Stephy Tang
Stephy Tang (born Tang Lai-yan on 15 October 1983) is a Hong Kong singer, actress, and former leader of the Cantopop girl group Cookies, renowned for her contributions to the local entertainment industry through music, film, and television.[1][2] Born in Hong Kong to parents of Hakka descent from Dongguan, she graduated from Buddhist Sum Heung Lam Memorial College and later earned a diploma in fashion design from the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education.[2] Tang began her career in 2002 as the lead vocalist of Cookies, a quartet under Emperor Entertainment Group that gained popularity with upbeat pop tracks and variety show appearances. The group disbanded in 2005, prompting her solo debut with the album Coloring Stephy in 2005, followed by releases like Fantasy (2006), Dating Stephy (2007), and Stephilosophy (2007), which showcased her transition to more mature, romantic themes in Cantopop. Her music often explores love and personal growth, earning her a dedicated fanbase in Hong Kong and beyond. She also appeared on TVB's variety show Beautiful Cooking.[2][3] In acting, Tang has starred in over 30 films and television series since her debut in 2005, frequently collaborating with director Patrick Kong on romantic comedies alongside actors like Alex Fong.[2] Notable roles include her critically acclaimed performance in My Prince Edward (2019), for which she was nominated for the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress, and lead parts in family dramas such as Table for Six (2022) and its sequel Table for Six 2 (2024).[4][2] She has also appeared in series like We Are the Littles (2020, ViuTV) and The Last Cook (2024), blending her singing talents with dramatic portrayals of everyday life and relationships.[2] As of November 2025, Tang remains active in both music and film, having headlined her STEP by STEPHY Concert 2025 at the Hong Kong Coliseum in March and a Macao performance in September, where fans called for a Cookies reunion.[5] She attended high-profile events like the Audemars Piguet 150th anniversary celebration in September 2025 and participated in the JAM OFF 2025 festival lineup in September.[6][7] In November 2025, she held her first solo art exhibition, Step into the Secret Garden. In her personal life, Tang ended a decade-long relationship with actor Alex Fong in 2016 and a subsequent three-year partnership with singer Prince Chiu in 2021 due to long-distance challenges exacerbated by the pandemic; she confirmed a new relationship in 2024.[2][8][9][10]Biography
Early life
Stephy Tang was born on 15 October 1983 in Hong Kong to parents of Hakka ancestry originating from Dongguan, Guangdong province, China.[11][12] She grew up in a modest household, sharing a cramped public housing unit in Tuen Mun's Tai Hing Estate with her older sister and brother.[13] As a member of the Hakka ethnic group, Tang is fluent in Hakka, Cantonese, and Mandarin.[14] Tang received her secondary education at Buddhist Sum Heung Lam Memorial College in Tuen Mun.[2] She later pursued further studies at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, where she earned a diploma in Fashion Design.[2] From an early age, Tang developed a strong interest in sports, particularly volleyball, representing Hong Kong in competitions starting from Form 1, where she played mainly as a left wing spiker or libero.[15] In March 2015, after establishing her fashion label Loey, she sponsored and reassembled a women's volleyball team under the brand, serving as player and manager to revive her passion for the sport.[16] The team participated in local tournaments, including the Hong Kong Open Volleyball Tournament.[17] This enthusiasm for volleyball persisted alongside her transition into the entertainment industry in 2002 upon joining the Cantopop group Cookies.[18]Personal life
Tang began a high-profile relationship with fellow Hong Kong entertainer Alex Fong in 2006, which lasted a decade until their amicable breakup in March 2016. The couple, who cohabited for several years, frequently faced public inquiries about marriage plans, but they ultimately parted ways due to growing apart and an overly deep mutual understanding that led to emotional distance.[19][20] In 2018, Tang started dating Taiwanese singer-actor Prince Chiu, with the relationship publicly confirmed that July. By early 2019, Tang expressed readiness to marry Chiu and relocate to Taiwan to build a life together, amid reports of him hinting at future nuptials before turning 30. However, their long-distance dynamic, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, contributed to their separation after three years, announced in June 2021.[21][22][23] As of early 2025, Tang is in a low-key relationship with a new partner, a Taiwanese man introduced through mutual friends, marking her second Valentine's Day with him that February; she has chosen to keep details private to avoid impacting his personal life.[24][25] Beyond relationships, Tang maintains an active lifestyle centered on fitness and sports, particularly volleyball, which she has pursued as a personal outlet since forming part of the amateur team Loey and competing in events like the 2016 Hong Kong Open Volleyball Tournament for emotional solace post-breakup. Her routine includes yoga for flexibility and strength, as well as past interests in boxing and pole dancing to build physical resilience. Tang also engages in philanthropy, serving as an ambassador for Plan International Hong Kong since at least 2013, where she sponsors a child and has visited sponsored families; she has participated in Red Cross initiatives, such as the 2024 World Red Cross Day kick-off, and Habitat for Humanity projects, including building homes for low-income families in Guangdong in 2014.[17][26][27][28][29]Career
Musical career
Stephy Tang began her musical career as the lead singer and leader of the Cantopop girl group Cookies, formed in 2002 under Emperor Entertainment Group's Gold Label as an emulation of the Japanese group Morning Musume. The group initially featured nine teenage members but was streamlined to four—Tang, Kary Ng, Theresa Fu, and Miki Yeung—by 2003, focusing on youthful pop sounds and group dynamics that emphasized harmony and synchronized performances. Cookies released three albums and several singles, gaining a dedicated fanbase in Hong Kong through energetic live shows and media appearances, before quietly disbanding in 2005 amid shifting industry trends toward solo artists.[30][31] Transitioning to a solo career the same year, Tang debuted with the jazz-influenced album Coloring Stephy on August 5, 2005, under Gold Label, which achieved gold certification from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Hong Kong for shipping 25,000 units by September. Her follow-up, Fantasy (March 28, 2006), sold 20,000 copies and marked a shift toward more mature, introspective themes, while Dating Stephy (February 14, 2007) reached 35,000 copies, bolstered by hit singles that showcased her vocal range and emotional delivery. The 2008 release The Red Album further solidified her presence in Cantopop, blending pop and rock elements to explore personal growth. These early solo efforts established Tang as a versatile artist, with sales milestones reflecting her growing commercial appeal despite a competitive market.[32] In 2007, Tang held her first solo concert series, "Stephy, See Thru Live," at Star Hall in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from December 7 to 9, drawing strong attendance and highlighting her stage charisma through a mix of ballads and upbeat tracks from her catalog. As her music output slowed post-2010 amid a pivot toward acting, Tang switched labels multiple times, moving from Gold Label (an EMI imprint under Emperor) to Neway Star in 2011, then to Sun Entertainment Culture in 2014, Supreme Art Entertainment in 2017, and Cool Style management in 2023, which supported sporadic releases focused on quality over quantity.[33][34] By 2025, Tang revitalized her live performance schedule, headlining the JAM OFF music and dance festival at Universal Studios Singapore on September 28. Earlier that year, she performed at the Music Matters Live: Planet Summer concert on August 30 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong alongside Raymond Lam and Louis Cheung, attracting thousands and emphasizing collaborative summer anthems. Additionally, Tang announced her solo concert "STEP by STEPHY" for March 14–16 at the Hong Kong Coliseum, underscoring her enduring draw in the Cantopop scene with sold-out presales and music-specific accolades, including past RTHK and JSG awards for top songs and albums that affirmed her contributions to the genre.[35][36][37]Acting career
Stephy Tang made her acting debut in 2002 with the comedy film Nine Girls and a Ghost, where she portrayed the lead role of Kaka, a spoiled teenager dealing with a haunted car, alongside fellow Cookies members and Edison Chen.[38] Throughout the early 2000s, she took on supporting roles in several Hong Kong productions, including Feel 100% (2003) as a minor character in a romantic ensemble and Dragon Loaded (2003), further establishing her presence in the local film industry while primarily known as a singer.[39] These initial appearances often highlighted her youthful energy and comedic timing, laying the groundwork for her transition from idol roles to more substantial parts. Tang's breakthrough came through her collaborations with actor Alex Fong in a series of romantic comedies directed by Patrick Kong, often referred to as the "Love Quadrilogy," spanning 2006 to 2016. Key films in this partnership include Marriage with a Fool (2006), where she played the optimistic Bo opposite Fong's Wah in a story of marital mishaps, and subsequent entries like Love Is Not All Around (2007), L for Love, L for Lies (2008), Anniversary (2015), and L for Love, L for Lies Too (2016).[40] These roles showcased her chemistry with Fong and helped solidify her as a leading romantic lead in Hong Kong cinema, with the films achieving commercial success and cult followings for their blend of humor and heartfelt moments.[41] A pivotal moment in Tang's career arrived in 2017 with her portrayal of Chan Sing, a troubled karate prodigy, in The Empty Hands, directed by Chapman To. Her intense physical preparation, including months of karate training, earned critical acclaim and the Best Actress award at the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards in 2018.[42] This performance led to her first Hong Kong Film Award nomination for Best Actress in 2018, followed by another nomination in 2020 for her role as a wedding dress saleswoman grappling with personal dilemmas in My Prince Edward.[43] Post-2017, Tang shifted toward more dramatic roles, expressing a desire to be recognized primarily as an actress while continuing to balance her music commitments, as seen in her self-reflective turn in Somewhere Beyond the Mist (2018).[44] Her collaborations with Kong extended into these mature narratives, emphasizing emotional depth over light romance. In recent years, Tang has embraced ensemble comedies and family dramas, notably as the resilient sister Josephine in the hit Table for Six (2022) and its sequel Table for Six 2 (2024), both directed by Sunny Chan, which grossed over HK$100 million combined and highlighted her comedic versatility amid chaotic family dynamics.[45] She continued this trajectory in 2024 with Little Red Sweet, playing May, the ambitious daughter in a Kowloon City dessert shop family facing generational challenges and illness.[46] That same year, her supporting role as a confidante in Love Lies (2024), directed by Aubrey Lam, garnered her first Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, underscoring her enduring industry impact and ability to elevate ensemble casts.[47]Discography
Cookies
Cookies, the Hong Kong girl group featuring Stephy Tang as lead vocalist, released several albums and EPs between 2002 and 2005 under EMI Music Hong Kong. These works primarily consisted of Cantopop tracks, with Tang contributing prominently to vocals across the group's output. The discography during this period includes debut releases, a Christmas EP, a compilation, and later mini- and full-length albums by the reduced quartet lineup of Tang, Kary Ng, Miki Yeung, and Theresa Fu. The debut EP Happy Birthday was released in 2002 as the group's introduction to the music scene.[48] Produced by EMI, it features upbeat pop tracks emphasizing friendship and youthful energy, with Stephy Tang handling lead vocals on several songs. Track listing:- Prelude Happy Birthday (0:19)
- 心急人上 (3:28)
- 紅組加油!! (3:44)
- 曲奇自助餐 (3:28)
- Forever Friends (4:02)
- 心急人上 (Doki Doki Mix) (3:36)
- 宇宙最強 (3:23)
- 曲奇聖誕歌 (5:53)
- 不要離我太遠 (3:39) [Stephy lead]
- 認住我 (3:13)
- 青春不老 (3:43)
- 麥包 (3:42)
- 最後一塊 (3:53)
- 問幾米 (3:27)
- 一擊即中 (3:09)
- 貪你可愛 (2:58)
- 他不准我哭 [Stephy solo] (3:19)
- 不是校花 [Kary solo] (3:20)
- 我未驚過 [Miki solo] (3:03)
- 綁架心上人 [Theresa solo] (3:05)
- 信心爆棚 (2:43)
- 心急人上 (3:26)
- 宇宙最強 (3:25)
- 紅組加油 (3:41)
- 曲奇聖誕歌 (5:55)
- 不要離我太遠 [Stephy lead] (3:42)
- 認住我 [Kary solo] (3:13)
- 青春不老 (3:46)
- 麥包 (3:42)
- 曲奇自助餐 (3:28)
- 最後一塊 (3:53)
- Forever Friends (4:00)
- 問幾米 (3:27)
- 宇宙最強 (Comic Love Mix) (4:02)
- 心急人上 (Doki Doki Mix) (3:34)
- 大家歸瘦 (3:28)
- 大頭貼 [Kary solo] (3:08)
- 親朋勿友 [Stephy/Theresa duet] (3:46)
- 眼淺 (3:03)
- 話別 [Stephy solo] (4:11)
- 心跳無聲 [Kary solo] (2:16)
- 三角 [Stephy solo] (1:24)
- 派對動物 (3:56)
- 他想來 (2:59)
- 汽車酒店 (3:06)
- 貪心 (3:49)
- 粉紅救兵 (3:22)
- 平凡明星 (3:24)
- 青蛙公主 (3:36)
- 白日夢遊 (4:23)
- Wonderful Life (4:26)
- 4 In Love (3:26)
Solo
Stephy Tang's solo discography began with her transition from the group Cookies, focusing on Cantopop with elements of jazz, balladry, and contemporary pop. Her releases emphasize personal themes of love, self-discovery, and relationships, often produced under labels like Gold Label and Gold Typhoon. Key studio albums from 2005 to 2008 established her as a leading solo artist in Hong Kong, blending introspective lyrics with melodic arrangements. Her debut studio album, Coloring Stephy (2005, Gold Label), marked Tang's independent start and drew acclaim for its jazz-infused tracks. Certified gold by the label for shipments exceeding 25,000 units, the album features 10 songs, including collaborations with producers like Peter Kam on arrangements.[52]| No. | Title (Chinese/English) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colors | 1:41 |
| 2 | 藍鞋子 (Blue Shoes) | 4:44 |
| 3 | 不要離我太遠 (Don't Go Too Far, Ver. 2005) | 3:43 |
| 4 | 鈴鼓咖啡店 (Tambourine Coffee Shop) | 4:02 |
| 5 | 青山散步 (Walkin' Aoyama) | 3:25 |
| 6 | 親朋勿友 (Friends and Relatives) | 3:43 |
| 7 | 他不准我哭 (He Won't Let Me Cry, Unplugged '05) | 3:35 |
| 8 | 小紅帽 (Little Red Riding Hood) | 3:43 |
| 9 | 黑白照 (Black and White Photo) | 3:58 |
| 10 | 話別 (Saying Goodbye, Piano '05) | 4:10 |
| No. | Title (Chinese/English) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 禮物 (Gift) | 2:09 |
| 2 | 零與零之間 (Between Zero and Zero) | 4:06 |
| 3 | 十分.愛 (Ten Points for Love) | 4:06 |
| 4 | 自遊自在 (Free as a Bird) | 3:25 |
| 5 | 姊妹淘 (Best Friends) | 3:48 |
| 6 | 被遺棄的公主 (The Abandoned Princess) | 3:29 |
| 7 | 占星術 (Astrology) | 3:40 |
| 8 | 蝴蝶飛了 (Butterfly Flew Away) | 3:55 |
| 9 | 天使/魔鬼 (Angel/Devil) | 3:40 |
| 10 | 十分.愛 (合唱版) (Ten Points for Love, Duet Ver.) | 4:06 |
| 11 | 信 (Letter) | 3:51 |
| 12 | 幻想 (Fantasy) | 3:39 |
-
- 初見 (First Sight) – 3:49
-
- 等你約會我 (Waiting for Your Date) – 3:40
-
- 電燈膽 (Third Wheel) – 3:36
-
- 念念不忘 (Never Forget) – 3:48
-
- 七夕 (Qixi Festival) – 3:10
-
- 你好嗎? (How Are You?) – 3:35
-
- 12:03 分手 (12:03 Breakup) – 3:45
-
- 日久生情 (Love Over Time) – 3:37
-
- 單戀雙關 (Unrequited Double Entendre) – 3:47
-
- 愛情教會我 (Love Teaches Me) – 3:55
-
- 看透 (See Through) – 4:50
-
- 金光燦爛 (Golden Light) – 3:26
-
- 再見不是朋友 (Goodbye Is Not Friendship) – 3:39
-
- 活到美麗 (Live to Beauty) – 3:19
-
- 不愛不愛理 (Don't Love, Don't Care) – 3:58
-
- 男孩子挑選哪位？ (Which Boy to Choose?) – 3:22
-
- 那些那些 (Those Things) – 3:37
-
- 分手的禮貌 (The Politeness of Breaking Up) – 3:49
-
- 桃花不嫌多 (Peach Blossoms Aren't Too Many) – 3:35
-
- 難愛 (Hard to Love) – 3:32
-
- 中華冷面 (Chinese Cold Noodles) – 3:21
-
- 京都之雪 (Kyoto Snow) – 3:34
-
- 冷靜 (Calm Down) – 3:36
-
- 颱風 (Typhoon) – 4:20
-
- 愛與妒忌 (Love and Jealousy) – 3:38
-
- 女兒紅 (Daughter Red) – 3:48
-
- 其實我想… (Actually I Want...) – 3:42
-
- 童謠 (Nursery Rhyme) – 3:29
-
- 愛情萬年長 (Eternal Love) – 3:55
-
- 紅 (Red) – 4:12
Filmography
Films
Stephy Tang debuted in films in 2001 and has amassed over 40 credits by 2025, transitioning from supporting roles in comedies to leading parts in dramas and romantic films.[60] Her early work often featured ensemble casts in lighthearted Hong Kong productions, while later roles highlighted her dramatic range, earning critical acclaim.[11] Key films in her career include:- Merry-Go-Round (2001): Supporting role as Auyeung Pui Yee in this romantic drama directed by Clifton Ko, marking her screen debut alongside Gigi Leung and Ekin Cheng.[60]
- Love Under the Sun (2003): Cameo appearance in the romantic comedy anthology directed by Pang Ho-cheung and others, co-starring Takeshi Kaneshiro and Charlene Choi.[60]
- Marriage with a Fool (2006): Lead role as Bo in the romantic comedy directed by Patrick Kong, opposite Ronald Cheng and Miriam Yeung, which helped establish her as a comedic leading lady.
- Love Is Not All Around (2007): Lead as Kwong Mei Bo in the romantic comedy directed by Patrick Kong, featuring Takeshi Kaneshiro as her co-star in a tale of urban relationships.
- La Lingerie (2008): Supporting role as Miu Ho in the comedy co-directed by Hing-Ka Chan and Janet Chun, with an ensemble including Charlene Choi and Teresa Mo, exploring themes of self-image.
- The Empty Hands (2017): Starring role as Chan Yiu-king (Mari Hirakawa) in the sports drama directed by and co-starring Chapman To, portraying a woman's journey in karate; Tang won the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress.[61][43]
- My Prince Edward (2019): Lead role as Cheung Lei Fong in the romantic comedy-drama directed by Norris Wong, opposite Yue Cun, delving into marriage pressures; earned nominations for Best Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards and Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards.[62][43]
- Table for Six (2022): Role as Monica in the family comedy directed by Sunny Chan, co-starring Dayo Wong and Louis Koo, focusing on sibling dynamics during a reunion.[63]
- Table for Six 2 (2024): Reprising Monica in the sequel comedy directed by Sunny Chan, with returning co-stars Dayo Wong and new additions like Lin Min-Chen.
- Love Lies (2024): Supporting role as the scammer's coach in the comedy-drama directed by Ho Miu-kai, alongside Sandra Ng and Michael Cheung, satirizing online romance scams; led to a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2025 Hong Kong Film Awards.[64][47]