Ayden Sng: The New Era of Multi‑Platform Mavericks
Meet the 28‑Year‑Old Artist Who Doesn’t Care About Limits
Ever seen someone juggle a TV set, a stage with an erhu, and a living‑room studio all at once? Meet Ayden Sng – the 28‑year‑old powerhouse who refuses to be boxed into any one genre.
From Truth About Us, the upcoming Mediacorp Chinese drama where he’s head‑lining the screen, to an erhu cover of BTS’s “Butter” that earned him a slick music video he directed himself, Sng’s talents span the spectrum.
What Really Sets Him Apart
- Unconventional mindset: Doesn’t see TV, music, or TikTok as “higher” or “lower.”
- All‑content creator: Believes great content can come from any platform.
- Bold public persona: Opinionated, outspoken, and never shy about voicing his thoughts.
The Bazaar Shoot – A Seasoned Maverick in Action
During a recent shoot for Bazaar, Ayden was a rare gem who:
- Themselves discussed the mood board with the creative team.
- Inspected racks and offered honest feedback on selected pieces.
- Ran excitedly to his car to snag items that he thought would fit the concept.
“I love that this shoot plays with gender neutrality, showing how you can look masculine without relying on conventional clothes. It’s something I personally like to push as well.”
Beyond the Spotlight
In an interview, Sng didn’t hold back, openly sharing:
- His struggle with an industry steeped in old hierarchies.
- His ambition to break out of the TV‑only world.
- His vision to carve his own unique name in entertainment.
Ayden Sng is on a mission: to reshape the notion of what a leading man can do, whether it’s on a studio floor, a stage or a cozy corner of his living room.
On not being boxed in
Breaking the Box: A Bold Acting Odyssey
What’s the Big Deal?
Picture this: you’re an actor, but everyone keeps telling you you’ve only got one way to shine. “You must act the way we’ve always done, follow the veteran’s stock script—stay inside the box!” That’s what the industry has tried to keep tight around us.
Why the “Faithful Box” Won’t Cut It
- Actors got “prescribed methods”—the old playbook from seasoned directors.
- But the street? Its full of different routes to Rome. There are tricks, tricks we can learn from Pixar, Hollywood, Bollywood—every angle adds a fresh palette.
When Your Talent Isn’t a One‑Track Mindset
Honestly, these days an artist should be versatile like a Swiss army knife. Think: host, DJ, musician, social media queen, heck, a skateboard instructor—whatever brings the vibe. No more “Never touch the microphone” or “You’re only a script‑reader.” Take that brainpower and splash it everywhere.
Reaching Beyond the Red‑Carpet
If you’re a creative spirit, you’ll start blasting out of that strict mental square and feel the sky’s worth.
- Let the actors’ drama be your runway runway. You can drum up drama, or be a powerhouse podcast host.
- Pop some charts, sing in the off‑time; you’re not burnt out on the script avoiding the modifiers.
Life? It’s a comfy hybrid of roles. It’s about making yourself the star of your own scene—you pre‑write, you improvise, and you chase that glow you truly want to hit.
Fashion Flash‑Point: The Looking‑Good List
So that stylish star, scoring big runway looks? Check this:
- Blazer, a crisp top and a chic skirt—all Louis Vuitton.
- Walking the line with Hedi Slimane’s CELINE kicks.
- Cheeky Chanel necklace and Bvlgari rings—this artist owns them.
- Stylish socks—the stylist’s personal touch.
The drama is pure fashion, but the underlying lesson is: ife is not a designated script.
End Notes: The Craft Is Living, Not Following
Just a final thought: if you’re an art‑lover, the world is an open playground—it’s not “for your reach.” You’re free to carve your own chart, keep that internal creative spark glowing, and keep breaking the mold hot. If the industry says “stop your soft eyes and get back to the script”? Remember: we’re meant to move fast, improvise, shine, and have colossal fun.
On taking matters into his own hands
When Acting Takes a Detour: DIY Shorts as Your New Side Hustle
Ever found yourself standing on set, drama’s take has stalled, and you’re whispering, “Why do I always get the small roles?” or “This show didn’t click?” Confidence may dip, but the game doesn’t end just because a production falls flat. The question is: What’s the next move if acting is still your dream?
Step One: Own the Stage (And the Screen)
Picture this: you’re not waiting for someone else to pick you up, you’re the one dragging the prop car. In my own story, the “worst case” turned into a chance to write, direct, and star in short dramas. Surprise? Limited budgets? Big problem? Not really. If the casting desk gives you a cold shoulder, put the mic back in your hand.
Why DIY?
- Complete creative control—no mid‑scene revisions to suit someone else’s vision.
- Immediate learning loop—write, film, edit, and get instant feedback.
- Visibility boost—share on IG, TikTok, and friends’ timelines, not just waiting for a network slot.
Passion vs. Budget: How Personal Investment Pays Off
Everyone mentions tight budgets, but when your heart’s in the project, why not pour in a little cash? I’m a frugal chap in most areas, yet I throw money into music projects. Critics call me “unprofessional,” but I’m sure‑cutting into the progress bar. After 100 videos, I may not be a chart‑topping superstar, but I’ll absolutely be a step ahead of where I began.
Performance Isn’t Just About the Role
Acting is a part of a larger playground. Think of yourself as a content creator—movie star, screenwriter, director, even music producer. Keep the creative wheels turning; let’s not be a one‑dimensional actor.
Final Word
Give yourself an arm’s length from the traditional path and take the reins of your own career. Barriers still exist, but with the right hustle and a sprinkle of personal investment, you’re more likely to break through. So, the next time you feel stuck, remember: the camera can always turn on a new story—yours!*
On reinvention
Why Sticking to a Single Career Identity is Like Wearing a Left‑Sleeve Garment
Ever hit that mid‑career checkpoint and think, “This is who I’m supposed to be,” only to realize it feels like a box you can’t escape? Your friend Ayden (yes, that protagonist in the story) is currently contemplating the same thing.
Enter Benjamin Kheng: The “No‑Box” Artist
Benjamin Kheng, a star I admire, is the perfect case study. He’s taken the “I’m a singer” label onto a whole new level – then flipped it to “I’m an actor,” hit the stage for some theatre, launched his own YouTube channel, and now, TikTok is his playground. It’s not that he’s over‑fancying the transition; it’s simply a rhythm he’s found: adapt, evolve, repeat.
Is It Skill or Instinct?
We can’t tell if he consciously plans every pivot or if he’s just riding the wave of opportunity. Either way, the result is clear: he never settles into one box.
How Ayden Can Follow suit
- Redefine Yourself – Don’t let your identity become a static badge. Treat it like a LinkedIn profile you constantly update.
- Move Fast, Stay Agile – In entertainment, trends shift like a runway show. Don’t let your “identifying shield” become a wall.
- Test New Roles – Try a gig you never considered before. A little experiment keeps the creative muscles flexing.
Remember: Identity is a Fabric, Not a Wall
It might be tempting to clothe yourself in a single identity as a protective shield. But that can quickly make you feel trapped. Think of your persona as a living, breathing entity that you’re constantly polishing—just like you’d keep your LinkedIn up to date.
So, next time you find yourself at a career crossroads, take a page from Benjamin’s book: don’t box yourself in, instead, let your identity be as fluid and flexible as a professional wardrobe. In the world of entertainment, agility is the gold standard, and staying stuck in one slot is basically saying “I’m not ready for the next act.”
On fashion
How Fashion Bridges the Past, Present, and Future
Ayden rocks a Top by Dior, paired with Valentino shoes, while Neil Barrett adds a harness look, Louis Vuitton brings a skirt, and Gentle Monster delivers the eyewear. The kicks and socks? All Sng’s own crew. (Photo: Gan)
Fashion’s Time‑Traveling Role
“Fashion is a huge interest. I love the fact that it connects us with our past—so much of it is about knowing your historical references.” The big names are proving this point.
- Gucci is reviving secrets from the Tom Ford era.
- Maria Grazia Chiuri updates Dior’s 1940s New Look, turning the classic bar jacket into today’s style.
- Balenciaga is the go‑to for looking forward—no fright, just bright ideas.
Because spring/summer 2022 feels like a newly freed party after the pandemic lockdown, we see plenty of skin and frivolity. Fashion is basically a canvas that turns everyday longings into real threads.
“I Like Kim Jones”
Hey, folks—yes, it’s fine to put a single name on the radar. Kim Jones may have a reputation for spinning collab after collab, but he turns tailoring into a fine art.
- Peter Doig (Winter 2021)
- Amoako Boafo (Spring/Summer 2021)
He takes prints that could look like crazy art and keeps them in beautifully tailored forms—an eye‑catching trick!
Other Favorites
Here’s a quick rundown of those I adore: Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta under Daniel Lee, Zegna, Valentino—and the Japanese masters such as Yohji Yamamoto. Their pieces lean low-key, but the design always stands out.
And then there’s Prada. That ugly‑chic vibe gives me goose bumps. Oddly, the more visually dissonant the piece, the more fun it is to wear.
Refreshingly straightforward—fashion is a story about linking our past with our future, with a splash of daring style in the mix.
