Steven Ma “In Talks” To Head Artiste Training Department In TVB

Looks like TVB, now undergoing a company-wide restructuring, is not slowing down when it comes to turning stars into bigwigs on its corporate ladder.

First, there was the appointment of Eric Tsang as its Deputy General Manager and special advisor to the executive committee. Then, Wong Cho Lam was named Chief Creative Officer and has been tasked to assist Eric in the development of TVB’s variety and infotainment content.

Now, there’s news that former TVB leading man Steven Ma, 49, has been asked to take over the artiste training department, where he will oversee the coaching of new actors.

Stars who have emerged from TVB’s famed acting classes include cinematic icons Chow Yun Fat, Tony Leung and Stephen Chow, which means that Steven, if he accepts the new appointment, has his work cut out for him.

However, being a teacher is a role that Steven is familiar with. Years ago, Steven and Hongkong actor-director Lawrence Cheng were already training newbie actors for TVB. He also has experience running a school.

Steven is the boss of a chain of very successful learning centres (aka tuition centres) in Hongkong and China. After he graduated from Peking University with an Executive MBA last year, he also started his own artiste training centre in Hongkong and that apparently makes him the perfect man for the job… at least according to reports.

When asked about the rumours, Steven, who left TVB as full-time artiste in 2012 after 19 years with the broadcaster, said: “I thank everyone for their concern but everything is still in talks. How we will work together is still being discussed. Everyone needs to work out the time and direction to see if we are a good fit. If there is anything that I can do to help the company, I would definitely give my all!”

According to sources, Eric was the one who approached Steven and that the former has plans to turn TVB’s training classes into a training school. Now that’s what we call thinking big.

Photos: Steven Ma's IG