GS05 x Shentonista: High Flyer

We’re all pretty familiar with Irene, but here’s something that we were surprised to find out. “I used to sell insurance,” she says. “It wasn’t like I woke up one day and decided that I had to be an actor, or a comedian.” She also used to work as a wubbie or “crowd warmer” for the sitcoms that were filmed at the then-TCS (Television Corporation of Singapore, now Mediacorp TV). “I got approached to audition for the role of Rosie in Phua Chu Kang,” she shares. “I was given a huge stack of scripts, and I was shocked! I have the worst memory when it comes to memorizing anything. On the day of the audition, I informed the producer that I couldn’t do it. But I was friends with the rest of the crew, who helped me through it all. They gave me directions, like, “Speak to the camera like he is your husband. Scold him for being late to dinner,” and I just went off at the camera. Strangely, I got the role. And the rest, as they say, is history.” Today Irene is CEO of her own agency, FLY Entertainment, and we steal some moments of her time to find out even more about her.

Of course not, I am Irene Ang, I set the rules! (laughs) But seriously, it depends on whether I have meetings on that day. I prefer casual clothing, but still try to look presentable. I always keep a jacket ready to lift my look up two notches if I have a last minute engagement or meeting to attend.

Well, I work in the Entertainment industry, and our workwear is not corporate, so no, there are no pet-peeves. However, I will never be seen in outfits with big brand logos all over. As for advice, always be photo-op ready.

My current profession extends to more than being an actor: I am an Entertainment Director. I host, I conduct motivational talks, I am a speaker with the London Speaker Bureau, I speak on panels of committees. There are many things I do. So I think where I am is a natural progression of my career. I don’t believe I would change anything. Perhaps, be a singer, maybe? Or a financial advisor? An investment specialist of sorts? A missionary? Actually, anything God wants to gift me with lah.

Always be humble. Never go into a job thinking you know everything. Never be afraid to ask questions if you do not know. When your colleagues ask you for help, help whenever you can!  Otherwise, people will not know your other values and abilities.

By the beach! (laughs) Currently, the working environment at FLY Entertainment is pretty close to my ideal. A place where ideas are shared, where divisions communicate, where people fight and make up. And share food all the time!  We are the FLYmily after all.

Charity work. Engaging the youth.

I am currently working on two projects. Firstly, directing the NDP Dinner for Moulmein Kallang GRC and secondly, directing and conceptualising recruitment campaigns for some insurance companies and promoting Retirement Planning.

Do you have 3 hours to hear me out?! (laughs)

Food! Carrot Cake! Prawn Mee! Club Street 95/96B! I have two F&B outlets there – Bar Naked and FRY Bistro. And last but not least, Outram Secondary School. I spent 8 years of my life there.