Lawrence Wong on how the spirit of exploration advances his career
Augustman Logo
Style
Culture
Gear
Food & Drink
Travel
Wellness
AM Select
E-Magazine
Most Trending
Lawrence Wong on harnessing the spirit of exploration to achieve the career of his dreams
Most Recent
Lawrence Wong on harnessing the spirit of exploration to achieve the career of his dreams
Most Trending
The Rado True Thinline Stillness Wants You To Have Your Way With Time
Most Recent
The Maurice Lacroix AIKON Venturer GMT Is Doubly Exciting
  • Fashion
  • Watches
  • Grooming
Most Trending
The Lowdown On Zack Snyder’s Justice League And Where To Watch It On 18 March
Most Recent
Mattel Has A Life-Sized Floating Baby Yoda Up For Auction
  • Design
  • Events
  • Art
  • Music
  • Film & TV
Most Trending
BMW Group Malaysia Celebrates Being Top With New Releases
Most Recent
A Beginner’s Guide To Investing In Bitcoin And Other Cryptocurrencies
  • Tech
  • Motoring
Most Trending
LVMH Buys 50 Percent Of Jay-Z’s Champagne Label Armand De Brignac
Most Recent
Hennessy Motivates Bartenders With Its HennessyMyWay Challenge
  • Dining
  • Drinks
Most Trending
Not For The Faint Hearted: The Most Extreme Roller Coasters In The World
Most Recent
Consider These Ecotourism Destinations For Your Next Post-Pandemic Adventure
  • Travel Guides
  • Hotels & Resorts
Most Trending
Questions Raised About The Coronavirus Vaccine Rollout
Most Recent
Are You Facing ‘Zoom Fatigue’ From All Those Virtual Meetings?
  • Fitness
  • Health
Most Trending
What The A-Listers Got Up To At The Westin Desaru Coast
Most Recent
The #MyChivasBlend Masterclass Session With August Man A-Listers
  • Men of the Year
  • MVMT
  • August Mentors
  • A-Listers
  • Hit List
  • my
    • MY
    • SG
  • Search
Lawrence Wong on harnessing the spirit of exploration to achieve the career of his dreams
Sort & Filter
Close Filter
Sort By
Date
Relevance
Filter By Category
All Categories
All
Style
Culture
Gear
Food & Drink
Travel
Wellness
AM Select
Apply
Filter By Location
malaysia
All Countries
AM Select
The #MyChivasBlend Masterclass Session With August Man A-Listers
AM Select
What The A-Listers Got Up To At The Westin Desaru Coast
AM Select
Men Of The Year 2020: The #MadeInMY Awards
Augustman Logo
my
Lawrence Wong on harnessing the spirit of exploration to achieve the career of his dreams
Back
All  Style
  • Fashion
  • Watches
  • Grooming
Back
All  Culture
  • Design
  • Events
  • Art
  • Music
  • Film & TV
Back
All  Gear
  • Tech
  • Motoring
Back
All  Food & Drink
  • Dining
  • Drinks
Back
All  Travel
  • Travel Guides
  • Hotels & Resorts
Back
All  Wellness
  • Fitness
  • Health
Back
All  AM Select
  • Men of the Year
  • MVMT
  • August Mentors
  • A-Listers
  • Hit List
E-Magazine
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Sort & Filter
Close Filter
Sort By
Date
Relevance
Filter By Category
All Categories
All
Style
Culture
Gear
Food & Drink
Travel
Wellness
AM Select
Apply
Filter By Location
malaysia
All Countries
AM Select

Lawrence Wong on harnessing the spirit of exploration to achieve the career of his dreams

KC Yap
03 Jul 2019
Article Hero Image
Outfit and shoes by Gucci; Timepiece by Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition.
Trending Now
Hennessy Motivates Bartenders With Its HennessyMyWay Challenge
Food & DrinkRead More
Mattel Has A Life-Sized Floating Baby Yoda Up For Auction
CultureRead More
A Beginner’s Guide To Investing In Bitcoin And Other Cryptocurrencies
GearRead More
The Maurice Lacroix AIKON Venturer GMT Is Doubly Exciting
StyleRead More
Want exclusive travel tips, destination ideas and reviews? We have it all. Sign up to receive it.

With two new China productions up for release and a keen eye kept on the horizon for greater opportunities, award-winning actor and friend of Montblanc, Lawrence Wong pushes the envelope of his career in search of further challenges and growth.

In line with the spirit of exploration, Augustman Malaysia, in partnership with Montblanc, pays tribute to our 2014 Men of the Year’s Entertainment Award-winner Lawrence Wong with this exclusive story, where the actor lets us in on his journey thus far and future endeavours – all the while accompanied by the Montblanc 1858 collection.

Lawrence Wong
Shirt by Dunhill; Suit by Hugo Boss; Timepiece by Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition.

 

In our last catch-up, you mentioned about feeling demotivated for a time, and that you were excited to expand your career in China. Following the epic success of Yanxi and a couple of years working there, how do you think it has rejuvenated your spirit and outlook?

I think working in China has opened my eyes to the workings of bigger productions and allowed me to broaden my experience with new roles in different genres of films and TV productions such as period dramas, fantasy dramas and so on, as opposed to the same few roles offered in Malaysia and Singapore. All this has certainly helped keep my adrenaline rush going and me on the lookout for more opportunities and new challenges as I tend to get bored easily.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

🌿 #Reconnect1858 #Montblanc_SEA #Montblancmy

A post shared by Lawrence Wong 王冠逸 (@ohohlawrence) on Apr 18, 2019 at 11:40pm PDT

 

What have you discovered new from working in this whole new, bigger environment? Was there a lot to learn?

I’ve discovered that no matter where you come from and which market you are in, you have to put in work on the character you play. I think that’s the core responsibility of an actor. The bigger productions and larger casts have made a big difference for me in terms of exposure. It has provided me with a significantly expanded view of diverse working styles, attitudes, coping skills and creative approaches on set and off. All this adds to my knowledge bank tremendously.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

my current watch obsession: the limited-edition @montblanc 1858 Geosphere. hence, you can understand how happy i am to be able to attend the launch in not just Kuala Lumpur last month, but also the launch in Singapore two nights ago! thanks for having me @montblanc_sea! 🌹🌹❤️❤️ #Reconnect1858 hair/make-up: @yangrick

A post shared by Lawrence Wong 王冠逸 (@ohohlawrence) on May 24, 2019 at 7:12pm PDT

 

As a newcomer in the hugely competitive environment of China, what are the qualities, mindset and values you’ve equipped yourself with to hold your own?

Constant development of new skills and experiences, identifying what works for me and focusing on that to make a difference. Acting gives me the chance to push myself into the unknown, experience life in different personas, explore human behaviour in all its scope and hopefully, in doing so, draw a connection back to reality. I believe that to establish a connection with the audience in character is to first understand the importance of connecting with yourself, as only then will you be able to bring out the best in you and reconcile fiction with reality.

Lawrence Wong
Shirt and jacket by Ermenegildo Zegna Couture; Star bracelet by Montblanc; Montblanc 1858 Automatic Chronograph Limited Edition timepiece.

 

China is known for its long history, massive landscapes and rapid, modern expansion. Did you get a sense of pride when you first relocated there?

When I first relocated to China, I was definitely surprised with the progress that the country had made, be it in technology, infrastructure, the arts or entertainment. I remember when my friends and family first came to visit, I was so excited to bring them around and show them all the happenings in the city. They were just as astonished with the evolution and upcoming developments. I’m excited by both the high energy as well as competitive environment that constantly drives its people to think outside the box.

Lawrence Wong
Trenchcoat by Hugo Boss; Montblanc 1858 Automatic timepiece.

 

As a Friend of Montblanc, embodying the brand’s “Spirit of Exploration”, have you had a chance to undertake any new personal exploration in or outside China?

I’ve taken a back seat in outdoor exploration at the moment and refocused my everyday exploration on my professional career instead. Exploration, as I understand, takes many forms and occurs in all directions. With a bona fide heart to explore, one will find adventure in everyday life and a chance for discovery in every occasion. At present, with the rare opportunity to break into just about the largest market in the world finally in hand, I’ve channelled the spirit of exploration into advancing my career to greater heights, including taking on new roles, collaborating with new people, honing my craft and so on.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

dropped by #RexytheCoachDino 🦖 pop-up store at @paragon.sg in between filming and i not only had a chance to view the limited edition collection from #CoachNY, but also met my fans! lucky me! a big thank you to all who came down. love ya all! ❤️ hair by @mrlow.

A post shared by Lawrence Wong 王冠逸 (@ohohlawrence) on Apr 15, 2019 at 9:35pm PDT

 

While it’s in man’s nature to explore, we are also taught to remember our roots, our heritage. Having grown up and cut your teeth in Malaysia and Singapore, what do you cherish most about your roots on both sides of the causeway?

Born and raised in Malaysia, I’ve come to own many colourful Malaysian characteristics. At the same time, having attended school in Singapore, I’m also largely influenced by the city-state’s culture. I think that’s great because it equipped me with a unique upbringing and a broad exposure at an early age, and paved the way for my career in the two countries. Over the years, being able to visit so many different parts of the world, including working there and experiencing the local cultures, has also enriched my manyfold and changed me deeply. I think that is something that’s uniquely me.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

thrilled to be the cover star for @augustman’s first digital cover! head to 👉🏻 augustman.com to read the cover story! ❤️ video at the end. 😉 #LWmediacoverage

A post shared by Lawrence Wong 王冠逸 (@ohohlawrence) on Apr 23, 2019 at 8:39pm PDT

 

Seeing that both watchmaking and acting are regarded as crafts, what were the watchmaking practices that you realised could add to your own expertise?

The watchmakers at Montblanc really brought home to me the importance of putting in work, patience and discipline when it comes to honing one’s craft. This spirit is very important for both watchmaking and acting – the willingness and unwavering spirit to do your best. Precision is another element that I find highly relevant to acting. As an actor, I need to know the precise timing to deliver my lines, emotions and actions.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

don’t be sour; catch up, if you can. 😉🍇

A post shared by Lawrence Wong 王冠逸 (@ohohlawrence) on May 11, 2019 at 2:44am PDT

 

Digital technology and social media have afforded stars and fans worldwide direct, instant 2-way communication. With an online following of over 300k users on Instagram plus another 3 million (and counting) on Weibo, what do you communicate with your fans on social media, and how do you feel about getting closer to them? Also, what has been the most interesting/meaningful thing shared with you?

I think social media is a double-edged sword. It’s interesting and cool that we have direct communication with our fans now, but I also feel that sometimes it leaves us too exposed. That said, now fans are able to share their stories and experiences directly with us. I do get a lot of personal messages from my followers, telling me about their lives and how they resonate with me because my story is not just full of roses. My career path has been full of obstacles and I guess a lot of people can relate that to their personal struggle. Even though I might not reply them, I read every single one of them. It keeps me aware of the importance of human connection.

Lawrence Wong
Outfit and shoes by Gucci; Timepiece by Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition.

Share with us your grooming secrets, and perhaps your fitness routine and day-to-day diet too.

(Laughs) Believe it or not, my skincare routine is very simple. I think my skin type is those that can’t have too much on it so I always keep my skin care routine to bare minimum. That said, I’m very particular with what I put. I value quality products a lot, especially “multi-purpose” ones. My schedule is so hectic and erratic, I don’t have a fixed exercise routine, I just do it whenever I can. So yea, I just try to take it easy. As for diet, it’s like a give-and-take situation. For example, if I ate too much today, I’ll try to eat less tomorrow. I think it is important to find that balance, try not to overload yourself or let loose completely.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

long hours of filming in the sweltering heat ☀️, plus my active lifestyle at the gym 🏋🏻‍♀️ gives me an oily, flaky scalp. thankfully, I discovered @thebodyshopsg’s Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Ginger Scalp Care Conditioner. it gently clears loose flakes and soothes my scalp, and now my head feels squeaky clean. 💆🏻‍♂️ and not to mention, I’m hooked on the warm, spicy, invigorating fragrance! #thebodyshopsg #thepowerofginger

A post shared by Lawrence Wong 王冠逸 (@ohohlawrence) on May 22, 2019 at 9:59pm PDT

 

What are the Montblanc must-haves that you bring with you in your day-to- day life and in your travel, and how do they complement you?

Timepiece is a must in my daily life as I keep a tight schedule. My recent favourite is the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere, in bronze and khaki colour scheme, with worldtime function. It embodies the spirit of exploration as a professional and innovative timepiece, practical for those who travel the world. This is accompanied by the Montblanc #MY4810 trolley, cabin size for short journeys and the medium large for longer stays.

 

This article first appeared in the June/July 2019 print issue of Augustman Malaysia.

Watches
montblanc
interviews
luxury watches
interview
Lawrence Wong
Montblanc Explorer
KC Yap
Talk to Me About:
Watches

Up Next For You

Syed Saddiq On MUDA And Being An Agent Of Change
Rubin Khoo
AM Select
5 Of The A-List 2020 Men Get A Fashion Makeover From Shahrin Bahar
Amber Goh
AM Select
The A-List 2020 Campaign Intimate Launch Dinner
Amber Goh
AM Select
MVMT 2020: How The Watch Industry Is Dealing With Covid-19
KC Yap
AM Select
Want exclusive travel tips, destination ideas and reviews? We have it all. Sign up to receive it.
×
Where are you?
Tell us so we can display what you want to see.
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
Malaysia Singapore
Advertise About Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions
© 2021 Copyright Augustman