HERO TAI

ACTOR/TV HOST BEIJING

What are the acting projects you are currently working on?

So far, I have finished shooting two drama series this year: Secret Lover, which is already to watch in its entirety on the Choco TV app, as well as the China-based drama Love Protector, which we have spent two months on set filming in Taiwan. I have one more drama lined up for the year, which I am in the midst of shooting now in Beijing.

What would you say was your greatest achievement by far that you are personally proud of?

It would have to be the biggest drama project I was a part of last year, The Deadbook of Dynasty Xi Xia. I had the privilege to work alongside renowned Chinese actors like Jiro Wang, Jia Qing and Ares Wu, on this big budget series which grosses at more than RMB200 million! It is said to be akin to a China version of Indiana Jones, as the show explores the ancient city of the Western Xia Empire, with all sorts of archaeological adventures and mysteries.

It was the dawn of a new era for Malaysia during the General Elections back in May. Personally, how has things changed for you where you are, a er hearing the news?

It did strike a chord in me to hear that close to 12 million voters (out of the 14 million eligible to vote) make the effort to come out and vote on Election Day; personally, I flew back home to vote, before flying back out to Taiwan again on the same day due to a shooting in progress! It goes to show that the Malaysians do care about our own country, and we do believe that Malaysia deserves a change. It may be something as small as the 0% rate in GST, or new ministers heading the governmental departments, but I do believe that we are on our way to a better future if we keep on the right path of doing the right things for the country.

As a Malaysian residing overseas, how do you think this “New Malaysia” affects you as a Malaysian, and in your career?

Most of the investments that go into the entertainment industry comes from big business corporations. Thus, I do hope that as our country’s economy thrives for the better, it can also mean more opportunities for me to work on locally produced films back home. Personally, if I were to choose between an acting project based in China and in Malaysia, I’d choose the latter, despite the vast financial differences. Malaysia is my home, it’s a place I grew up in, and I will always feel indebted to do my best in my career that can garner a positive reflection back to the country as a whole.

"IT GOES TO SHOW THAT THE MALAYSIANS DO CARE ABOUT OUR OWN COUNTRY, AND WE DO BELIEVE THAT MALAYSIA DESERVES A CHANGE"