Actress He Ying Ying's Journey in the Spotlight: Challenges, Triumphs, and Aspirations
Our August 2023 digital cover star speaks candidly about her illustrious seven-year career so far, how she stays positive as well as what's next for the homegrown actress.
Our August 2023 digital cover star, He Ying Ying wears Pan medium hobo bag and Sunglasses by Braun Büffel; Top and pants by Cult Gaia from Net-a-Porter and Earrings by Swarovski
In an exclusive interview with rising star He Ying Ying, we delve into the dynamic facets of her life in the entertainment realm. With the first half of the year brimming with activity, Ying Ying shares her experiences from the bustling set of her upcoming show, All That Glitters, to her transformative acting classes in Taiwan. Having graced television screens in dramas like Strike Gold, Cash on Delivery, and All That Glitters, Ying Ying opens up about the nuanced challenges and seamless harmonies she encountered while portraying diverse characters.
As she celebrates seven years in the industry, she candidly discusses personal growth, self-empowerment, and her fervent desire to embrace new acting frontiers. We talk to the homegrown talent about her journey, memories, and the inspiring path she envisions for herself and her fans in the coming months below.
Hi Ying Ying! What have you been busy with in the recent months?
Hello, L’OFFICIEL! I have been busy filming. Recently, I wrapped up production for All That Glitters, which will air in September. I attended acting classes in Taiwan, which was an eye-opening experience. It was my first time attending an acting course! I also went on a mini getaway to Thailand with Ayden, whom I’ve grown close to after working on All That Glitters together. All in all, it has been a very fulfilling six months for me.
You are on television screens this year with roles in Strike Gold, Cash on Delivery, and All That Glitters. What would you say is the biggest challenge that you had to overcome and the smoothest part of playing each character?
I think, because I did these dramas back to back, the challenge I gave myself was to make these three characters as different as I possibly could, without compromising the integrity of the scripts. I’d say that was the biggest challenge — differentiating my performance for each character so that they stand out in different aspects. [As for] the smoothest part of [playing] each character, I think it was creating that chemistry between my co-stars and myself. For all three roles, I’ve been extremely blessed with co-stars who are not just nice and fun on set, but they also have that special affinity with me and my character. I think that such a bond is unique and so difficult to recreate. Yet when it’s there, it’s there.
It's been about seven years since you started in the entertainment industry. What are some of the most memorable moments for you so far?
I see memorable moments in the lessons that I learnt the hard way, and also, my personal wins. Of course, every time I got an award nomination, I’d put that moment into my core memory folder. In fact, each time I received positive feedback and encouragement from the audience, industry insiders, and my colleagues, I’d remember that moment and file it away in my mind too. I think, in an industry like this, we have to remind ourselves of our strengths from time to time, and remain positive — it is so easy to fall into a negative mindset and get stuck in a toxic loop.
If the current You could go back in time and give the younger You a piece of advice, what would you choose to say?
Be your own biggest fan. I wish I cheered myself on more often when I was down, and allowed myself to relish in the little wins throughout my career. When I was younger and newer to the industry, I was so afraid to celebrate my milestones because I was fearful of losing whatever it was. Celebrating would mean that whatever I achieved was real, and thus could be lost. I had a lot of self-doubt then, and it took me a long time to realise that it’s okay to be proud of myself and how far I’ve come. I still doubt myself at times now, definitely, but I’ll take a minute and then go back to being my own cheerleader.
Is there anything new work wise that you'd like to try next?
I’d love to try period dramas — like Chinese palace dramas, or dramas set in Singapore, pre- or post- independence. I find a lot of meaning in dramas set in an older time period, and I haven’t gotten to try that genre yet so that’s one of the items on my acting bucket list!
What can we expect from you in the coming months and beyond?
I hope to put out more meaningful content with both dramas and also on my own social platforms. Lately, I’ve been more mindful of the content that I consume — what we consume directly affects our thinking, mindsets and goals. I hope to put out content that makes people feel hopeful and positive. It’s a tough world and we need more love and understanding.
Complete the following sentence: Before the end of 2023, I would love to...
Be closer to my fans. Because of COVID and my hectic work schedule, I have not been able to meet my fans often and reciprocate the support they’ve given me over the past years. They’ve been with me right from the start of my career and their support has never wavered. I am thankful for the love and hope to be able to reciprocate before the end of 2023.
Photography WEE KHIM
Styling FELIX WOEI
Hair CALVIN GAN / HAIRLOOM
Makeup DOLLEI SEAH / MAKEUP ENTOURAGE
Photography assistant IVAN TEO
Fashion assistants TAN YOU JUN and SHANNAHLETTE LIM
