Starting from a seed of interest in visual making that bloomed into a fruitful career in modelling and acting, Zhen Ning discusses how Malaysia provides the perfect setting for young creatives to flourish.
More than just the vibe one brings to the table, what makes a bright star is being in the right place at the right time. For the steadfast incline of his career, third-time cover star Zhen Ning is a walking demonstration of having his stars align. Like other twentysomethings, the pandemic shifted how Zhen Ning perceived and interacted with the world around him. “The Internet became the default platform to build connections,” he recalls. “The youth became even hungrier for content.” Having the right timing was his first opportunity. Like many of Zhen Ning’s peers, documenting his life online started as an avenue for self-expression—satiating the need to curate a self-image based on interests and toying with the idea of being perceived online.
Top, pants, all Basquiat x Ev Bravado & Téla D’Amore x H&M
Right Time
“At first, I just posted for fun as I enjoyed taking photos and videos. Then, the engagement started flooding in on TikTok.” he recounts. His most viral TikToks portray him as a young, charismatic heartthrob playing off popular video trends and showing snippets of his life—every like, comment and save representing a piece of affection from a swooning fan. “As the reaction came in quickly, I questioned their authenticity,” he considered the possibility of them being bots at some point. Overwhelmed, he was not sure how to feel until the comments came in consistently. “That is when I knew people have been watching.”
In the age where photo dumps are considered acts of performative authenticity, I asked Zhen Ning if creating content feels like second nature to him as a fashion model, content creator and actor. “Ideas used to come in naturally, but it eventually gets to the point of burnout because the content is built on chasing trends,” he confesses. The type of content he finds most satisfying to create is one where he gets to showcase his real life, as it allows him to live these experiences first rather than reenacting them for views. “It is real, unserious content my audience reacts best to,” Zhen Ning explains.
Jacket, pants, hat, all Basquiat x Ev Bravado & Téla D’Amore x H&M
Right Place
As a professional arena, Malaysia was the perfect setting for Zhen Ning to launch his modelling career. “I get to do this in Malaysia because there is not too much competition—the diversity of our country has allowed each model to find their audience,” he offers. Being at home, he gets to establish long-term connections with the professionals he works with and feel closer to his audience. With Malaysia’s budding creative scene, Zhen Ning works to educate his audience on fashion and the arts to bring Malaysians up to speed. His only downside? “The hot weather in Malaysia.”
Like most creatives, Zhen Ning, too has been bombarded by sceptics and well-meaning acquaintances who suggested he move abroad for more lucrative opportunities in modeling and acting. “I am not opposed to it, but I would not take credit without showcasing my pride and identity as a Malaysian,” he declares. “If we just keep pushing for exposure, we can take Malaysian talent to the world stage.”
Shirt, pants, bag, Basquiat x Ev Bravado & Téla D’Amore x H&M; Crown, boots, Stylist’s own
Right People
Home is also where Zhen Ning’s genuine connections lie. Navigating an industry that comes without a handbook, he falls back on the values instilled by his parents when pursuing new challenges. “When I had my first shoot, my parents’ words kept ringing in my head. They spoke to me in Mandarin and said, ‘Do not be scared. Even if you make a mistake, it is alright as long as you learn,’” he recalled. Gritting his teeth in the spirit of fearlessness paid off—as that landed him his first modelling contract. He credits his agent Colin as someone who discovered his potential in visual making and opened up the doors to the world of fashion. “Coming from a non-fashion background, I have now developed the knowledge and attention to the designers and the details they create.” To close the loop, he has also created opportunities for others to take their first step into his line of work. “I took my best friend, Han for some test shots as he was passionate about photography. It was mostly just us hanging out,” he recalls. Soon, these opportunities led to clients who approached him for production gigs.
Hoodie jacket, Basquiat x Ev Bravado & Téla D’Amore x H&M; Crown, Stylist’s own
While having the right place, time and connections have opened up doors for Zhen Ning, he talks about having the right attitude to facilitate success. “Be fearless about trying new things, but also be mindful about your decisions. In an industry built on reputation, one bad decision based on short-term gains instead of long-term goals can hinder opportunities ahead,” he advises. More than just a land where his creativity thrives, he considers Malaysia home where he retreats and resets. When he is not playing new characters on shows and appearing in editorials, you will find him (preferably not) basking in the Malaysian sun on the driving range with his friends.
Hoodie jacket, pants, Basquiat x Ev Bravado & Téla D’Amore x H&M; Crown, shoes, Stylist’s own
Photography Chee Wei
Creative Direction Izwan Abdullah
Styling Liew Hui Ying
Videography Tommy
Grooming Chu Fan
Hair Juno Ko
Photography Assistant Max Ong
Outfits H&M Man, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tela D’Amore & Ev Bravado
Shop the drop online at hm.com on 1 August. Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our June/July 2024 issue.
