Star Search 2019 Champ Teoh Zetong Explains Why He’s Willing To Take A Pay Cut To Be An Actor

Last night (Nov 3), Teoh Zetong had to make a tough decision.

The Carousell associate customer relationship management manager was crowned the winner of Star Search 2019, and he had to make a choice between his corporate career and a life in the spotlight.

His boss was in the audience, and although he doesn't understand a single lick of Mandarin, he had translators in the form of Zetong’s colleagues who told him what was going on on stage. What needed no translation, however, was when the 26-year-old was handed the winner's trophy at the end of the evening.

Less than a day later, the reality hasn’t quite sunk in for Zetong — or Zong, which he implored us to call him when we spoke for the 8days.sg Star Search finalists cover story.

“I only had a few hours of sleep last night and I started taking on interviews since eight in the morning,” he said, the dark-eye circles under his eyes, suddenly becoming more noticeable. “I’ve only had a few hours to sleep, and I haven’t really had time to check my phone, either.”

One of the first things he did after winning was to text his boss, because, as the budding actor explained, “I knew I was going to quit my job, but he didn’t yet. I wanted him to hear it from me first before the reports came out last night.”

Smart move.

His boss had plans to groom him to take over his position, but has since given Zetong his blessings, adding that he is proud of what the young man has achieved.

When we spoke to Zong for the cover story last month, he didn’t seem quite confident about the career switch just yet, which is why we decided to probe him about it again today.

“I was trying to focus on doing my best so I didn’t want to think too much about the outcome of the competition,” he mused. “I’ve been seriously considering it since before the semi-finals, but at the moment when they announced the top three and the winner, I knew that I made the right choice.”

At 26, he would be 28 or 29 by the time the two or three year contract with Mediacorp which he is likely to be offered, expires. He previously shared that age isn’t on his side, especially when he wants to be financially stable as soon as possible.

He admits that he would be taking a pay cut when he makes the career switch, which was something he had considered seriously during the decision-making process.

“It’s important to know that you need to give up certain things in order to gain something else. I’ll have to make some adjustments to my lifestyle and spending, but I think it’s worth it,” he said. “I don’t really spend a lot on buying things, but I think managing my finances properly won’t be a problem.”

Another reason the Malaysian plans on joining showbiz is his mum, who encouraged him to audition in the first place. “She wanted to be an actress but she didn’t have a chance to,” he revealed, his eyes glazing over with emotion. “At my age she was already married with two kids, so it wasn’t really an option for her, but it is for me.”

His parents, who run a small family business, still live across the Causeway in JB, while he and his two siblings have rented a place in Singapore. This wasn't always the case, as he used to shuttle in between the two countries until he entered Anglo-Chinese Junior College and decided that it would be too time-consuming to continue doing so.

For now, Zetong will be busy learning the ropes as an actor. For starters, he’ll have to get acquainted with his new manager, and hopefully, an acting job will come knocking on his door soon.

“You always need to have the mindset of a beginner in order to improve yourself,” he said matter-of-factly. “There will be a lot of things I will have to experience for the first time, so I’ll keep my head down and keep working (...) My friends say it’s a bit cheesy, but my motto in life is #tryeverything.”

To all the casting directors out there, Zong let on that he’s ready to take on any role that he’s given, though he draws the line at baring it all for the cameras. He would, however, be willing to strip down to his undies should he be given enough time to work out before having to do so.

Zetong has hopes of staying in showbiz for a long time — or in his words, “for as long as the industry allows me to”. But instead of adding another shiny trophy to his cabinet, his goal is slightly loftier.

“As an actor, I want to be able to be in a role that people will remember me for. It doesn’t matter what kind of character it is. I think that’s the highest form of praise you can get — to be remembered by everyone for bringing a fictional character to life.”

Photos: KELVIN CHIA/ 8days.sg and Mediacorp Photo Unit