Hossan Leong, Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, is one of Singapore’s most loved and recognised entertainers. Affectionately known as ‘Singapore Boy’, Hossan is a consummate performer whose skills include directing, singing, dancing, acting, piano playing, and stand-up comedy. He is actively involved in theatre, television, film and radio.

Hossan first rose to prominence following his appearances in major stage productions like Off Centre and Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress. But it was his knack for comedy that won the hearts of the public, showcased through such notable engagements as hosting the television gameshow, We Are Singaporeans. His fluency in French has also led him to international fame, as his work on such shows as A Singaporean in Paris and No Regrets: A Tribute to Edith Piaf have enabled him to play an instrumental role in bridging cultural relations between Singapore and France. In 2014, he hosted Singapore’s 49th National Day Parade, in front of 27,000 people and ‘live’ on television to an audience of 2 million.

In 2003, Hossan made his directorial debut in Sydney, Australia, with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song. More recent directing credits include Stephen Sondheim’s Company, Beauty & the Beast and Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. Hossan also produced, directed and starred in Best Served Cold, a murder- mystery dinner theatre piece for the 2004 World Gourmet Summit. He conceived, produced and directed On This Island, a musical revue, for the APAO Congress 2006. Together with Paul Carr, Hossan wrote, directed and acted in a play for the launch of the 2006 Speak Good English Movement in Singapore. He regularly provides Creative Direction for corporate projects.

In 2011, Hossan was conferred Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication for his contributions toward bridging artistic cross-cultural ties between France and Singapore.

Globally, Hossan has performed in Dubai, Sydney, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Brunei, Shanghai, San Francisco, Boston, London, Chicago, and New York. Clients include The Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Luxasia, Starhub, UBS, Ernst & Young, TNT, IDA, NETS, NTUC, and SIA, amongst many others.

Today, Hossan continues to delight audiences, whether starring in his stage production The Hossan Leong Show, or through his extensive creative involvement with local theatre productions. He continues to nurture the next generation of theatre practitioners by giving them a platform to showcase their skills through his company, Double Confirm Productions.

Having performed and travelled to many parts of the world, Hossan shares with Savour BlackBookAsia some of his favourite travel experiences and tips.

1.WHAT IS YOUR DREAM DESTINATION AND WHY?

Provence in France. I studied in the university of Toulon. And the south of France has always had a special place in my heart. The food, the scenery and the people, oh and the wine of course!

2.THREE THINGS THAT YOU COULD NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT?

My phone, my moisturiser and my mints

3.WHICH DESTINATION SURPASSED YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND SURPRISED YOU THE MOST?

The Maldives.

4.WHERE AND WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MEAL YOU HAVE EVER HAD WHILE TRAVELLING?

Raw horse meat in Tohoku, Japan

5.WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING TO TRAVEL TO NEXT?

New York City & the Berkshires

6.WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

La Cage Aux Folles opens in April (lacage.sg) the Remember the Daze in August and in October, I’ll be directing and acting in Forever Young, a musical play about Ageing.

7.DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE FOR BUDDING ACTORS OR ACTRESSES?

Respect everyone , know your work and never ever be late.