Talking about good timing! L&rsquo;OFFICIEL HOMMES MALAYSIA&nbsp;caught up with Alton Ang just days before he embarks on a new career height.

After a breakout run on CHUANG ASIA S2, Alton Ang is back &mdash; recharging and setting his sights on what&rsquo;s next. The competition offered more than just a platform; it became a pivot point. Known for his roots in wushu, he used the moment to step into new creative territory, revealing a talent for movement and music that goes well beyond the mat. Now, he's thinking bigger about how to blend performance, rhythm and storytelling into something that not only entertains but also resonates. Representing Malaysia on an international stage wasn&rsquo;t just symbolic &mdash; it was deeply personal. Every time he introduced himself, he brought a piece of home with him. That cultural pride didn&rsquo;t just shape his presence, it grounded it. In a space where borders blur, his identity remains a through line, influencing everything from how he moves to the stories he chooses to tell.

Jacket, top, necklace, rings, pants, and sneakers DIOR

You began your journey in Wushu, known for its discipline, precision and strength. How has that early training prepared you for your approach to performance and presence on camera today? From an athlete to singing and dancing on the stage is totally different; it makes me feel nervous at first, but luckily wushu instilled in me a deep sense of discipline, focus and resilience. These qualities have been invaluable in my transition to the entertainment industry. Transitioning from martial arts to entertainment is an atypical path. What drew you to the stage of CHUANG ASIA S2, and what did you discover about yourself in the process? Yes, these are the hottest questions I&rsquo;ve received these days. For me, I really like wushu; it is a sport and an art. It is beautiful. As a professional athlete, I really want to bring this to the international stage. In Malaysia, there are very few opportunities to expose this sport. CHUANG ASIA S2 presented an opportunity to expand my horizons and test my adaptability, as well as to bring martial arts to the international stage. Throughout the competition, I discovered my capacity for growth and the importance of embracing vulnerability, which has been crucial in my personal and professional development.

What did working with WeTV Malaysia teach you about performance, especially in an era where audiences expect more authenticity? I feel so blessed to have an opportunity to collaborate with WeTV Malaysia this time. During CHUANG, we did a reality show locally; they recorded many real and beautiful moments. I still remember they even brought us to mamak when we were back in Malaysia. I&rsquo;m glad to have all these moments with all of them from WeTV Malaysia. Also, this experience taught me to be true to myself, both on and off the screen, ensuring that my performances resonate with sincerity. Reality TV can be intense. What was the most challenging moment during CHUANG ASIA S2, and how did it shape your resilience?
One of the most challenging moments was training to dance and sing at the same time; the CHUANG ASIA S2 theme song really made me feel so stressed. As you guys know, I was a national martial arts athlete. Martial arts and dancing are totally different; remembering all of the choreography and lyrics within three days was so hard for me during that time. Luckily, I tried to force and remind myself of the purpose of joining CHUANG. It tested my resolve and commitment to my craft, teaching me to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

"Music and meditation serve as anchors in my daily routine...allowing me to recharge and maintain clarity..." - Alton Ang

You&rsquo;ve spoken about wanting to become a martial arts actor. Who are the icons you look up to, and how do you envision reinventing the genre for a new generation? I draw inspiration from martial arts legends like Bruce Lee, who seamlessly blended combat with storytelling. I envision reinventing the genre by integrating contemporary narratives and diverse cultural elements, making martial arts cinema more relatable and engaging for today&rsquo;s audience and showing a good example for my future juniors. Whether you&rsquo;re learning choreography or working on set, what&rsquo;s your approach to mastery? My approach is rooted in discipline and continuous learning; I remind myself every time before the show or the stage and I&rsquo;ve learnt how to talk to myself during that time. Besides that, I dedicate time to practise, seek feedback and remain open to new techniques from choreography. This mindset allows me to refine my skills and adapt to various roles and challenges.

In your career so far, what&rsquo;s one moment where you had to completely rethink your strategy, and what did you take away from it? Participating in CHUANG ASIA S2 required me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace aspects of performance I hadn't previously explored. Reflecting on this journey, it&rsquo;s been too hard to transform myself from a professional athlete to a dancer. &nbsp;At the moment I don&rsquo;t want to give up as I really tried hard to strengthen my passions and trust myself. This experience taught me the value of versatility and the importance of being open to new opportunities, even if they initially seem daunting. You describe yourself as curious and hardworking. In a fast-moving industry, how do you keep your sense of self intact? I stay grounded by maintaining a strong connection to my roots and values. Engaging in activities like meditation and spending time with loved ones helps me stay focused. Additionally, I continuously seek knowledge and experiences that align with my passions and purpose.

Music and meditation are part of your daily life. How do those practices help you stay centred in an industry built on momentum? Music and meditation serve as anchors in my daily routine. They provide moments of introspection and relaxation, allowing me to recharge and maintain clarity amidst the industry&rsquo;s fast pace. These practices help me approach challenges with a calm and focused mindset. What role does fashion play in how you express yourself? For me, fashion is an element for introducing myself and also a part of my life; it is a powerful medium for self-expression. It allows me to convey my personality and mood without words.

Jacket, shirt, trousers, and sneakers LOUIS VUITTON

Success means different things to different people. How do you define it for yourself right now? Success, for me, is about growth and impact. It's not solely measured by accolades but by the positive influence I have on others and the fulfilment I find in pursuing my passions. For young Malaysians looking to build a creative career across disciplines, what&rsquo;s the advice you wish someone had given you when you were starting? Embrace your uniqueness and don't be afraid to carve your path. The journey may not always be linear. Overcoming every difficulty has been a guiding principle for me, and I continuously remind myself of it during difficult times. I hope that I can share those values with all of you too. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and have no regrets.

Cover Credits:
Photography Chee Wei Creative Direction &amp; Styling&nbsp;Colin Sim Word John Ng Makeup Sharmen Yee / PLIKA MAKEUP Hair Keith Ong

June/July 2025 Cover: Introducing Alton Ang

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