The Straits Times reported that during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Yip expressed her love for durian and described the fruit as her favorite Malaysian treat.

She revealed that the hotel is part of a larger project involving four themed hotels in Penang, each dedicated to preserving the original culture and heritage of their locations.

This new venture marks Yip’s second investment in the region’s hospitality sector, following the opening of The Leith Hotel Penang. While the precise location and opening date of the durian-themed hotel are yet to be revealed, AsiaOne noted that the design of the hotel would feature durian-like elements, including the fruit’s unique shape in the exterior walls and durian-inspired motifs in the interior lighting.

The hotel will feature an exclusive restaurant offering a range of durian-infused dishes such as durian hotpot, coffee, and ice cream. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to engage in immersive experiences, including durian cultural exhibitions and visits to durian farms.

Singaporean filmmaker Jack Neo has been appointed as the creative director of the hotel. Neo’s involvement began after a stay at an Evians Holdings property where he was introduced to the durian-themed concept. Initially skeptical, Neo now believes in the potential of rebranding the durian as a symbol of harvest, goodness, and fragrance.

He also expressed interest in expanding this concept to Singapore, though he acknowledged the challenge of higher land costs there.

Yip, 58, started her career in entertainment as a trainee with Asia Television (ATV) and later signed a two-year contract in 1985. After her stint with ATV, she received a film role offer from Raymond Chow, the founder of Golden Harvest. Her major break came with the 1990 Category III film “Erotic Ghost Story.”

She retired from acting in 1997, lamenting that the roles she was offered were not memorable. Since the death of her longtime boyfriend, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sammy Sek Chiu Lui, in 2018, Yip has not been publicly involved in any romantic relationships.