Upclose & Personal

Andy

1. Hi Andy, Could you tell us more about yourself?

I am basically a dreamer. Making an attempt to break out of the norms imposed on me by the society. Short and sweet. Haha. Read on to find out more…

2. How’s life being a performing artiste? Has it changed your life a lot?

Singing and dancing has always been my passion. To be able to combine passion with career is a dream come true. However, I had to contend with irregular and sometimes insufficient income. It’s the way the industry works.

One significant baggage that comes along with being a performing artiste is the increase in public scrutiny. Subconsciously, I have to pay more attention to how I conduct myself in public. And of course less obscene and vulgar actions and more smiles and poise. Muahaha!

Changed? You could say it’s almost a 180 degree turn from my previous job as an auditor with Price Waterhouse Coopers! It was from deskbound corporate work to freelancing for entertainment assignments. I almost could not get used to the freedom I suddenly acquired after quitting as an auditor!

3.How was the experience in your upcoming role in the drama serial?

Fun and enriching! Everyone has an actor in them. We do it all the time during our day to day lives. But to act in front of the camera, under the stern gaze of the director and production crew is a whole new experience!

Acting alongside established and experienced actors helped me learn a lot. It made me appreciate actors and actresses a lot more. The way they can immerse themselves in the character they are playing and deliver the lines so convincingly deserves respect! And I realized how much hard work and preparation goes into making films. A 5 second scene could take hours to film. Imagine that!

Anyway, watching movies and TV dramas will never be the same again. Not with me imagining the lighting that have to be set up, the angle the camera man would position himself to get the best shot, the sound man listening intently for the surrounding sounds and dialogue, the director saying “Action!” etc…

My role is not a big one (I would not dare to take up a big role anyway on my virgin acting attempt). I play an Army Commando Officer. Supposed to be quite “garang”. Haha. I am sure I’ll be laughing at myself when the drama serial airs come late July.

4. Could you tell us more about yourself getting into dance? Where you started? What kept you going? What is keeping you going on still?

Having been a sportsman all my life up to my university days, I was a late starter in dance. That’s when I decided to explore my cultural and aesthetic side. I started off by joining my hall dance in NTU. Subsequently, under the recommendation of my friends, I started taking a few Hip Hop Dance classes by my mentor, Patrick Loo. And I was part of NTU Modern Jazz for my final year in university.

I remember being inside my hostel room, watching clips of Black Beat and Shinhwa, ogling at their sleek and cool moves. Wondering when will I ever be able to groove like them. Anyway, they are the inspiration for my dance crew, White Rhythm. Personally, I felt I experienced the greatest improvement in my dance joining competitions with WR.

Hip hop has always been my preference. But I am currently exploring other dance forms like modern, jazz and breaking. It’s really amazing how our bodies can execute such varying movements. Overall, I would recommend all dancers to step out of their comfort zones and explore other genres of dance. Especially when you feel you are stagnating and need a new impetus. I can guarantee you’ll re-emerge an improved dancer.

5.What would be your direction for the next few years? In dance? Acting? Or singing?

My 1st love has always been singing. Dance comes in a close 2nd. Hence, my focus for the coming years will be on these two passions of mine. Acting and modeling will have to take a backseat for now. However, life is unpredictable. Things don’t always go the way you plan for it to. I am well aware of this and will take things as they come.

6. Looking at overseas development?

Hopefully. Taiwan seems the obvious n realistic option for now. Given the state of the entertainment industry in Singapore, I guess it will be a push in a positive direction. Uncertainties abound in a foreign land. But then again, it’s the existence of uncertainties that breed opportunities.

In terms of dance development, I would very much love to go USA and Japan. I have never been to either. But have heard and seen so much. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll be able to experience the culture and expand my dance knowledge over there soon. Any willing sponsors? *chuckle*

7. What is your favorite food/drink?

Teh Peng, Soya bean, Ribena and Yakult!

8. Any favorite makan places?

Countless. Haha. For those who don’t know, I am a huge glutton! A simple trip to a hawker center where I can order many different dishes from various stalls does it for me.

9. Any last words for the readers?

“Live life to the fullest without regret”. You only live once. Make the most out of it.