Cantonese pop singer Cheung Yutung is embarking on a fresh start by rebranding and adopting a new name, replacing the former stage name A Sai. She is releasing new music that aims to continue inspiring audiences around the world. 

Cheung Yutung. She is also known by her English name Ice Cheung. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music China Greater Bay Area]

"I have contemplated this change for quite some time," Cheung told China.org.cn when speaking on the decision. Whilst uncommon for artists to change their names, it is not unheard of. Successful examples exist with the like of Wang Jingwen, who later became the iconic diva Faye Wong. "Over the past 10 years, many people have asked about my full name. Now that I'm releasing new music, I'm also introducing this 'new' name — both for myself and for more people to get to know me."

Cheung sees the name change as a starting point for expansion. "This isn't about replacing my past self, because the person I was before was already great," she explained. "I hope the future me can embrace more possibilities, grow more professional in music, and reach more people. I see this as a hopeful new beginning."

She began her career in 2016 as a singer-songwriter with "Memories of Guangzhou" and has since built a substantial online following. To date, she has attracted nearly 10 million followers across various platforms, with her songs accumulating over 100 million streams. Her achievements include recognition as one of the most popular music influencers at the Superstar on Weibo event in 2017, followed by signing with Universal Music Group's PolyGram label in 2023. 

The singer returned to the spotlight and topped music charts with her 2024 contribution "Red Doubt" for Wong Kar-wai's acclaimed series "Blossoms Shanghai." The Cantonese classic was originally popularized by Anita Mui, who covered Japanese singer Yamaguchi Momoe's hit.

"Although it was a cover, I still found it challenging. I felt both excited and nervous working on a Wong Kar-wai production, worried I might not meet expectations. Yet the process went smoothly, and hearing it in the series finally brought me immense satisfaction and a sense of achievement," she noted. She went on to add that she hopes to contribute more songs to film and television soundtracks.

This year, Cheung recorded a three-track EP titled "Blossom." The first single, "Climb," released in August, has been widely praised by fans as deeply inspirational.

"The message in this song is genuine," she said. "It speaks to those moments when difficulties make us want to give up. But I believe that with firm belief and determination to keep climbing, we can persevere. I see myself in this message — the song draws from my own experiences, and I hope listeners find positive energy in it and embrace a more optimistic outlook on life."

Cheung is now signed to Universal Music China Greater Bay Area (UMCGBA), a label division launched in September 2024. She attributes her artistic growth to the team at the label and the guidance from David Chow, UMCGBA's A&R director, who encouraged her to explore diverse styles. His feedback on her compositions helped her write more prolifically, with the team selecting the strongest material for release.

"Having professional experts supporting my creative process made me feel more secure and truly happy," she shared.

Cheung Yutung plays a guitar during the interview with China.org.cn in Beijing, Nov. 25, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music China Greater Bay Area]

The second single, "Have Fun," released in October, surprised fans with its retro-electronic sound, a departure from her earlier folk and pop style. "The third track, still unreleased, is R&B. All three songs represent different genres," Cheung said. "For me, this has been a meaningful new experiment."

Cheung expressed eagerness to continue exploring new creative directions, including integrating traditional Cantonese opera and other local elements into future works to promote Cantonese music and culture. She is also preparing for a much anticipated concert tour next year, where she will perform selections from both her "A Sai" era and her current repertoire.

"My recent work reflects maturity and stepping out of the A Sai comfort zone," she stated. "While I used to focus on pop ballads, my performances will now feature more uptempo pieces."

She also voiced gratitude to her fans for their support over the past decade and is considering writing a song to express her feelings toward them.

"It's their support that has made me who I am today. I hope we can continue growing and improving together," Cheung said. Her current goal is to create more music and perform in more cities, and "so more people can get to know the reinvented singer Cheung Yutung."