20 GOOD MEN OF 2020

1 LAWRENCE WONG

32, ACTOR

The Beijing-based actor has three new dramas coming up. IG following: 353,000

What are you busy with now?

I’m currently in Johor Bahru, in the midst of filming The Ferryman – Legends of Nanyang. It airs next year on iQiyi, China’s largest television streaming site. I play a 24-year-old who can see spirits, helping them get their grievances sorted. It’s my first time playing a supernatural role so I’m really stoked. I was also just named as the first international ambassador of iQiyi. My main role is promoting the streaming service to the regional audience.

I’ve also completed two more Chinese dramas by iQiyi that are airing next year – One Boat One World, and Love and Passion. I play a ship commander in One Boat One World. I filmed about 90 per cent of it on a ship, travelling between Japan and China for three months. Thankfully... I didn’t get seasick!

I WAS KINDA LIKE A DARK HORSE. NO ONE EVER THOUGHT THAT I’D MAKE IT BIG, I GUESS.

You are based in...

Beijing... mainly for acting. I have a home in Singapore and some relatives living in Malaysia. I came back to Singapore in January for Chinese New Year, and I wanted to return to China before starting filming for The Ferryman – Legends of Nanyang. With Covid-19, I couldn’t return and I haven’t been back since. I have a cat. Thankfully, I have nice colleagues who’re helping me take care of it. I just got a new place in Singapore and I’m renovating it. It’s been extra tough since I can’t head over to check out the renovation process. I hope to get it done ASAP!

I DIDN’T GET THE (HOLLYWOOD) ROLES BUT I’M NOT TOO DISAPPOINTED.

You’re a regional star now. Is Hollywood calling?

Before Yanxi Palace, I was kinda like a dark horse. No one ever thought that I’d make it big, I guess. I’ve gone to several Hollywood castings in Los Angeles. I didn’t get the roles, but I’m not too disappointed. I guess it means I’ll just focus on my career in the region!

If there’s something you’d change about yourself?

I was an “ah beng” when I was younger! I was a very difficult student. Looking back, I wish I didn’t give my parents (who’ve always been very supportive) and teachers such a hard time. I wish I had been a better student. After working in the industry for a while, I’ve come to realise the importance of being in touch with my family and friends.

2 BENJAMIN KHENG

29, MUSICIAN

LIFE’S TOO MASSIVE AND I SHOULDN’T BE WORRYING ABOUT MY IMAGE THAT MUCH.

He released his first EP and is working on The Benzi Project, a Youtube series. IG following: 209,000

These days, Benjamin Kheng is feeling on top of the world. In June, he released his debut EP, A Sea That Never Stops – a series of six self-written songs comprising soul stirring ballads and funky synth-pop beats. And the 29-year old artiste is currently busy with The Benzi Project, a Youtube series. It satirises social issues in Singapore and packages serious messages into humorous episodes.

This year,