‘Stay True to Who You Are’: Revealing Zhang Ze Tong’s Secret to Becoming Star Awards Leading Victor

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It’s easy to feel lost in this vast world—both literally and figuratively. With the rise of filters, content creation, and social media, it’s easy to craft an image of yourself: a traveler, lifestyle vlogger, foodie, tech enthusiast, outdoor lover, and more.

You share your adventures and favorite products, presenting a life that seems relatable and effortless. But once the recording stops, the director says ‘cut,’ and the lights go out, it’s the real you who remains: who you truly are.

Here, the multi-awarded Malaysian actor Zhang Ze Tong opens up about the challenges of shifting careers, the importance of living by your decisions, and staying true to yourself amidst obstacles. Known for his charismatic personality and captivating performances, Zhang—now known as the ‘most hated villain’—reveals some of the industry’s secrets and shares his journey of self-discovery and authenticity.

The Guy with No Regrets

Sometimes we think that the hard work is over once you win. But in the case of Star Search winner Zhang Ze Tong, the real battle began after clinching Mediacorp’s talent competition in 2019. Transitioning from a customer relationship manager at Carousell to an actor and content creator was a complete 180-degree turn.

“It has been quite a big challenge for me. When you’re working 9 to 5, you have a very predictable rest time. Whereas in my new job as actor-slash-content-creator, you don’t really get much of a fixed rest time,” Zhang explains. He also found it difficult to carve out time for friends and family. He even had to decline attending several friends’ weddings due to his unpredictable schedule, not wanting to promise a seat only to cancel later.

Pressed physically and emotionally with these kinds of setbacks, some might be tempted to just back down. But Zhang stands firm in his decisions.

“I spent enough time to make a decision. Then, I don’t look back. I always go forward with the decisions.”

Making a Lot of Mistakes

Moving forward and standing by your decisions can be as tough as it sounds. But well, we also know that when the going gets tough, the tough must get going. Zhang admits there were times he wished he could return to his ‘normal’ life—not because of the schedule, but because he sometimes doubted if he was truly cut out to be an actor. “I wouldn’t say that I miss my previous job, but more like, I’m not sure I’m suitable to be an actor.”

But when you open yourself to challenges, opportunities often follow. Winning Star Search allowed Zhang to embrace new opportunities, gain industry exposure, learn from his mistakes, and grow as an actor—even if that meant facing criticism. “Because you receive so many opportunities, you get so much exposure, people will be looking at you and your mistakes, and then they’ll be like, ‘Okay, I think maybe this guy can do it’.”

Surely, people will always have something to say, but along the way, Zhang has found a support system that believes in him, like his manager.

“I’m so glad they had faith in me. I don’t know what they saw in me or what was going on in their minds, but they wholeheartedly and genuinely told me I could do it. I could do it.”

Show business is a tough industry—and its rite of passage is no walk in the park. But once you make it through to the other side, the journey proves to be immensely rewarding.

Creating a New Character

Like many raised in an Asian household, Zhang Ze Tong sources out his motivation to do well in his chosen career from his parents. “I like to make my parents proud,” he shares. Since the beginning, his mom has been his biggest supporter—eagerly watching and listening to every single episode, podcast, and variety show he’s featured in.

Despite the challenges, Zhang amusingly recalls, “I do get my fair share of beatings. I’m happy, nothing too bad.” These mixed memories of happy and unhappy experiences from his childhood have instilled in him the discipline essential for his demanding career. “I do need to be disciplined with myself, especially when preparing for a role—in memorizing the script and stuff, in creating a new character.”

Conveying emotions on screen can be tough, but Zhang has learned industry secrets, like drawing on personal experiences to trigger genuine emotions. For instance, imagining parting with a beloved pet or being away from family can help deliver dramatic lines.

“That’s the easiest trigger for me. When people tell me that, ‘hey, you know, there is an AI filter to see how we’re going to look like when we’re older.’ Then you realize that, your parents will never see you.”

However, while these may seem helpful, Zhang prefers to develop his emotional range authentically rather than relying on these mental tricks. For him, it’s better to stay within the character and think about what the character has gone through.

Discovering Things Along the Way

While most would think that being the main lead in a series or film is the best role one gets a hand in, Zhang has always been the type to explore the many opportunities that can make him a better actor. For one, he was thrilled to play a sociopathic villain in All That Glitters, a role that won him Best Supporting Actor at the 2024 Star Awards, where he bested other nominees who had way more experience under their belt. “That’s something that I had always wanted to try and get my hands on, but I didn’t get to do as many murders as I wanted to. Maybe next time—cold-blooded murderer.”

Achieving recognition within five years, Zhang humbly credits his success not only to his abilities but also to his colleagues and mentors, especially Christopher Lee. “He keeps me grounded. Like my father, he has always been very strict with me, with my performance.”

Zhang fondly recalled how, after he got his award and met the Malaysian actor-businessman for breakfast, he said how proud he was of Zhang but also spent three-hours of passionately lecturing him on how he further improved. “He basically identified every single thing that I’ve done right and not right in the show and told me, ‘You could do a lot better in the next show’.”

Stay Passionate and Focused

If an alternate universe does exist, if not acting or working on Carousell, Zhang imagines himself working for tech mogul Sam Altman of OpenAI. “I’m a tech geek. I still pay attention to all the latest developments and updates. So, I’m very passionate about startups. So, if I do get a chance, maybe I will go work for him in the US. Hopefully, he’ll hire me.”

However, with his heart belonging to the entertainment industry right now, he’s focused on his current role, particularly with the second season of The Little Nonya. With months left to film, Zhang has been getting more and more excited about how his character evolves, discovering more new things along the way.

Beyond these, the actor also hopes to explore further and participate in an indie film—one that would have a significant impact, touching upon societal or family topics. With keeping up with trends becoming more and more pressing these days, Zhang admitted that he’s also frivolous on what will happen next. That’s why he wanted to create content that stays true to who he is as a person.

“No matter what platforms come up, my character or personality will remain the same, or will remain relevant.”

For one, Zhang is quite interested—and at the same time afraid to try—in portraying the Founding Father of Singapore. “Reprising a historical figure is terrifying. I mean, where do you begin? How do you start? How will the audience take it? It is really outside of my comfort zone. And if I can nail it, it would be amazing. That’s something that I’ve been wanting to try as well.”

Indeed, opportunities come to those who step outside their comfort zones, embrace career shifts, and take on challenging roles. Within five years, even through a pandemic, Zhang Ze Tong has shown that stepping into the unknown can lead to greater heights.

Imagine what he could accomplish in the coming years. For now, let’s admire his award-winning portrayal of Richard Mo in All That Glitters, now on Netflix.

Creative Direction & Photographed by Em Baun

Video: Mary Jane Manglicmot

Makeup by Zhou Aiyi using Shu Uemura

Hair by: Sylin Yer from Shunji Matsuo using #oribeobsessed

Overall Coordination by: Lynette Lee, Niccole Mendoza, Angel Altura