Streaming giant iQIYI officially launched its 2025 Starship Project with a dazzling event on May 11 at MARQUEE, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The star-studded evening celebrated the hit drama “Love in Pavilion” and marked a major milestone as actress Liu Shishi was named the iQIYI Global Ambassador, making her first international promotional appearance for the platform.
Sponsored by Marina Bay Sands, the event drew a crowd of international media, VIP guests, and devoted fans. Liu Shishi and co-star Zhang Yunlong were joined by special guests Wu Xuanyi and Zhai Xiaowen, who entertained attendees with behind-the-scenes stories and light-hearted segments that explored Singaporean language, culture, and even local fruits.
During the celebration, Li Kaichen (KC Li), Vice President and Head of APAC & Middle East at iQIYI, officially presented Liu with the ambassador title, praising her longstanding contributions to iQIYI’s global appeal and her enduring popularity with international audiences.
“Love in Pavilion”: A Global Hit
Since its debut, “Love in Pavilion” has captured hearts worldwide with its rich emotional storytelling and refined Eastern visual style. The drama has topped streaming charts in 14 countries and regions, earned a rating of 8.4 on MyDramaList, and has been especially popular in markets like the U.S., Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.
The series has received glowing reviews from regional and global media. Taiwan’s CTWANT applauded the performances of both lead and supporting cast, while Hong Kong’s Wen Wei Po praised its poetic aesthetics. Liu Shishi’s international influence also soared, with her Instagram following growing by over 100,000 post-release.
iQIYI Starship: Elevating Chinese Content Globally
This Singapore screening marks the first Starship event of 2025, kicking off iQIYI’s broader initiative to spotlight premium Chinese entertainment on the world stage. The Starship Project will continue with international premieres, fan engagement activities, and strategic promotions, all designed to expand iQIYI’s global brand reach.
In recent years, iQIYI has deepened partnerships with international production companies such as Media Prima, MIG Production, and Skop Production, tailoring content to suit diverse regional audiences.
As part of its popular Love On brand, launched in 2021, iQIYI has delivered hits like “Love Between Fairy and Devil”, “Forever and Ever”, and “Destined”. Following the success of “Love in Pavilion”, the upcoming romantic drama “Speed and Love” promises to continue the momentum, offering global audiences more captivating storytelling rooted in Chinese culture.
