These Superstars Are Also Super Generous Bosses (Even During The Pandemic)

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on economies and livelihoods all over the world, especially the entertainment industry, with numerous concerts and productions being called off. Even last year’s highest-paid Taiwanese actor reportedly earned over 70 per cent less than the top earner of 2019.

However, that hasn’t stopped some celebrity bosses from taking really, really good care of their staff in spite of the bleak situation. Keep scrolling to see who were featured in the Taiwanese media’s recent list of some of the most generous star towkays.

Thanks to his endorsement deals, performances, variety show gigs, and two newly opened side businesses (a bubble tea brand and Japanese restaurant), Jam Hsiao had a pretty fantastic year, financially speaking — the Taiwanese singer reportedly raked in a total of NT$720mil (S$34.1mil).

No wonder the 33-year-old, who is a shareholder of his management company Magpie Entertainment, is so generous with his employees’ gifts and bonuses. According to his long-time manager — and rumoured girlfriend — Summer Lin, it’s completely normal for top-performing staff to receive a year-end seven months bonus.

However, Summer also explained that her colleagues work very hard and are often under a lot of pressure, so in order to make everyone happy, year-end bonuses, red packets, afternoon tea sessions are “basic” things to be expected.

It is estimated that a total of NT$1mil (S$47,380) in bonuses will be given out before Chinese New Year.

Other than his two concerts at Singapore’s National Stadium in January last year, Jay Chou hasn’t had any other large-scale performances throughout the rest of 2020 as they were all axed, but that apparently isn’t going to stop the 41-year-old from ensuring that his employees are well-compensated.

While the Mandopop king’s record label, JVR Music, said that the latest year-end bonus amount has yet to be announced, it is believed that it should still be the same as before, which means at least two months of bonus pay will be given out.

Although Mayday did not hold any concerts last year (other than their free virtual showcase, that is), frontman Ashin’s self-founded clothing label reported a 40 per cent increase in online sales. It is estimated that his employees will be given at least one month’s year-end bonus, with top performers receiving even more.

Employees of JJ Lin’s lifestyle concept store, SMUDGEstore Taipei, are apparently treated to regular company trips overseas. While that obviously couldn’t happen during the past year, the Taiwan-based Singaporean singer made it up to them by bringing everyone camping at Yangmingshan National Park.

In addition, the 39-year-old helps keep his staff healthy and active by arranging football games, boxing sessions, or mountain-climbing expeditions for them. The company also sends the employees for refresher courses so that they can constantly improve themselves.

As for their year-end bonus, the company responded: “It’s not convenient to disclose it.” Must be a lot lah.

Mandopop diva A-mei’s got a heart — and bank account — that’s as big as her voice. The 48-year-old is the boss of her own record company, Mei Entertainment, and although business has been slow for them during the pandemic, her manager shared that A-mei has always given out red packets based on her own personal feelings towards them (and given the fact that she’s in a list of the most generous bosses, we assume that amount is usually a lot).

Wonder if singer Anna, who is A-mei’s 20-year-old niece and is signed to the label, gets extra.

​Veteran host Jacky Wu’s e-commerce company, which sells everything from suitcases to Bluetooth speakers, had a really successful 2020 and reportedly earned an estimated gross revenue of NT$1bil (S$47.3mil).

In an earlier interview, the 58-year-old revealed that his top-performing employees will be awarded with a four month bonus. He reportedly gives out more than NT$10mil (S$473,000) worth of bonuses at the end of each year.