Unboxing Happiness: Christy Chung’s Joyful Crybabies at European Wellness, Kota Kinabalu

A glimmer of joy—Christy Chung and Prof. Mike Chan share a close-up moment with a shimmering Crybaby plush, a symbol of friendship and whimsy wrapped in velvet sparkle.

KOTA KINABALU, July 24, 2025 — In a lighthearted moment that blended nostalgia, wellness, and friendship, Hong Kong actress Christy Chung and Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mike Chan shared a playful Crybaby Doll unboxing in a salt‑therapy room at the European Wellness Premier Center in Kota Kinabalu. The scene was whimsical: ambient halo therapy steam, soft laughter, and colourful collectible dolls revealing personalities one by one.

From Labubu to Crybaby: Toys with a Twist

A day earlier, Christy gifted Prof. Chan a Labubu doll—the toothy, fandom‑fuelled plush created by artist Kasing Lung and sold by Pop Mart. A cult collector’s item, Labubu represents fantasy fashion and nostalgic joy, often seen dangling from handbags of celebrities or shared in unboxing videos across TikTok. “It’s a small token,” Christy shared, “for someone who’s made such a big impact on our lives.” Wikipedia

In contrast, the Crybaby Dolls they unboxed on July 24 emerge from Pop Mart’s equally popular “Crying Again” line. Unlike Labubu’s fierce smile, Crybaby features big, expressive tear trails on soft plush bodies—each one a quirky, emotional symbol. They’re sold in “blind boxes,” meaning the exact character remains a surprise until opened, fueling excitement and playful connection. Vogue Business

Why Collectible Plushes Now Matter

These are not mere toys—they’re part of a broader “kidult” phenomenon. Experts observe that adults are drawn to these collectible plushes for comfort amid today’s uncertain world—a way to recapture simplicity, playfulness, and emotional release. The blind box ritual adds a psychological thrill, while scarcity fuels desirability. Vogue Business

In fact, therapeutic research suggests that interacting with dolls—including life‑size “reborn” dolls—can help adults manage stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. Some studies even show it reduces agitation in dementia patients. While Crybaby Dolls aren’t clinical tools, their tactile nature and emotional expressions can provide subtle mental comfort. Maternity Miracles

A Bond of Science and Sentiment

Prof. Chan welcomed the unboxing with genuine delight. “Wow, this is so unique. I never paid much attention to Labubu before, but today I truly saw how special it is,” he remarked, holding his plush. “The first one feels like it represents me.”

Christy’s return to EW—her sixth in six years—underscores that their connection runs deeper than treatments. “This isn’t just a clinic,” she reflected. “It’s a place that understands the science of youth and the human behind it … With Prof. Chan, I feel seen, not just as a public figure, but as a person who wants to stay strong for my career, my family, and myself.”

A Snapshot of Whimsical Wellness

What started as a wellness retreat turned into a fun, viral moment—the unboxing video shared on social media captured the lighter side of health and friendship. But beneath those plush smiles lay real stories of revitalization: Christy credits Prof. Chan’s targeted stem cell therapies with restoring her energy, focus, and even a biological age far younger than her years. Shawn Zhang echoed the sentiment, calling stem cell therapy “the future of human medicine.” Wikipedia

As the family embarked on a short holiday in Semporna before departing Kota Kinabalu, they carried with them only memories—of science, vitality, and a sense that real wellness, like friendships and laughter, begins at the cellular level.