Stanley Yau Sze-chun (Chinese: 邱士縉; born 20 August 1990) is a Hong Kong singer, dancer, actor, and member of the Cantopop boy group Mirror.[1][2]Yau gained prominence through his participation in ViuTV's reality talent show Good Night Show – King Maker in 2018, which led to the formation of Mirror, a 12-member group that debuted on 3 November 2018 with the single "In a Second" (Chinese: 一秒間).[3][4][5] Mirror quickly became one of Hong Kong's most successful boy bands, revitalizing the local Cantopop scene with hits and sold-out concerts.[6]Prior to his music career, Yau worked as a professional dancer, performing for prominent Cantopop artists including Aaron Kwok, Sandy Lam, and Pakho Chau, and co-founding a K-pop dance studio in Hong Kong.[7] He is also a founding member of the dance crew Chestnut Dance Crew.[1]Expanding into acting, Yau has appeared in several television series and films since 2021, including the legal drama Trinity of Shadows (2021), the basketball-themed film We 12 (2023), and the romantic series My Lovely Liar (Hong Kong version, 2024), where he also contributed the closing theme song "Polygraph".[8][1] In 2025, he released the single "Endless Game" and starred in additional projects, such as a variety show alongside fellow Mirror members and an upcoming drama set in a traditional Hong Kong public housing estate.[7]
Early life and education
Upbringing and family
Stanley Yau was born on August 20, 1990, in Hong Kong to a local family. He grew up in the Ma On Shan district of the New Territories, where his childhood was shaped by the early loss of his father to illness, leaving his mother to raise him and his one older brother. Despite these circumstances, his mother ensured a supportive environment that allowed both sons to attend university.[9][1]During his primary education, Yau attended Mrs. Fung Ping Shan Primary School, immersing himself in the vibrant local community of Hong Kong. His family dynamics emphasized resilience and close sibling bonds, with his older brother often stepping into a guiding role.It was during these school years that Yau's early interests in dance and performance emerged, sparked by school activities and his innate enthusiasm for movement and expression, which would later define his path. He subsequently transitioned to Po Leung Kuk Wu Chung College for secondary schooling.
Academic background
Stanley Yau completed his secondary education at Po Leung Kuk Wu Chung College in Sha Tin, Hong Kong.He later pursued higher education at City University of Hong Kong, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. During his university years, Yau balanced his academic commitments with early interests in dance, participating as a performer in events organized by the CityU Dance Society, such as a 2011 prelude performance for the Creative Media Dragon Eye Dotting Ceremony.[10] No notable academic awards or distinctions are recorded in available sources.
Professional career
Dancing beginnings
Stanley Yau began honing his dance skills during his university years at City University of Hong Kong, where he joined the Chestnut Dance Crew, a local group known for choreographing and performing dance covers of popular music. As a member of the crew, which he remained part of post-graduation, Yau contributed to various performances that showcased his emerging talent in the Hong Kong dance scene.[3]From around 2010 to 2018, Yau worked as a dance instructor and performer in Hong Kong's vibrant local dance community, teaching classes and participating in events that helped build his reputation among peers and audiences. He co-founded a K-pop dance studio during this period, where he specialized in breaking down complex choreography for students, further solidifying his expertise as an educator in the field. His role as an instructor allowed him to blend technical precision with creative expression, fostering a dedicated following in the city's underground dance circles.[7][11]Yau's professional experience extended to backup dancing for prominent Hong Kong artists, including performances alongside singers such as Aaron Kwok, Sandy Lam, and Pakho Chau, often through his involvement with the Chestnut Dance Crew. These high-profile gigs highlighted his versatility and precision, particularly in hip-hop and contemporary styles that became hallmarks of his approach. Through these opportunities and local events, Yau established a strong foundation in dance that ultimately led him to audition for ViuTV's reality talent competition Good Night Show - King Maker in 2018.[7][11]
Music debut with Mirror
Stanley Yau entered the music industry through his participation in ViuTV's reality talent competition Good Night Show - King Maker, which aired from July to October 2018 and aimed to form a boy band from contestant auditions focused on singing, dancing, and performance skills.[12] Yau, already an experienced dancer from his time with the Chesnut Dance Crew, impressed judges and viewers with his choreography and stage presence, securing a spot among the top 12 finalists selected for the group.[1] This led directly to the formation of Mirror, with the group officially debuting on November 3, 2018, with the single "In a Second" (一秒間), marking their entry into the Cantopop scene with a high-energy dance-pop track.)Mirror consists of 12 members, including Yau as a key dancer-vocalist alongside Alton Wong, Anson Kong, Anson Lo, Edan Lui, Frankie Chan, Ian Chan, Jer Lau, Jeremy Lee, Keung To, Lokman Yeung, and Tiger Yau.[13] The group's early releases built momentum, transitioning from promotional singles like "ASAP" in 2018 to more substantial works, with their first full album One and All arriving in January 2021, featuring collaborative tracks that highlighted their synchronized performances and vocal harmonies.[14] Yau's background in dance positioned him as an integral part of the group's dynamic stage shows, contributing to Mirror's reputation for visually striking music videos and live routines.Key milestones for Mirror include the 2020 single "Ignited," which topped the Hong Kong charts and earned awards such as Top Ten Song of the Year at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation, solidifying their breakout status amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] The group expanded internationally with their first world tour, MIRROR Feel the Passion Concert Tour, launching in Hong Kong in January 2024 at AsiaWorld-Expo with 16 sold-out shows, followed by dates in Europe, North America, and Asia through 2025.[16] Highlights from their Macau performances in May 2024 at Galaxy Arena included massive fan attendance exceeding 10,000 per night and special encores that celebrated local culture, drawing widespread media coverage for the electric atmosphere and elaborate production.[17]Within Mirror, Yau has been recognized for his lead dance routines and backing vocals in major hits, notably performing standout segments in "Warrior" (2021), which became a chart-topping anthem, and "One and All," the title track from their debut album that emphasized group unity through intricate formations.[18] His contributions to these tracks underscore Mirror's blend of powerful vocals and precise choreography. In early 2025, Yau released his solo single "Endless Game" (無限回合), further showcasing his individual artistry alongside group activities, including the cooking variety showMirror Chef aired from December 2024 to January 2025.[7][19]
Acting breakthrough
Yau's acting career began in 2021 with his debut in the Taiwanese crime thriller series Trinity of Shadows, where he played the supporting role of Cheung King Yiu, a Hong Kong graduate student entangled in a murderinvestigation.[20][1] The series, produced by HBO Asia, marked his introduction to dramatic television alongside established actors like Kaiser Chuang and Sandrine Pinna, showcasing his ability to hold scenes in a tense ensemble narrative.[21]Building on this, Yau expanded into film with a main role in the 2023 action comedy We 12, which reunited several Mirror members as estranged crime-fighters on a high-stakes heist mission to thwart an environmental catastrophe.[22][23] His performance as Stanley highlighted his versatility in fast-paced, ensemble-driven action sequences, drawing on his prior dance expertise to convey dynamic physicality.[24]In 2024, Yau achieved a significant milestone with a lead role in the Hong Kong adaptation of the romantic fantasy drama My Lovely Liar, portraying Lee Man Hong opposite Yoyo Kot and Keung To in a story centered on a woman who can detect lies.[25][26] This project allowed him to explore deeper emotional layers, including contributing the poignant closing theme ballad "Polygraph," which underscored themes of trust and vulnerability.[7]Throughout these early projects, Yau faced the challenge of balancing his acting commitments with Mirror's rigorous group schedule, which includes music releases and performances; the band has intentionally reduced gatherings to once or twice monthly to accommodate individual endeavors like his growing film and television work.[27][7] His transition from dance-focused performances to acting has been supported by targeted preparation, such as observing real-world professionals for authenticity in roles requiring specialized knowledge.[7] As of late 2025, Yau is set to star in an upcoming drama set in a traditional Hong Kongpublic housing estate, continuing his expansion in acting.[7]
Filmography
Television series
Yau debuted on television in 2021 with a supporting role as Cheung King Yiu, a mystical figure entangled in a decades-old murder mystery, in the HBO Asia and ViuTV co-produced crime drama Trinity of Shadows.[20][21] The 15-episode series, which explored intertwined fates of a detective, politician, and criminal, premiered on June 13, 2021, and aired on ViuTV in Hong Kong.[20][28] Yau appeared in 12 episodes, marking his entry into dramatic acting alongside established performers like Sandrine Pinna and Kaiser Chuang.[20]In 2022, Yau starred in his first leading role as Lee Pak in the ViuTV drama Into the Wild, a coming-of-age story about personal growth and adventure. He also played supporting roles in Ossan's Love as Sid, I Swim as Wong Yee Lok, In Geek We Trust as Marcus, and Cheung Chi Leung in We Got Game, a sports drama portraying a youth-oriented story about a group of friends forming a basketball team to reclaim a local court from rivals.[29][30] The 15-episode We Got Game, which highlighted themes of teamwork and perseverance through collaboration with fellow Mirror members including Keung To and Edan Lui, aired from October 24 to November 11, 2022.[29][30] Yau's role contributed to the show's focus on underdog triumphs in urban Hong Kong settings.[29]In 2024, Yau appeared as Leo in The Floating Generation, a drama exploring youth and social issues. He took a lead role as Lee Man Hong in the ViuTV adaptation of the Korean dramaMy Lovely Liar, opposite Yoyo Kot's protagonist Luk Chin Yu, who possesses the ability to detect lies.[26][31] The 20-episode romantic series, delving into deception, trust, and supernatural elements, aired from December 23, 2024, to January 17, 2025.[26][25] Yau's performance as the male lead emphasized emotional depth in a narrative blending mystery and romance.[26]In 2025, Yau starred as Ticky in the 12-episode ViuTV series What If, a drama focusing on hypothetical scenarios and personal choices.[32]
Films
Stanley Yau made his feature film debut in 2023 with a voice role in the animated action-comedy Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank. He followed this with a key role in 2024's We 12, an action-comedy that showcased his versatility beyond music and television, playing a key role in an ensemble cast drawn largely from his boy band Mirror. Directed by Berry Ho Kwok-man, the film centers on a disbanded group of young operatives who reunite to thwart a global threat by stealing a destructive technological device, blending high-stakes heists with humor and camaraderie among the characters. Yau portrayed Kaito Stanley, a skilled but conflicted member of the team, contributing to the movie's energetic action sequences and group dynamics. Released theatrically in Hong Kong on March 28, 2024, after a preview screening in November 2023, We 12 ran for 97 minutes and grossed approximately HK$22 million (US$2.83 million) at the Hong Kong box office as of December 2024, topping the charts in its opening weekend and outperforming Hollywood releases like Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.[22][33][34][35]In 2025, Yau took on a supporting role in the Lunar New Year comedy My Best Bet (祥賭必贏), directed and written by Andy Lo, marking his second major cinematic outing and a shift toward more dramatic ensemble work outside Mirror collaborations. The film follows a gambling addict (Charlene Choi) and her anti-gambling husband (Louis Cheung) as they navigate family crises and criminal entanglements, with Yau as Man Ming, a friend providing comic relief and emotional support amid the chaos. Clocking in at around 100 minutes, it premiered in Hong Kong theaters on January 28, 2025, and earned over HK$7 million (HK$5.8-7.5 million) in its initial five-day Lunar New Year run in early February 2025, with a total of approximately HK$11.9 million as of mid-2025. It was praised for its lighthearted take on social issues like addiction while delivering familiar festive humor.[36][37][38][39]Yau's growing film presence reflects his ambitions to expand from television into narrative cinema, with confirmed roles in youth-oriented and family-friendly genres that leverage his charismatic screen presence and dance-honed physicality. Later in 2025, he joined the cast of the Taiwan-Hong Kong co-production We Wish (我未許願先吹蠟燭), a comedy-adventure directed by Koi Wang, alongside Kai Ko and others; details on his specific role remain forthcoming as post-production continues.[40]
Main role; ensemble with Mirror members Keung To, Edan Lui, Anson Lo, and others; 97 min; ~HK$22 million (US$2.83 million) box office as of December 2024.[22][34][33][35]
2025
My Best Bet (祥賭必贏)
Man Ming
Andy Lo
Comedy, Drama
Supporting role; co-stars Charlene Choi, Louis Cheung, Jeannie Ng; ~100 min; over HK$7 million initial run (total ~HK$11.9 million as of mid-2025).[36][38][39]
2025
We Wish (我未許願先吹蠟燭)
TBA
Koi Wang
Comedy, Adventure, Family
Supporting role; co-stars Kai Ko, Jin Yan-ling, Mei Jing-yan; production started December 2024; ~100 min.[40]
Variety shows and appearances
Stanley Yau has frequently appeared on ViuTV's variety programming, leveraging his background as a dancer and Mirror member to engage in light-hearted, competitive, and exploratory formats. These appearances often highlight his charismatic presence and collaborative dynamic with bandmates, contributing to Mirror's visibility in non-musical entertainment.In 2019, Yau served as a performer and guest in the finale of King Maker II, the second season of ViuTV's talent competition that built on the original show where Mirror formed, mentoring aspiring contestants through performances and judging segments.[41] Later that year, he co-hosted the fourth season of the horror reality series The Haunted Rooms alongside Mirror's Anson Lo, traveling to reputedly haunted sites worldwide, including Taiwan's most infamous hotel, to investigate supernatural occurrences and share reactions in unscripted episodes.[42]Yau's 2021 appearances expanded Mirror's reach in game and reality formats. He participated as a cast member in Battle Feel, a competitive variety show where Mirror competed against ViuTV's boy group Error in physical and skill-based challenges across eight episodes, hosted by Kitty Yuen and others.[43] That same year, he featured prominently in Be a Better Mirror, a 20-episode reality series directed by Joey Leung, where Mirror members underwent personal development exercises, shared vulnerabilities, and tackled group dynamics to foster growth.[43]Beyond television, Yau has made cameo appearances in Hong Kong pop music videos, showcasing his dance skills in collaborative visuals. In 2022, he appeared in Serrini's "Tree," contributing to the artistic narrative through performance elements. In 2024, he featured in Sumling's "Be Kind, Rewind," a reflective track where his involvement included dance sequences that complemented the song's nostalgic theme.[44] Additionally, Yau joined promotional events with variety flair, such as a 2024 Shanghai gathering tied to Mirror's concert tour, where he excitedly met Rihanna during a brand-related interaction.[45]
Discography
Mirror contributions
Stanley Yau has been an integral part of Mirror's discography since the group's debut in 2018, contributing vocals, rap, and dance elements across singles and albums as a designated rapper, vocalist, and dancer. His roles often emphasize rhythmic verses and dynamic choreography, enhancing the group's high-energy Cantopop sound.[3]In early singles, Yau provided backing vocals for "In a Second" (一秒間), Mirror's 2018 debut track, supporting the lead lines amid the group's dance-pop foundation. By 2020, he took a more prominent vocal role in "Ignited" (點火), delivering key verses alongside members Keung To, Anson Lo, and Edan Lui, while serving as a dance lead in the song's choreography to highlight its upbeat, fiery theme. The track achieved significant commercial success, entering the top ten on the Ultimate Song Chart Awards and winning Top Ten Song of the Year at both the Ultimate Song Chart Awards and Chill Club Music Awards.[46][47]Yau's contributions continued to evolve in 2021 with the single "Warrior," where he provided background vocals to bolster the group's anthemic rap-rock style, arranged by Hwan Yang and Val Del Prete. This track topped the Ultimate 903 Chart for two weeks, marking Mirror's first group single to achieve that feat in 15 years. His vocal input helped underscore the song's motivational lyrics, co-written by Lokman Yeung, Alton Wong, and Riley Lam.[48][49]On Mirror's debut studio album One and All (2021), released via Music Nation, Yau featured across its 21 tracks, including remastered versions of earlier singles like "Ignited" and new material such as "One and All," where his rap and dance elements contributed to the album's blend of ballads and upbeat pop. The project, which debuted at number one on Hong Kong's music charts, showcased Yau's versatility in group harmonies and stage arrangements.[50][51][52]Yau also played a key role in the 2022 single "Innerspace," performing verses in Verse 2 alongside Keung To, Alton Wong, and Tiger Yau, in addition to providing dance support in its introspective dance-pop production, arranged by Edward Chan and Carl Wong. For live performances, including those tied to the Feel the Passionconcert tour editions (2024), Yau contributed to dance arrangements, drawing from his background in the Chestnut dance crew to refine group choreography for high-impact routines. These efforts were captured in the tour's Blu-ray releases, emphasizing his onstage energy.[53][54]
Solo releases
Yau's debut solo single, "重新介紹" (Reintroduction), was released on October 14, 2022, as the theme song for the ViuTV drama Wild Teacher. The track explores themes of self-reflection and personal reinvention, with lyrics depicting unexpected life changes and the need to redefine one's identity, composed by Tsui Hoi and written by Lam Bo.[55] It garnered initial attention within Hong Kong's Cantopop scene, accumulating over 4,000 Spotify streams in its debut week.In 2023, Yau released the single "來不及" (Never Too Late), a Cantopop track reflecting on regrets and second chances.[56]In 2024, Yau released "Drunk In Love", a single blending emotional vocals with contemporary pop elements. Later that year, on December 23, he released "測謊" (Polygraph) , serving as the ending theme for the ViuTV series Useless Lies, a Hong Kong adaptation of the Korean dramaMy Lovely Liar. The ballad delves into themes of trust and deception in relationships, with music composed by KW (Chu Man-hei) and Aamuk, lyrics by Chan Wing-him, arrangement by Nick Wong, and production by Chow Shek-hon.[57] The single achieved significant streaming success, surpassing 750,000 plays on Spotify by early 2025.[58]Yau's 2025 output includes the single "無限回合" (Endless Game), released on April 9, another pop-oriented track emphasizing perseverance.[59] Later that year, on October 16, he released the single "二次覺醒" (Second Awakening), blending pop and R&B elements to convey themes of personal growth and resilience, reflecting his evolving role as an artist beyond Mirror.[60][61]Yau has engaged in limited collaborations outside Mirror, notably featuring on "痴漢之歌" (Song of the Pervert) with Keung To, Edan Lui, and others, released as the ending theme for the ViuTV drama Preseason in 2022. This track, a playful Cantopop piece, highlights Yau's versatility in group features while maintaining his solo focus.[62]
Awards and nominations
Group awards with Mirror
Mirror, as a collective, has garnered significant recognition in Hong Kong's music scene, with Stanley Yau contributing as a vocalist and performer alongside his bandmates. Their breakthrough single "Ignited" (2020) earned the group the Top Ten Songs of the Year award at the inaugural Chill Club Music Awards, marking their first major accolade at a ViuTV-hosted ceremony where they also performed the track live.[63]In 2022, Mirror secured multiple honors at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation, including the Gold award for Best Group—their first win in that category—and the My Favourite Group award for the second consecutive year, reflecting their rising dominance in Cantopop. Yau participated in the group's acceptance speeches and performances during the event, highlighting Mirror's synchronized stage presence.[64]Mirror won the Favourite Group award at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation for the third consecutive year in 2023.[65]
Year
Award Ceremony
Award
Notes
2020
Chill Club Music Awards
Top Ten Songs of the Year ("Ignited")
First major win; live performance by Mirror
2022
Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation
Best Group (Gold); My Favourite Group
Group acceptance
2023
Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation
Favourite Group
Third consecutive win
Individual recognitions
Stanley Yau has received recognition for his performances in both acting and music, highlighting his versatility as a performer beyond his group activities with Mirror.Yau's music career earned him the Annual New Male Singer award at the CHILL CLUB Recommendation List Annual Recommendation 23/24 on May 12, 2024, presented by ViuTV at AsiaWorld-Expo. He garnered 136,698 votes out of 221,035 total ballots, defeating strong contenders in a fan-voted category that celebrated emerging solo artists. During his acceptance speech, Yau expressed the award's weight, stating, "This award feels heavy to me, but I promise everyone I will continue to do good music, whether in the group or if I have the chance to release more songs, I will give it 100%." The win marked his first major individual music accolade, following solo releases like "Reintroduce" (2022) and "Drunk in Love" (2024).[66]