Fan Bingbing is rumoured to be receiving a Malaysian state title, but she won’t be ranked as high as Michelle Yeoh

Fan Bingbing at the Baba House in Melaka last year, dressed by Khoon Hooi. Photo: fanbingbing/Facebook

Fan Bingbing (范冰冰) was instrumental in boosting the foreigner-arrival figures of Melaka (also Malacca) when she was appointed the state’s tourism ambassador last year. Now, the Malaysian media has shared that the occasional actress is expected to be conferred a ‘Datuk Wira’ title by the peninsular’s third smallest state. Reports suggest that the honour will be bestowed during the governor of Melaka’s birthday celebration on 24 August, days before Malaysia’s national day. The recognition is said to be in celebration of her “significant contributions” to the state’s tourism that has reportedly led to a substantial increase in Chinese visitors, boosting the former Portuguese settlement’s industry and economy.

Ms Fan’s unconfirmed title brings to mind another actor Michelle Yeoh’s (杨紫琼) ‘Datuk Seri’ honorific, which she received in 2012 from the sultan of Perak. This was in conjunction with the royal’s 84th birthday. A year later, she was made a ‘Tan Sri’, a highly prestigious federal title conferred by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the king of Malaysia. Understanding the hierarchy of honorific titles of the country can be rather complex, as they are conferred at both federal and state levels, with variations in spelling and prestige, depending on the awarding authority. In essence, while both are honorifics, a Datuk Seri generally denotes a higher level of recognition and, therefore, prominence, than a Datuk Wira. What practical use a Malaysian title is to a foreigner, such as Ms Fan, is not at once clear.

But we suppose that, as with local honorees, the China-born star would enjoy enhanced prestige and recognition, and may be seen as a symbol of influence, especially as a promoter of the sarong kebaya, which she wore prominently while on duty in Melaka. The conferment, too, allows publicity and good will, networking and access to high circles, and all manner of opportunities. For Fan Bingbing, the Datuk Wira title is a strategic acquisition that leverages her celebrity status into a form of diplomatic and, no doubt, business capital. It is recognition that enhances her brand, expands her network, and positions her favorably for future engagements in Malaysia and, possibly, the broader Southeast Asian region as she maintains her status as the luminously sporadic actress or unmissable red carpet habitué.