My dad's an architect, and I've always been influenced by his drawings — the way he designs buildings. And growing up, I did a lot of drawing and I've always known myself as an artist but only bounded by the paper and in painting and drawings, but never really explored what I can do in terms of art with my voice and also in my body.
And then when I moved to Canada, it was still with the intention of going to architecture school in Dalhousie. And then when I came to university that first year of architecture school, I enjoyed everything. I enjoy drawing, designing, looking at buildings, but something was missing like that spark — that was missing. And so I took drama classes in high school here, and also the “Introduction to Acting” class and I was like “Oh yeah, so that's missing.” That sort of empowerment with your voice and also your body and, and how that flows into your art.
I never regretted my decision and I’m really, really touched and grateful for the support that I’ve had from my family because it's something that you wouldn't normally get into. It wouldn't be an option in Malaysia or Asian countries or it would be a pressure from the family if you were to go into arts. Because there hasn’t been a lot of success stories that come out of art. You don't see a lot of Asian people on screen or on stage until now. My parents didn't grow up watching Asian people in Hollywood movies or on stage. I think they find solace in knowing that representation matters now in Canada and it's progressing. It's definitely comforting for them knowing that there's a possibility that they could see me on screen or on stage. And I think they also find comfort knowing that I am working hard to get to my dreams. I’m gonna make them proud! Hi Mom! Hi Dad!
Growing up, I felt that citizens in Malaysia always suffered from this one epidemic — which is not being heard. Now, that has since changed for the better, but the previous government used to always say that you have freedom of speech and stuff like that but that wasn’t always the case. They were very, very into censorship and preventing people from speaking out. And it was also embedded in our education system, where everything that the teacher says is the only and right answer. And so growing up, I felt like people in Malaysia, especially the youth, we didn't have a voice in anything because we’re always being watched or controlled, even though they said, “No, it’s a country that celebrates freedom of speech.” And then there's always that fear seeded in us that if you voiced something out, you’ll get put in jail for that. So might as well we don’t say anything.
So, I think what inspires me is empowering voices, especially minority voices, and voices that people have been keeping inside of them — that they haven't found strength to let it out. And so that's a big thing for me. Every time I go on stage, every time I'm on screen I make sure I’m aiding the process of telling people that, “Hey, your voice matters. And, look at me, I'm just an Asian guy as well.” But our voices matter, no matter who we are, no matter what skin color we are, no matter what race or background we come from because single one of us has this mechanism that we ought to use more often.
I think this world, as messy as it is today, needs more love. I think it's just as simple as that. I think why there's so many bad things going on, in this world nowadays, being hatred or racism, or extremism — all these things happen because of the lack of love. And I think love is the gateway to better understanding and better communication. And all it takes is just for us to take a step back and really love and appreciate other people opinions, voices, and where they come from. To breathe love, it means to do better to understand, and also to accept and appreciate and to celebrate people's differences.
