By Mae Chan | January 30, 2012
Photographs by CK Chan from The Muzes
Pursuing the limelight
Entertainer Jym Chong wears many hats. Not only is the boyish-looking 29-year-old, a regular host on Astro Entertainment News TV programme, he is also a singer and recording artiste as well as a part-time deejay for a Chinese radio station.
Starting out in the entertainment scene as a production assistant with 8TV for over two years, Chong gave up a job promotion to pursue his dream of being a singer.
Trying his luck in the 2006 AstroTalent Quest, he was among the top five contestants. He then ventured into hosting television shows which led to other opportunities in the entertainment scene.
A visit to Chong’s new apartment in Bandar Kinrara in Puchong - where he shares with his wife and baby daughter - reveals that this level-headed Libran claims to be anything but a risk-taker.
You always wanted to do music. So how did you get involved in television production?
I always loved music but my parents wanted me to have a table foundation. They advised me to get a formal education while still doing music on the side. It just went from there.
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Private Sanctuary: Jym Chong in his new home
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What made you take the plunge into singing?
Most people forgo their dreams once work and life gets more complicated and responsibilities pile up. But I remembered my dream and when my friends reminded me of my passion for singing, I decided to give it my best shot in the Astro Talent Quest (ATQ). In fact, I quit my job the moment I got through the first round, so that I could focus on it, even though my company then, had just offered me my own programme to produce.
That's very daring of you!
I usually find it difficult to make decisions, so that was quite something. It turned out to be the turning point in my life.
So is singing your career focus now?
I admire people who can sacrifice all to pursue something, but I think I'm good at finding a balance between being determined but also being practical and to go with the flow. I still love my music career and will be glad for any opportunity but I won't approach it greedily. For me, security is key.
So you're focusing on hosting shows now?
Yes. After ATQ, I was given a chance to join Astro as a TV host. I was thankful for the opportunity to enter this industry.
You went from behind the scene to the front.
Hosting didn't come naturally to me and I didn't really like it, at first. But there were people who encouraged me, and I realised my talent in it. Now, I truly enjoy this job, it's like a whole world of opportunities that keep me on my toes. But I still undertake behind-the-scene work, such as directing music videos for my friends, just for fun.
What’s your career goal this year?
I would like to host an entire programme this year. It would be challenging to convince the bosses, but I want to be hands-on, from concept to production and hosting.
Tell us about your new home.
It's a three-bedroom apartment of 100sq m (1,080sq ft) that I bought two years ago for over RM200,000. I love the location, secluded and next to a mountain, which for the Chinese, it means good luck. It's also cool and private.
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The home has a simple and clean cut design using red, white and brown themes, which creates a bright and modern effect. Good use of lighting and mirrors further enhance the space.
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You chose it for the location?
Yes. It's near my workplace, quiet and not too far from the city. This area is rapidly developing and is a popular residential choice. Also, my house number is 212, the birthdate of my baby daughter as well as the anniversary of my first date with my wife.
You just moved in. Did you choose to coincide your move with Chinese New Year?
We were supposed to move in last year but the renovation was delayed. We rushed to move in before Chinese New Year, so that my family and friends can visit. There are still some details to be worked out but the furniture just arrived in time for your visit.
You'll be having visitors for the festive celebration then?
We go home to Seremban for a couple of days but we will have a house-warming cum Chinese New Year party. However, they'll have to come in batches as my house is not big enough!
Will you add Chinese New Year decorations?
Yes. I didn't value such traditional practices before, but maybe since becoming a husband and father, as well as owning my own home, these small gestures carry importance and significance. Having a red feature wall already helps!
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Deciding to follow tradition, Jym Chong decorated his new home for the Chinese New Year season.
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What is your home's design concept?
I wanted to keep it simple and clean looking. I used a mainly white decorating scheme, with some red and brown colour highlights. I was initially worried about the red feature wall, which seemed too “heavy” and prominent at first. But I grew to like it.
I also used mirrors to create a wider, visual effect in the living room and added a bar to break the monotony of the square space. Lighting is really important to create the right mood, so I installed adjustable yellow lights to create different effects.
Did you use any professional interior design service?
Yes. Steve Choong from Sense Design & Decor was a friend of mine, so he helped me bring this home's concept to reality.
What are the most interesting features of your home?
It is the elevated platform by the living room window. It's my favourite spot to relax. I plan to make it really cosy with lots of cushions and have friends over for drinks. The other feature is the third bedroom which has been turned into a wardrobe and dressing room.
How much did the renovation project cost you?
About RM60,000. That's excluding the soft furnishings and furniture.
What is home to you?
It is my lazy space. At work, I have no real space to take a breather or just let my guard down. Here, I can really let go and be sloppy and just be myself.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
Definitely my daughter, Quinness. When I look at her, all my worries just melt away. I even wrote a song about our blessing to share my joy with everyone. There's a sense of completion to have a family at 28, especially in this industry. I think that's a rare blessing, and a reason to work harder to provide my family with stability and the best things in life.
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