Kenji Wong
KENJI WONG IS a busy man. Squeezing our shoot between an event and a gym session, Wong is a businessman, emcee, model, influencer and former cable TV anchor. Comfortable in front of and behind the camera, he shares his day-to- day life online.
From facilitating the union of loved ones at wedding ceremonies to hosting at Art Basel and APM x World Cup FIFA 18, Wong’s undeniable optimism and charisma make him the top pick for any and all events. “My favourite is weddings,” he says, “because you’re painting a picture with what you say, telling a story, their love story.”
Co-founder of yoga studio and multi-purpose workspace ShishaStudio, Wong understands the importance of positive thinking as well as manifesting his thoughts and goals. “Be willing to fight for what you want,” he says. “You never know who you’re inspiring.”
Wong advocates showing more than just the highlights of his life online. “It’s important to show everyday life,” he says. “Influence is not limited to just one type of person. Not just fashion, sport or lifestyle.”
One particularly pernicious concern is whether time spent on social media sites is eating away at face-to-face time, a phenomenon known as social displacement. But for Wong, face-to-face interaction is vital to being present online.
Stressing the importance of protecting the natural playground Mother Nature has to offer, Wong shares his deep appreciation for the outdoors on Instagram along with his greatest inspiration, his dog Naki.
“She inspires me to continue training every day,” he says. A mixed-breed Husky- Shiba who accompanies Wong on all of his outdoor adventures, Naki could well be the reason for Wong’s 30,000+ followers on the platform. “Most of my audience just want to see my dog,” he says with a smile. “I’m okay with that.”
An advocate for pet adoption in Hong Kong for those looking for a bond as strong as the one he found with Naki, Wong notes that if you do decide to adopt, you can spoil your furry friend with toys and trinkets from his co- owned pet supply store On Dog Dog.
An avid fitness enthusiast and upcoming Calvin Klein model, Wong spends a lot of his time in the gym and is currently on a strict diet. Crediting YouTube dog trainers for Naki’s best behaviour,
Wong also hopes to share his knowledge. “If I wasn’t influencing, I would still be a model,” he says, “but also maybe a dog trainer.”
“It’s important to show everyday life. Influence is not limited to just one type of person. Not just fashion, sport or lifestyle”
KENJI WONG