KUALA LUMPUR – Since debuting as the new tourism ambassador for Malaysia’s Melaka state in June, Chinese celebrity Fan Bingbing has caused quite a stir, both online and in the city’s historic streets.

The popular actress’ recent appearances at Melaka’s tourism and heritage sites, be it strolling along Jonker Walk in the city’s Chinatown area or sampling local fare, attracted hordes of starstruck fans and sparked a frenzy that sent searches for “Melaka” spiking on Chinese social media.