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Hossan Leong: The Singapore Boy On Getting Older And His Hopes For Our Arts Scene

  • Legacy
  • 4 weeks ago
  • Balvinder Sandhu

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Hossan Leong: The Singapore Boy On Getting Older And His Hopes For Our Arts Scene
Hossan-AH! In The High Arts.
Image courtesy of Arts House Limited
Hossan Leong is no stranger to local audiences. In fact, since he performed his debut solo stand-up comedy show, Singapore Boy, in 1997, he has soared to new heights as a beloved comedian. And that moniker has followed him throughout his career.
Thankfully, this is a label he’s extremely comfortable with.
I think ‘Singapore Boy’ has been the best branding EVER! Thanks to Ekachai Uekrongtham (artistic director of Action Theatre) back in the 90s!
he shares.
Despite being known for his comedy prowess, Hossan does more than just make audiences laugh. He has showcased his talents as an actor, singer, dancer, director and musician. He has appeared in movies such as One Leg Kicking and I Not Stupid, as well as hosted TV programmes like Extreme Gourmet and Bring Your Toothbrush and the game show We Are Singaporeans.
It’s on stage, though, that Hossan has truly flourished. When asked to list his career highlights, it’s clear to see that it’s this genre that truly has his heart.
Playing roles I’ve always wanted to play – Malcolm Png (Army Daze), Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors), Frankie Wong (Beauty World), Malcolm (The Full Monty), amongst many others,
he says.

"And getting the opportunity to direct huge musicals like Company (Dream Academy) and Cabaret (Sing Theatre). But originating the characters for Off Centre (TNS) back in 1993 was the foundation from which I started."

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Theatre is his first love
Hossan Leong: The Singapore Boy On Getting Older And His Hopes For Our Arts Scene - A French Kiss in Singapore
Credit: Instagram/singtheatre @singtheatre
The 55-year-old is still enjoying being on stage. He performed in the musical, A French Kiss In Singapore, in April this year. It was first performed in 2013 and celebrates the artistry of four of France’s most beloved contemporary songwriters and performers – Charles Aznavour, Serge Gainsbourg, Jacques Brel and Charles Trenet.
A perhaps little-known fact about Hossan is that he’s fluent in French and, in 2011, he was conferred the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, in recognition of his efforts in promoting artistic cross-cultural ties between France and Singapore.
This month, he’s back with Hossan-AH! In The High Arts, which is part of the line-up of Singapore International Festival of the Arts (SIFA) 2025. Hossan takes audiences on a journey through Singapore’s arts scene – four decades of artistic evolution told through storytelling and song from his perspective, as a veteran who has been there and done that.
And, as someone who has been a big part of Singapore’s theatre scene for decades, he certainly is qualified to comment on it: “We have SO much to offer! Both commercial foreign shows and big Singaporean productions, along with theatre and art in different languages and genres.
No one has any excuse to say that Singapore is boring and that there's nothing to see or do. GET OFF YOUR PHONES and get out there!
he adds.
A positive role model for ageing
Hossan Leong: The Singapore Boy On Getting Older And His Hopes For Our Arts Scene - A French Kiss in Singapore - Positive Role Model
Hossan at the press conference for Singapore International Festival of the Arts 2025
Credit: Instagram/miyagisan @miyagisan
Hossan is currently based in Johor Bahru, a move that came about because of his company, Double Confirm Productions, which was established in Singapore in 2006 but expanded to Malaysia 10 years ago.
We had a hunch that Johor in general was going to be the next big thing for our business,
he recalls.

"We are corporate trainers here in Malaysia, so it's not just JB but Malaysia-wide. We do media management, presentation skills and I also do the occasional hosting and entertaining for corporate clients. Now with the SEZ (Special Economic Zone) poised to launch, we are here, ready to rock and roll!"

We aim to provide work and opportunities to creatives and crew. Being the creative director is a daily job, to hustle and look for work!
he adds.
We can't deny it, we can't reverse it, so I just need to be mindful to keep strong and healthy as much as I can by going to the gym and following a good diet. And having a positive mindset.
Having turned 55 last year, Hossan has a confident approach to ageing:
He celebrated turning 50 in 2019 with a one-man show, Hossan-AH 50! Love You Leong Time. So what’s in store for his next milestone birthday? “Watch this space!” is all he can reveal for now.
As an expert in his field, Hossan is aware of the change in sensitivities over the years and the idea of what’s often referred to as political correctness having an impact on some performers’ – especially comedians’ – material. However, he reveals that he hasn’t had to change his comedy in any way.
Of course I am sensitive to what’s going on, but I am not one to say things on stage to insult, make fun of or provoke anyone,
he explains.

"That’s not comedy. That’s called 'no material, so let’s be mean and rude'."

Hossan is “incredibly optimistic about the future of Singapore’s arts scene” and acknowledges that things are different for new performers now, compared to when he first joined the industry.
When I started out, we were still finding our footing. But today's young artists are starting from a much stronger foundation,
he shares.

They have world-class venues, more diverse funding opportunities and growing audiences who appreciate local content. I think the next frontier is creating more distinctively Singaporean work that resonates globally.

We've proven we can build impressive infrastructure and host international performances – now it's about nurturing our unique artistic voice,
he continues.

"The younger generation seems less concerned with 'catching up' to Western standards and more interested in exploring what makes our perspectives special."

Hossan recognises that challenges like cost-of-living pressures remain, making pursuing arts careers difficult. He also thinks stronger support systems for independent artists are needed.
I hope we can develop more sustainable models that allow artists to create bold, innovative work without constant financial stress,
he says.
What excites Hossan most about the current arts scene? Seeing young artists proudly embrace their Singaporean identity while creating work that transcends borders
They're building on what my generation started but taking it in exciting new directions that reflect our evolving national identity,
he says.
Hossan Leong and Singlish
Hossan Leong: The Singapore Boy On Getting Older And His Hopes For Our Arts Scene - Hossan Leong
Hossan Leong
This Singapore Boy might spend most of his time across the border, but he is still very Singaporean at heart. He confesses that the most Singaporean thing about him is his love for our local lingo.
I love Singlish… the colour it brings to the way we communicate…. 'Wa Lao' has a gazillion meanings depending on the tone. Double confirm!
he laughs.
Life is too short to sit at home, tickets are affordable and there are no tariffs imposed on the show…yet. Hahahaahahaha!
If you're thinking of catching him in his latest show, Hossan-AH! In The High Arts, he has three reasons why you should click that booking link now:

Hossan-AH! In The High Arts, 30 & 31 May, 8pm and 1 June, 3pm, at Victoria Theatre. Tickets at $48 and $68. Senior citizens aged 55 and above get 15% discount for concession tickets.

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June 13, 2023
Balvinder Sandhu

Balvinder Sandhu

A published author who lives in Melbourne but stays in touch with her Singapore roots and way of life.

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