Stories About the Michelle Photos
(by Sheryn Yan)

I have always admired Michelle, probably since "Yes, Madam". It's so cool to see girls with guns and kicking butts. But I think I really remembered her starting from "Supercop". After that, I couldn't forget Michelle in "Heroic Trio", "Executioners", "Wing Chun", "Tomorrow Never Dies",... I love all of her movies.

I think I became even a bigger fan after I saw Michelle at the Charity Premiere of "The Touch". In fact, when I saw the poster of "The Touch" a month plus before the movie was released, I already couldn't wait to watch the movie and I was so happy when I later found out she would attend the premiere here in Malaysia. I have never "chased" any stars before, so it was really cool. Furthermore, it's our Dato' Michelle Yeoh! She is such a nice person, no ego, very down-to-earth... the list could go on.

I still can remember vividly the days I saw her, at the Mid Valley Megamall and at the TOYM. But I still can't believe it's really her, Michelle Yeoh! You know what, it's because of her that I got the highest mark in an exam which was held a day after the premiere at Megamall. I studied so hard a week before the exams because I didn't want to miss Michelle at the premiere. In fact, I was still very excited when I was taking the exam.

The charity gala premiere was held at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, 30 July. It was really crowded. Michelle arrived at the Megamall at 7:45pm. I could hear fans shouting when Michelle entered the Megamall, but it was quite a distance from me (I stood right beside the red carpet, behind the guard line of course). So I could not see her arrival, plus there were about 10 security guards surrounding her. At 7:46pm, Michelle was at the center court surrounded by press. The press kept snapping their cameras, so did I. I took about 4 pics in 1 minute for the first 4 minutes!

Michelle went up to the stage and gave a short speech. After that, followed by Thomas, Peter and Brandon. At about 8:30pm, Michelle left the center court for the premiere of "The Touch" which was scheduled to start at 9pm.

When she was going to leave the centre court for the premiere, I hesitated to chase her or not. I am glad that I did, chasing her and taking pictures. It was fun.

When Michelle was on her way to the elevator (the cinema was at Level 3), I was chasing her. She walked really fast! It was really hard to aim at her as there were security guards around her. Suddenly, Michelle turned to her left and I was fast enough to snap the shutter! She was like curious to know who's there and she was looking at me, smiling all the time. I actually thought I missed this shot as I shook the camera during/after taking that shot because she didn't stop walking and I had to keep up the pace. Thank God, I got it! The only pic where she was facing the camera!

Oh, let me tell you something funny about Brandon! He wrote some Malay words on his palm and greeted in Malay as "Apa khabar, Brandon". It means "how are you, Brandon"! I was like "what"? You should have seen the reaction of Michelle when Brandon said that. She laughed out loud. Brandon realized his mistake and paused for a while and then apologized and said it again "Apa khabar? (how are you) Nama saya Brandon (my name is Brandon)". I could see that Michelle was helping him to say it correctly. Michelle didn't say a word in Malay, but she greeted the fans in Cantonese and English.

Has anyone seen a picture of Michelle with a pose in Guang Ming Daily dated August 1? She made that pose when Peter Pau said something about her, something about "the beautiful Michelle Yeoh". Peter was talking about "The Touch" - the location, crew, etc., and lastly "and the beautiful Michelle Yeoh". That was a beautiful pose! I wanted to take a picture, but I was too far away.

For the TOYM (The Outstanding Young Malaysian Awards), which was held in the Grand Ballroom of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, 21 August: I did not attend the award ceremony (dinner banquet in the Grand Ballroom) since I had to get a ticket and dress formally I think whereas I was wearing a pair of jeans. So, photos taken were outside the ballroom - at the entrance of the hotel, a room where press conference was held. In fact, I sneaked in the press conference room and managed to take a few pics of Michelle! You can't imagine how I felt like. I felt really awkward because I was not supposed to be there.

At the Mandarin Oriental Hotel there seemed to be no fans waiting for her and no guards, so it was a lot easier to take pictures. I got her autograph this time and a warm "touch" (I shook her hand!) from Michelle when she entered the hotel!

The first time I saw Michelle at that evening was around 6:50pm when she was in the hotel on her way to the entrance/exit and then left with a car. It was not expected. I was stunned when I saw her! There were no press or fans chasing her this time. I couldn't believe my eyes that it was really her, Michelle Yeoh! I just stood there and when she approached, she looked at me and smiled. I can't even recall whether I smiled back or not. I was really shocked! I managed to take a few shots (I was shaking!) while she was waiting for the car in front of the hotel. It was a good opportunity to get her autograph and even take a picture with her, but I was so nervous that I forgot what I wanted to do. I regretted when she left, but fortunately she returned after about an hour.

At 7:45pm, Michelle returned with a vintage car, so as other award winners. Now, there were some reporters/photographers waiting for her and she was the focus of them. I was very happy to see her returned and I got to shake her hand (thank God, no pushing or guards this time!). She was really beautiful (as always) and really friendly. I am sure you will agree with me.

After that, she went into a room for the TOYM press conference. At first, I didn't know since I rushed to the 1st Floor of the hotel and waited for her outside the Grand Ballroom. After about 5 minutes, she didn't show up, so I decided to check it out. I think I was not supposed to go into the room (press conference), but the door was open, so I went in. I felt very awkward in there because only press, winners and VIPs were in the room. Can you imagine? Anyway, I got pictures of Michelle sitting there and then when she was surrounded by the press (I squeezed in!). I just acted like a photographer. But I didn't have a big camera like them, so I always tried to hide my camera. It was really funny. I was wondering what would Michelle think I was, a fan or press?

After taking a couple of pictures, I decided to stay outside the room. I got ready with my camera and a book this time. After a short while, around 8:20pm, Michelle walked out the room and was heading to the Grand Ballroom (Level 1). She walked pretty fast. Although she was talking to someone while walking, she nodded and smiled to me when she approached me. That was really sweet! I stopped her right away by saying "Excuse me, Michelle. Do you mind?" I handed her my book. And she said "Sure, what's your name?" I will never forget about this. I took a picture of her when she was signing my book.

She then took the stairs and went into the Ballroom, so no pics after that.

I should have taken a picture with her, but I didn't - not that I didn't wish to, but I was too nervous and didn't know what to say. I can't believe I just missed the opportunity! Hope she will return to Malaysia again soon.

(Michelle's autograph. click to see it in original size)