SINGAPORE – Despite being in show business for more than 40 years, Donnie Yen “is still finding (his) path”.

“I’m still learning each day, like a student,” says the veteran Hong Kong action star on Dec 1, adding that he reviews his performance each time he finishes a film. 

While best known for his Ip Man franchise (2008 to 2019), he has also starred in Hollywood films including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Mulan (2020) and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).

Yen, 62, is in Singapore as the lead juror for the inaugural Golden Singa Awards, which recognises achievements in Chinese-language film.

He is speaking at a press event held at Capitol Bistro ahead of a prize presentation ceremony at Capitol Theatre.

He is joined by fellow final jury members, including renowned award-winning talents: Hong Kong actress Anita Yuen; Hong Kong director-producer Joe Cheung; Chinese director-producer Li Shaohong; Hong Kong film art director Bill Lui; Hollywood-based Chinese film producer Teddy Zee; Chinese actress Hao Lei; Taiwanese director-producer Wei Te-sheng; and Taiwanese music artiste and director Vincent Fang.

Organised by local entertainment company NoonTalk Media, the Golden Singa Awards is held in conjunction with the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) 12th Singapore Media Festival. It aims to raise the global profile of Chinese cinema and seeks to foster regional collaboration, as well as strengthen Singapore’s role as a global creative hub.

Speaking in English, Yen challenges aspiring film-makers to constantly improve their skills. “You must have passion, drive and consistency to survive in the industry,” he says.