Xeng Thou said The Cheng Ho Series will feature the biographical details about Chinese Ming Dynasty admiral, Cheng Ho.

Cheng Ho was a famous explorer who made seven voyages to the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia between 1405 and 1433.

Five of these voyages brought him through Melaka, leading him to found Malacca’s port. Due to his role as a confidante to the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, his influence on Malacca had a significant impact on its regionally important role.


Though Cheng Ho was influential in China’s international relations, he is most remembered for his role in bringing the Emperor’s daughter, Princess Hang Li Po to marry the Sultan of Malacca in the mid 15th century. Her entourage, in turn, eventually intermarried with local Malaccans, and
that was how the Baba Nyonya culture was formed.

The Cheng Ho Series will be the first ever Malaysia-China large-scale epic series made, since
the establishment of diplomatic ties 45 years ago.


Trillion Film Group and Trillion Production will take the lead on the filming process taking place in Malaysia. The partners from China include the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of China (CCPPD), State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the
People's Republic of China (SAPPRFT) and China Central Television (CCTV).

Trillion Film Group specialises in film investment, film production and post-production, IP film development, editing of special effects and talent management.


The group has established close ties with major top tier China-based film companies in pushing the Southeast Asian film industry forward by incorporating new elements to original productions to create greater business opportunities and unleash unlimited potential.

The production team from China are currently in Malaysia for their maiden visit to carry out preliminary on-ground discussions, and have a series of key meetings to ensure a smooth filming process.

The production team will also be visiting the Embassy of China in Malaysia, Malaysia Special Envoy to China Tan Kok Wai, Huazong President Tan Sri Goh Tian Chuan, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Melaka, Iskandar Studios Malaysia and National Film Development Corporation (Finas).


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