The Rise of Nadia Heng, From Pencil Cases to Big Stages

John Grether currently serves as Professor of Practice in the School of Management at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. Prior to joining Kettering, he worked at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan where he taught Jiggee Jon quite a few classes back in 1999-2001. He has 26 years of experience teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in economics, law, corporate strategy, international business, finance, and applied statistics. John has a decade of experience in higher-ed administration including serving at the department chair and dean levels. 

AbdulAziz shares his story on leaving home to study abroad and coming to terms with life as a young man learning to fend for himself, getting caught up in the usual distractions of life, and eventually finding a sense of purpose through fitness!

Phat Fabes has been on Malaysian radio for a whopping 24 years and counting! What a journey he has had, starting humbly in Klang, taking the bus to gigs, learning the trade of deejaying, getting gigs in clubs and at events, to landing a spot on radio! The rest as they say is history, and he has been doing nothing short of hustle for a quarter of a century and his story is one for the books!

Cheryl Chitty Tan is best known for starring as Yehenara in the hit musical Forbidden City alongside Kit Chan. Cheryl made her professional debut in KL at the tender age of 15 playing the title role in Little Violet and the Angel. After graduating from Wesleyan University, she spent some time doing small operas and plays in New York before she began working with Singapore Repertory Theatre's Little Company. Her most notable stage roles include Ivy Chan in Beauty World, kung-fu fighting Mimi in Mama White Snake (Wild Rice), Katy Tranh in Displaced Persons' Welcome Dinner (Checkpoint Theatre for SIFA) and the iconic Juliet in Romeo and Juliet (Singapore Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare in the Park). In film, Cheryl worked with celebrated auteur Boo Junfeng on Parting (7 Letters) and Liao Jiekai for As You Were. She also recently worked with Gurmit Singh in Edward Khoo's short film The Meantime. She burst onto the television scene as Prof. Sylvia Soo, the quirky but cunning lead in Channel 5's Faculty. She also starred in Derek as Dr. Winnie Low, a role that continued into Derek 2 and Code of Law 5. Cheryl's range and versatility are her greatest strengths. In Paddles Up!, she played a pushy student journalist who has no problems following boys into the bathroom for a story. In Code of Law, she played a psychiatrist with a history of self-harm and a growing darkness. While playing Juliet and doing Shakespeare was her biggest challenge to date, her favorite role of all time is still a crazy penguin in the musical Junior Claus. She can sing musical theatre, jazz, pop, classical crossover and has a special fondness for Malay golden oldies. She is also making her mark as an emcee in the world of events, where her ability to switch from classy to zany serves her well. Cheryl is a singing teacher trained at New York Vocal Coaching. 
 

Prem shanker aka Premosupremo, shares his story in show business, from starting out as a HitzFM cruiser, to getting a weekend slot on radio, and the rest as they say is history. He has thrown himself into the industry wholeheartedly and hearing him share his journey was a stark reminder that anyone who wants it, must chase it and pursue their dreams, as they do come true!

Douglas Lim is a name that needs no introduction in Malaysia. A 25 year veteran in the local entertainment scene has seen him take on a multitude of roles including acting, singing, hosting, and doing comedy. He shares his trademark candid demeanor on the show, while telling his story.

A livestream session with Fakkah Fuzz from Singapore, who tells his story in a very raw manner. He has been hustling hard since the beginning and his story will serve as a reminder that persistence and hard work pays off.

Robert Rogers got on the show while being quarantined in Hong Kong, after a trip back from USA. He shared about his journey as a waiter, stilt walker, busker, magician, emcee to eventually award winning show producer which saw his journey start in San Francisco and continue in Hong Kong. Anyone is definitely capable to achieve greatest if they only set the mind and body to it!

From jetsetter to jeep-setter, Malaysian photographer/digital artist Yusuf Hashim “works” awfully hard, we think. But he considers himself “a gentleman of leisure who indulges in his passion”. At 75, he thinks “age is just a number”. He hints that life should be lived to the hilt (while you still can) and that “you should spend your children’s inheritance money!” Quite the opposite of what certain quarters advocate: save – and save enough – for a comfortable retirement. He cannot believe that there are folks who have amassed wealth but don’t have time to pursue their interests. “You can be a billionaire, but if you don’t have time (and can’t spend your billions), you’re no different from the man with lots of time, but no money to spend. Both go nowhere,” he said philosophically.

Dato' Leonard Tan, the ultimate Famous Unknown Singer Malaysians have heard on radio and TV, who's voice has been heard on countless jingles and a man who lights up any stage with his amazing impressions, as he gives tribute to some of greatest performers the world has seen! A truly humble self-made man of showbiz who keeps it real, he's been crafting his persona and skill for 30 years and counting.