Quiet celebration, big dreams: Jasmine Yen kicks off 22 as independent artist

Freshly 22 and now contract-free, Jasmine Yen -- daughter of Hong Kong martial arts icon Donnie Yen Chi-tan -- marked her birthday with family love and the launch of her independent artist journey.

Attending a brand event in Central last Friday (Feb 6), the talented singer shared that she opted for a simple meal of Vietnamese pho at her aunt's home over a party, noting that love was the only gift she needed from her parents.

Though she skipped a big party, she made time to dine with friends, and photos from her birthday week drew waves of compliments online about her evolving beauty and style—compliments she received with a gracious “Thank you!”

When asked about her more daring fashion sense, she said it mirrors her personal growth. "As I get older, I understand myself better through learning makeup and styling,” she shared. “It all depends on the feeling.”

Biggest birthday wish

Now fully independent following the end of her record deal, Yen expressed that her biggest birthday wish is to release new music.

She revealed that her upcoming track is a stylish dance number, signaling a bold shift from her earlier sound.

Recounting a recent creative streak with her Los Angeles-based team, she delightedly mentioned that they wrote 17 songs in just two days.

"I feel ready for a concert," she joked, while emphasizing her high personal standards for her music.

Proud of a doctoral father

Yen also beamed with pride discussing her father, who recently received an honorary doctorate degree from Lingnan University. "He’s not Mr Yen but Dr. Yen now," she said with a grin.

Admiring her parents’ lifelong dedication to learning and hard work, she recalled sitting in the front row during the ceremony, where she and her mother were so moved that they teared up.

Her commitment to family extends to community activities, as she recently joined her grandmother to distribute supplies in To Kwa Wan, followed by a meal at a local diner—a first-time experience for her grandmother.

She also mentioned performing at veteran actor Raymond Lui Leung-wei's birthday celebration, where she sang and danced in a collaboratively choreographed, musical-style act with her friends.

 As for her father’s upcoming birthday,  she teased with the plan for another special concert moment, saying, “Be prepared!”

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