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Vincent Chong Ying-Cern (simplified Chinese: 张英胜; traditional Chinese: 張英勝; pinyin: Zhāng Yīngshèng; Jyutping: Zoeng1 Jing1 Sing3; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tiuⁿ Eng-sèng; born 30 September 1979), known by his stage name Vince, is a Malaysian singer. Initially gaining traction from appearing on and winning the reality show Akademi Fantasia, Vince started a solo career shortly after and appeared on projects such as the Asian version of High School Musical.

Key Information

Early life and career

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His father was Chong Chen Kian, of Chinese ethnic origin, and mother Susan Ann Higgs from England. He has four younger siblings: Pamela, Daniel, Ian and Sean; and an older sister, Vanessa. Pamela and Vanessa competed in The Amazing Race Asia 2 and finished as runners-up. Sean is one of the singers of Budi Bahasa Budaya Bangsa (1 Malaysia version), representing Pan-ASEAN.

He started singing when he was a child and was involved in several church plays, singing competitions and modelling advertisements with his sister Vanessa. He performed a solo opera[citation needed] at the age of 14 in front of more than 2000 people.

He had experience in several church plays and theatre as a director and script writer. In college Chong formed a band called IBNOT. The band played several genres of music including rock, R'n'B, jazz, and alternative. Chong also had experience in recording back-up vocals for professional artistes, such as Ferhad in Anugerah Industri Muzik Awards in 2001.

Akademi Fantasia

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Chong's first serious singing competition was in the 2002 edition of Astro Talent Quest (ATQ). Not fluent in Mandarin (as he speaks Cantonese, English and Malay), Vince had a challenge to learn and memorise the Mandarin songs to remain in the competition. Chong became the first runner-up to Nicholas Teo, who won the competition that year.

In 2003, after returning from his holiday in Gold Coast, Australia, Vanessa and Rueben (Burn AF1) encouraged him to join Akademi Fantasia for its inaugural season. Chong and Rueben went to the audition in KL and successfully became part of the 12 AF finalists. Chong was crowned the winner for Akademi Fantasia's 1st season, with Khai as 1st runner up and Azizi as 2nd runner up. He received an offer to do a duet with Malaysian singer Nora a song titled Dilema'03 for her greatest hits album.

Upon winning Akademi Fantasia, Chong and his 11 classmates made a roadshow of Akademi Fantasia around Malaysia and Brunei. The group were interviewed by Azwan Ali on his talk show Cit Cat Azwan. The fans had voted them as the best newcomers interviewed in Cit Cat Azwan Award in 2003. Chong made his final appearance in a group when they toured in Brunei.

Vince

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Chong decided to leave Maestro Talent to be an "independent" singer by joining EMI Malaysia. It was a "very hard" journey for Chong when his best friend-cum-competitor Khai overshadowed him with his "Dambaan Pilu". His self-titled debut Vince was highly anticipated, featuring his single Mengapa Harus Cinta? which entered several music charts. Chong was selected as one of the artistes to have a song in Anugerah Juara Lagu. He was also placed third in the Asia New Singer Competition at Shanghai Music Festival 2004.

In 2004 and 2005, Chong received several awards, and he accepted an offer to be the lead actor for Yusof Haslam's new film Sembilu 2005.

In 2005, he was chosen to sing one of the songs in the soundtrack for Puteri Gunung Ledang, titled "Keranamu Kekasih".

Janji Vince

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In 2005, his second album Janji Vince was released, receiving mixed reactions from fans and critics. The album was said to be superior in quality compared to his first album, but it sparked controversy when Vince pronounced the Arabic word Taala, one of the titles of Allah, in his song Berkobar-bokar. Later, the composer of the song Yassin clarified that the Taala actually means "to come".

He had been invited frequently to perform in private function and gospel shows and was highly in demand for Christmas performances in television.

Chong represented Malaysia to sing the special Asian release edition of the hit Breaking Free (from Disney's High School Musical), alongside Singaporean Alicia Pan and Filipino Nikki Gil. In 2007, Chong and Nikki Gil teamed up as a Host for High School Musical: Around The World which was aired on Disney Channel.

Percayalah Sayang

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In 2007, Chong launched his compilation album Percayalah Sayang. This album was meant as Vince's big step into the regional music scene, especially Indonesia where he wrote and recorded the album. The new songs in the album, particularly, Percayalah Sayang, were described as inclined toward alternative rock.

Chong sang the Malaysian version of You Are the Music in Me (from Disney's High School Musical 2) and Bahasa Melayu version entitled "Kau Muzik Di Hatiku" alongside fellow Malaysian singer Jaclyn Victor, with the music video filmed in Putrajaya. Chong and Victor ran a nationwide mall tour followed for fans of the High School Musical franchise. The video of their version of the song was released on the Special Edition DVD of High School Musical 2 (2008).

Frogway 2007

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Chong was cast as Eddy The Singing Frog for Frogway 2007. Frogway was first performed on 30 July 1980, with a cast that included S. Jayasankaran as Eddy, and Indi Nadarajah. Frogway was the first made-in-Malaysia musical. Frogway 2007 was directed by comedian Harith Iskander. The cast also included Ash Nair, Harith Iskander, Elaine Daly, Chelsia Ng, Ina Febregas, Marielle Febregas and Thor Kah Hoong.

The show was performed 23 August to 2 September 2007 at Actor Studio Bangsar. Chong stated that acting in musical theatre was very challenging but good for his voice control, as he trained for a few months just to make sure he would be fit physically.

Chong was involved in composing commercial jingles for Rakan Muda, which is was aired as a Malaysian local television advertisement. He then focused on television production and started his personal company, InVinceAble Tunes. He admitted to local entertainment magazines that he had experienced back pain since last July[specify] and was working hard to regain his fitness.

Chong has expressed his desire to produce a Mandarin-language album one day, not only to penetrate the Chinese-speaking market but also to fulfill his late grandfather's wish to see his grandson sing in his mother tongue.[1]

He released a Christmas album,[when?] the launch of which was conducted at a bar in Damansara Perdana. Over 100 guests, media and fans attended the event. He was joined on stage by Burn, Daniel Veerapen and his brother Sean Chong. The album includes many re-makes of old Christmas classics, while other songs are sung traditionally.[2]

Fan Club and Website

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Chong fans had established a Fan Club in 2004, known as "BelovedFans" or BFs. In 2005, one of the BFs had established a website nameed BelovedFans as Chong did not have an official website.

One of Chong BF's Official committee members ran Chong's Myspace Fan Club. Chong occasionally updates his activity and chats with his fans at a Yahoo! Group.

Discography

[edit]

Albums

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Date of release Album title Single(s)
2004

EMI Malaysia

Vince
  • Mengapa Harus Cinta
  • Andai Kau Mengerti
  • Killer Smile
2004

SRC Malaysia/EMI Malaysia

Puteri Gunung Ledang Soundtrack
  • Keranamu Kekasih
2006

EMI Malaysia

Janji Vince
  • Janji janji
  • Cinta Cinta Cinta
  • 3 words
  • Berkobar-kobar
2006

Walt Disney Records Asia/EMI Malaysia

High School Musical (Asian Version)
2007

EMI Malaysia

Percayalah Sayang
2007

Walt Disney Records Asia/EMI Malaysia

High School Musical 2 (Malaysia Distribution)
2010

New Southern Records (NSR) Malaysia

Kronologi Cinta (Malaysia Distribution)

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role
2020 The Masked Singer Malaysia contestant
2019 Dilema as actor (television movie)
2016 Baba Nyonya main role
2007 eve Night of Soulful Stars Teamed up with Taufik Batisah, Mia Palencia, Ning Baizura
2007 High School Musical
Around the World		 Host
2006 Malaysia National Anthem Teamed up with Syafinaz Selamat, Dayang Nurfaizah, Reshmonu, Ning Baizura and Hazami
2006 Hitz.tv Top 30 Guest artiste with Rueben and Marsha Londoh
2006 Hitz.tv amplified Teamed up with Rueben and Marsha Londoh
2006 Jalan Jalan Cari makan Guest appearance
2006 Hitz.tv amplified Himself
2006 Zoom in RTM1 Host/Himself
2005 Macam-Macam Aznil Talkshow guest with Ziana Zain
2004 RTM 2 Gong Xi fa Chai Guest artiste
2004 Dari Studio 1 Host/Himself
2004 MTV Interviewing Kelly Clarkson
2003 Rumah Terbuka Anita Sarawak Guest actor
2003 Hiburan Minggu ini - Siti Nurhaliza Guest artiste
2003 Rumah Terbuka Akademi Fantasia All 12 AF students

Films

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Year Title Role
2005 Sembilu 2005 Main Role

Theater

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Year Title Role
2007 Frogway 2007 Main Role
2013 The Producers Leopold Bloom

Achievements

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  • 1st Runner-Up in Astro Talent Quest, 2002
  • Winner in Akademi Fantasia Season 1
  • Best Non-Malay Artist in Media Hiburan, 2003
  • Best New Artist (Male) in Anugerah ERA, 2004
  • Best New Artist (Male) in ABH'2004
  • Best Non-Malay Artist (Male) in ABH'2004
  • Best New Artist (Male) in AIM 12
  • Best New Artist (Male) in APM 2004
  • Bronze in Asia New Singer Competition at Shanghai Music Festival, 2004
  • Finalist for Juara lagu, Balada 2004
  • Finalist Male Artist, ABP 2005
  • Finalist Male Artist, AIM 2005
  • Finalist Male Artist, APM 2005
  • Finalist Lead Actor, Festival Filem Malaysia 2005
  • Collaboration with Disney's HSM soundtrack "Breaking Free" 2006
  • Collaboration with Disney's HSM2 soundtrack "You're Music in Me" with Jaclyn Victor 2007
[edit]
  • Model for Hotlink Aktifkan Dirimu 2003–2005
  • Model for Kotex "Women in My Life" 2004
  • More than 20 front covers featured in Malaysian Entertainment Magazines
  • Contributing song and voice for Rakan Muda, 's Advertisement 2008

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vince Chong

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Vincent Chong Ying-Cern (born 30 September 1979), professionally known as Vince Chong, is a Malaysian singer, songwriter, actor, music producer, and director. He rose to prominence as the winner of the inaugural season of Akademi Fantasia, Malaysia's premier reality singing competition, in 2003. Born in Kuala Lumpur, Chong has built a multifaceted career in the Malaysian entertainment industry, specializing in R&B-influenced pop music. Following his Akademi Fantasia victory, he released his self-titled debut album Vince in 2004, which was followed by Janji Vince in 2005 and the compilation Percayalah Sayang in 2007. His international breakthrough came in 2006 when he collaborated with Filipino singer Nikki Gil and Singaporean singer Alicia Pan to record the Asian English version of "Breaking Free" for the High School Musical soundtrack. In addition to music, Chong has appeared in films and television productions as an and has ventured into family entertainment as the creator and director of the animated children's series The Eggies, which premiered on in 2024. He continues to release music, including the 2013 Christmas album With You This Christmas and later works such as Alang-Alang (2019), Malaysiaku Berjaya (2020), and the single "God Will Make A Way" (2024), while directing the film Close Ur Kopitiam (2025) and maintaining an active presence in live performances and creative projects.

Early Life and Education

Family Background

Vince Chong was born on September 30, 1979, in , , to a father of Chinese ethnicity, Chong Chen Kian, and a mother of , Susan Ann Higgs. His multicultural family background exposed him to diverse cultural influences from an early age, shaping his appreciation for within a tight-knit household. He is one of six siblings, including an older sister named Vanessa and younger siblings Pamela, Danial, Sean, and Ian. His sisters Pamela and Vanessa gained public recognition as runners-up in The Amazing Race Asia 2 in 2007. The Chong family emphasized unity and support, often coming together for festive gatherings that highlighted their blended heritages, including English and Danish traditions through marriages in the family. Growing up in this environment, Chong received early exposure to music through family activities and church involvement. This foundation contributed to his R&B-influenced pop singing style.

Education and Early Interests

Vince Chong pursued his passion for music through formal at the International College of Music (ICOM) in , , where he honed his vocal and performance skills as part of the institution's focus on training. Established in 1995, ICOM has produced numerous artists in the Malaysian music scene, providing Chong with a structured environment to explore songwriting and composition during his studies. Prior to gaining national prominence, Chong engaged in early performances and talent development by participating in local singing contests, which helped build his stage presence and confidence. These experiences allowed him to showcase his versatile vocal abilities in various settings, marking the beginning of his journey in the competitive entertainment landscape. In 2002, he achieved notable recognition as the 1st runner-up in the Astro Talent Quest, a Mandarin-language singing competition organized by Astro, ultimately placing behind winner . This accomplishment highlighted his emerging talent and provided crucial visibility in the local music community before broader opportunities arose.

Music Career

Breakthrough with Akademi Fantasia

Vince Chong participated in the inaugural season of , a Malaysian reality singing competition organized by Astro, which premiered on June 9, 2003, and concluded on August 9, 2003. As one of 12 contestants, Chong showcased his R&B-influenced vocal style and stage presence, ultimately emerging as the winner and becoming the show's first champion. This victory marked him as the inaugural reality TV star from , propelling him into national prominence in the Malaysian entertainment industry. Prior to , Chong had placed as first runner-up in the 2002 Astro Talent Quest, providing early exposure that paved the way for his competitive success. Following the competition's conclusion in late 2003, Chong garnered immediate media attention, with interviews highlighting his surprise at the show's massive viewership and the contestants' widespread recognition. His win fueled rapid fanbase growth, as audiences connected with his relatable persona and musical talent, establishing a dedicated following that extended beyond the program's broadcast. One of the direct outcomes of his victory was the release of his debut single, "Dilema'03", a duet with fellow Akademi Fantasia contestant Nora, recorded in 2003 for her greatest hits Cinta Satu Dekad. This collaboration introduced Chong to a broader audience, blending his smooth vocals with Nora's established pop style and capitalizing on the post-show buzz.

Debut Album and Early Releases

Following his victory as the winner on the inaugural season of in 2003, Vince Chong transitioned into a recording career, signing with EMI to release his self-titled debut Vince in 2004. The featured 10 tracks blending pop and R&B elements, with Chong writing several songs that showcased his smooth vocal style and themes of love and perseverance. Key singles included "Mengapa Harus Cinta?", a heartfelt R&B that became one of the standout tracks and performed considerably well on Malaysian charts, helping to solidify Chong's image as an emerging R&B . Other notable songs were "Andai Kau Mengerti" and "Killer Smile" (featuring Reefa), alongside collaborations like "Dugaan Cinta" with Nur Fatima and "Pernah" with Ferhad, which highlighted his versatility in duets and featured a mix of upbeat and introspective tunes. The album's release capitalized on Chong's Akademi Fantasia visibility, marking his establishment in the music scene as a solo artist focused on . Produced under EMI Malaysia, Vince received positive attention for its polished production and Chong's charismatic delivery, contributing to his growing fanbase among urban youth. While specific sales figures are not publicly detailed, the project's success was evident in its radio rotation and live performances, positioning Chong as a promising talent beyond the reality TV format. Building on this momentum, Chong released his follow-up album Janji Vince in 2005, also via EMI Malaysia, which further explored his R&B roots with a collection of romantic and motivational tracks. The album included hits like "Janji Janji" and "Cinta Cinta Cinta," which extended his post-Akademi Fantasia popularity by emphasizing emotional lyrics and melodic hooks tailored to Malaysian listeners. These releases reinforced Chong's reputation as an R&B singer-songwriter capable of crafting relatable anthems, though the album garnered mixed reviews for its stylistic similarities to the debut. Overall, Janji Vince helped maintain his chart presence and commercial viability in the mid-2000s Malaysian pop landscape, without disclosed exact sales data but noted for sustaining his early career trajectory.

High School Musical Soundtrack Contributions

Vince Chong made notable contributions to the Asian regional adaptations of Disney's High School Musical soundtracks, performing lead vocals on key tracks that mirrored the role of protagonist Troy Bolton. In 2006, he recorded the English-language Asian version of the duet "Breaking Free" alongside Filipino singer Nikki Gil and Singaporean singer Alicia Pan, which was released as a bonus track on the High School Musical soundtrack by Walt Disney Records Asia. This recording captured the song's climactic audition scene from the original film, with Chong providing the male lead vocals originally sung by Troy Bolton. The track was accompanied by a music video featuring the trio, which premiered on Disney Channel and helped promote the movie across Southeast Asia. Chong's involvement extended to live promotional performances in Malaysia, including autograph sessions and appearances tied to the soundtrack's regional rollout, enhancing the franchise's popularity in the area. In 2007, Chong continued his association with the series by contributing to the High School Musical 2 soundtrack, recording the Malaysian Asian version of "You Are the Music in Me" with acclaimed Malaysian vocalist Jaclyn Victor. This duet, adapted in English with local flair, served as a highlight on the album's international edition and supported regional marketing efforts for the sequel, including music videos and broadcast promotions across Asia. Chong's performances on these tracks solidified his role in bridging the Disney franchise with Southeast Asian audiences through accessible, culturally resonant covers.

Later Albums and Collaborations

Following his international exposure from the High School Musical soundtrack contributions, Vince Chong released the compilation album Percayalah Sayang in 2007 through EMI Malaysia. This release combined selections from his earlier work with two new tracks, including the title song, which highlights themes of enduring romantic commitment. As an R&B-inclined singer-songwriter, Chong used the album to explore more mature lyrical content centered on love and relationships. In 2010, Chong transitioned to New Southern Records for his third studio album, Kronologi Cinta, a 12-track project spanning 49 minutes that blended Malay pop with English-language songs like "Getting Closer" and "Teach Me How To Love." The album marked a deeper focus on his songwriting, incorporating personal narratives of love and chronology in relationships, while maintaining his signature R&B influences. Key singles from this era, such as "Biarkan," underscored his evolving mid-career style. Later collaborations extended this approach, exemplified by his feature on the 2024 worship track "Eagle's Wings" with Ray Mak.

Christmas Recordings

Vince Chong released his debut Christmas album, With You This Christmas, in 2012 under his own label, Invinceable Tunes. The project marked Chong's foray into holiday music, blending traditional carols with contemporary arrangements suited to his soulful R&B influences. The album features eight tracks, including covers of classics such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Christmas Song," and "Silent Night," alongside an original composition, "With You This Christmas," co-written by Chong and Daniel Veerapen. Other notable inclusions are "Winter Wonderland" featuring Daniel Veerapen and "When a Child Is Born" featuring Sean Chong, offering a mix of nostalgic standards and family-oriented duets that emphasize themes of togetherness during the holidays. Chong adapted his signature R&B style to the seasonal repertoire, infusing smooth vocals and subtle funk elements into the arrangements to create a warm, modern festive sound rather than strictly traditional renditions. This approach allowed the album to resonate within Malaysia's diverse holiday music scene, where R&B-inflected covers appeal to urban listeners seeking contemporary takes on yuletide favorites. The album launched at an exclusive "Merry Guinness" promotional event in December 2012 at Dirty Nelly's Life Centre in Kuala Lumpur, where Chong performed selections live alongside friends and family, drawing over 100 guests including fans and media. This intimate concert setting highlighted the album's tracks in a celebratory atmosphere, tying into broader holiday promotions. With You This Christmas received positive attention in festive markets, becoming available on digital platforms like and , with the title track's music video garnering over 108,000 views on by 2025. Its enduring presence on streaming services underscores its role in Malaysian holiday playlists, particularly for R&B enthusiasts during the season.

Acting and Theatre Career

Television Roles

Vince Chong made his notable television appearance as a contestant on the first season of The Masked Singer Malaysia, which aired on Astro Warna in 2020. Disguised as "Enggang" (the hornbill), Chong performed various songs while concealing his identity, showcasing his vocal talents in a competitive format that blended mystery, performance, and audience voting. He advanced to the finals, ultimately placing fifth overall, with his unmasking revealing the singer's familiar face to fans from his music career. This role highlighted Chong's versatility beyond music, with his television acting work including a main role as Wai Meng in the 2016 TV3 series Baba Nyonya, which explored Peranakan family dynamics and culture. In 2019, he appeared in the television movie Dilema.

Film Roles

Vince Chong transitioned into alongside his burgeoning career, debuting on the big screen with a lead role in the romantic drama Sembilu 2005 (2005), directed by . In the film, he portrayed Vince, a Chinese-English high school student who falls in love with his Malay classmate Salina, facing significant familial and cultural opposition to their interracial relationship. The movie, which explored themes of young love and societal barriers in a Malaysian setting, marked Chong's first major acting credit and received attention for its youthful cast and relatable storyline. Chong's subsequent film appearance came in 2007 with the short drama Back Home, where he played , a 16-year-old adopted teenager traveling back to to reconnect with his biological family. This supporting role highlighted his versatility in portraying emotional journeys of identity and belonging, though the project was a modest 41-minute production. Beyond these early efforts, Chong's involvement in feature films has been limited, with no additional lead or significant supporting roles in theatrical releases documented as of 2025, allowing him to focus more on television and music endeavors.

Theatre Productions

Vince Chong made his stage debut in 2007 with a starring role in Frogway 2007: The Musical Theatre, a comedic production directed by and presented at Studio in . In the show, Chong portrayed Eddie Thaddeus , the anthropomorphic protagonist and son of a traditional frog family navigating urban life in a human world, blending humor, , and on Malaysian . His performance earned recognition at the 6th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, highlighting his versatility in . In 2013, Chong took on a lead role in the Malaysian production of the Broadway musical The Producers, adapted from ' film and staged by Projek Musikal. He played Leopold "Leo" Bloom, the timid accountant who partners with the scheming producer Max Bialystock in a plot to oversell tickets to a guaranteed flop. Chong's portrayal, opposite Peter Ong as Max, was praised for capturing the character's neurotic energy through song and dance numbers like "." The production ran at the Petaling Jaya's PJ Live Arts, showcasing Chong's growth as a comedic actor in ensemble musical formats. In 2007, Chong performed in the High School Musical promotional events across , tying into his contributions to the franchise's Asian soundtrack. Alongside , he delivered live renditions of songs like "," engaging audiences in interactive musical segments that bridged his singing background with theatrical presentation. These events marked an early tie-in for Chong, emphasizing his presence in youth-oriented musical .

Other Ventures and Appearances

Hosting and Reality TV

In 2020, Vince Chong competed as a contestant on the first season of , a reality singing competition where participants perform in disguise. Portraying the "Enggang" (hornbill) character, he delivered notable performances that advanced him to the finals, where he placed as a finalist behind winner Aina Abdul as "Bunga Raya."

Business and Production Work

Following his transition from a primary focus on performing, Vince Chong expanded into entrepreneurial ventures in media and music production. He established his , Invinceable Tunes, through which he released his holiday album With You This Christmas, marking his initial foray into self-managed music distribution. Chong further diversified into television production as the creator of the animated children's series The Eggies, a whimsical show featuring egg-shaped characters on adventures in Eggy Land, which premiered on on June 7, 2024, with Season 2 premiering in early 2025. In 2020, amid the , Chong partnered with the CSR-focused company Orders.MY as an ambassador, promoting initiatives to support small-scale vendors by facilitating affordable promotional efforts for those impacted by economic constraints.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Vince Chong has been married to Fiona Edward, a former from , , since 2014. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Eva Heidi Chong, in 2015, followed by their son Tyler James Chong in 2017. Their household reflects Malaysia's diverse cultural tapestry, with the family conversing in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Bahasa Sabah while observing a wide array of national celebrations, including Hari Raya, , Deepavali, Christmas, and . Chong remains closely involved with his siblings, particularly his older sister Vanessa Chong and younger sister Pamela Chong, who teamed up as contestants and placed as runners-up in in 2008. He also has brothers Danial, Sean, and Ian. The siblings frequently gather for family events, such as annual Christmas traditions that emphasize their unity and shared heritage. This familial support extends mutually, with Vanessa serving as Chong's manager to advance his music endeavors in markets like and the .

Health Challenges

Vince Chong encountered significant health challenges in the early , particularly a period of substantial that triggered depression and diminished self-confidence. Around March 2012, he gained considerable weight due to emotional stress and feelings of underappreciation following his victory, leading to low and reluctance to appear in public or perform. This temporarily impacted his presence and career momentum, though he continued releasing . To address these issues, Chong adopted a healthier with dietary changes and set personal goals for , supported by family and friends. By 2024, he had achieved noticeable through practices such as , emphasizing the importance of health in his public updates. Additionally, in 2019, he dealt with a that temporarily altered his vocal performance, affecting live renditions like "Belaian Jiwa." These experiences highlighted his resilience, influencing a balanced approach to his multifaceted .

Discography

Studio Albums

Vince Chong's debut studio album, titled Vince, was released in 2004 by EMI Malaysia. The album marked his entry into the music industry following his win on the reality show , featuring a mix of pop and R&B tracks primarily in Malay with some English influences. Key tracks include "Mengapa Harus Cinta?", a ballad about that became one of his early hits; "Andai Kau Mengerti", showcasing his ; and "Killer Smile" featuring Reefa, which incorporated upbeat rhythms. The full tracklist comprises 10 songs: "Tak Ingin Kehilanganmu", "Mimpi Yang Pasti", "Mengapa Harus Cinta?", "Dugaan Cinta" (feat. Nur Fatima), "Ku Kembali", "Andai Kau Mengerti", "Lepaskan", "Pernah" (feat. Ferhad), "Hold On To Your Dreams", and "Killer Smile" (feat. Reefa). His second studio album, Janji Vince, followed in 2005, also under , exploring themes of promises in relationships and personal growth through introspective lyrics and melodic arrangements. The album received mixed reception for its experimental blend of pop and soul elements, with critics noting improvements in production quality over his debut but varying fan responses to the slower tempos. Notable tracks highlight collaborations and emotional depth, such as "Kerna Apa Kau Begitu" (feat. ), a emphasizing relational conflicts, and "Janji-Janji", the title-inspired focusing on commitment. Other key songs include "Kau Tetap Dihati", "", and "Biarkan". Percayalah Sayang, released in 2007 by EMI Malaysia, served as Chong's third release, a compilation album blending new material with select re-recordings from prior works to target a broader regional audience. Production emphasized polished studio sessions in Malaysia, incorporating live instrumentation for a fuller sound. Standout tracks feature the title song "Percayalah Sayang", a romantic anthem co-written by Chong, and "Tuhan Tolonglah", addressing themes of faith and perseverance. The album's structure allowed for a retrospective feel while introducing fresh compositions. In 2010, Chong released Kronologi Cinta through New Southern Records, his fourth studio album, which he largely helmed in production, composition, and songwriting to reflect a more mature artistic direction. The album chronicles stages of love through narrative-driven tracks, with production notes indicating self-produced elements in studios for an authentic, personal touch. Highlights include "Layan Saja", an energetic opener; "Apa Jawapannya", pondering life's questions in romance; and "Ajar Ku Cinta" (feat. Joanna Henley Rampas), a exploring learning to love. The tracklist also features "Biarkan", "Kan Temu Jua", and "Kronologi Cinta". Chong ventured into holiday music with the Christmas album With You This Christmas in 2013, independently released and distributed digitally, filling a gap in his discography with seasonal covers and originals. Specific holiday tracks include "Have Yourself a Merry Little ", a classic rendition; "" (feat. Daniel V), adding a festive vibe; and the original "With You This Christmas", co-composed with Daniel Veerapen about longing during the holidays. Other selections like "The Song" and "Grown Up Christmas List" emphasize nostalgic and reflective tones.

Singles and Soundtracks

Vince Chong released his debut single "Mengapa Harus Cinta?" in 2004 as a standalone prior to his first full-length album, marking his entry into the Malaysian pop scene with a that highlighted his R&B influences. In the same year, Chong contributed to the soundtrack of the Malaysian film Puteri Gunung Ledang with the track "Keranamu Kekasih," a romantic co-written by Pat T. Ibrahim and Sit Jasmina, produced by Greg Henderson, which became one of the album's key songs and showcased his in a cinematic context. Chong's international breakthrough came in 2006 when he collaborated on the Asian version of "Breaking Free" for the High School Musical soundtrack, teaming up with Filipino singer Nikki Gil and Singaporean artist Alicia Pan; this cover of the Disney hit was included as a bonus track on the album and helped expand his reach across Southeast Asia. In 2004, Chong featured on the duet "Dilema '03" with veteran Malaysian singer Nora, a reimagined version of her 1994 hit for her greatest hits compilation, produced in the wake of his Akademi Fantasia win and emphasizing his growing prominence in the industry. Following a period focused on albums, Chong returned to singles in the late , releasing the EP Alang-Alang in 2019 as an independent pop project reflecting personal themes, followed by "Malaysiaku Berjaya" in 2020, a patriotic amid national challenges that underscored his evolving role in contemporary Malaysian music. Subsequent singles include "Every Moment With You" and "You Are My Gift" in 2022, and "God Will Make A Way" (feat. Vince Chong) in 2024.

Awards and Achievements

Music Awards

Vince Chong earned the at the Asia New Singer Competition during the Shanghai Music Festival in 2004, representing and gaining early international exposure for his vocal abilities. He was also the 1st runner-up in the Astro Talent Quest in 2002. His self-titled debut Vince, released the same year, achieved notable commercial success in , particularly with the "Mengapa Harus Cinta?", which resonated strongly with audiences and contributed to his rising popularity in the local music scene.

Acting and Other Recognitions

Vince Chong transitioned into following his victory on the reality television show in 2003, marking a significant expansion of his career beyond music. Chong's acting portfolio includes television appearances and voice work, such as voicing characters in the 2022 animated series The Eggies, which premiered on . In addition to on-screen roles, he has earned endorsements through commercial advertisements, featuring in campaigns for brands like Tropicana Twister Juicy Burst and Nestlé's MAT KOOL . These endorsements, spanning the mid-2000s onward, underscored his marketability in the sector. Beyond , Chong's career honors reflect his impact from reality TV origins, including fan-driven milestones like the establishment of an official in 2004 that supported his early website launches and public engagements. Post-2020, his output has shown a shift toward production and direction, with fewer lead roles but notable contributions such as directing the comedy film Close Ur Kopitiam in 2025 under the creative team Dissy. This evolution highlights his enduring influence in Malaysian entertainment.

References

  1. https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2022/07/20/malaysian-singer-actor-vince-chong-embarks-on-animated-adventure-with-new-series-039the-eggies039
  2. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/vince-chong/184745967
  3. https://musicbrainz.org/artist/eb7c2fd7-b795-4993-b948-1a5854b60e01
  4. http://www.moviexclusive.com/soundtrack/highschoolmusical.htm
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  13. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/malaysian-singers.php
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  22. https://music.apple.com/us/album/kronologi-cinta/575075979
  23. https://www.discogs.com/release/27445425-Vince-Kronologi-Cinta
  24. https://music.apple.com/us/album/eagles-wings-feat-vince-chong-single/1787145956
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/12616004-Vince-Chong-With-You-This-Christmas
  26. https://www.timeout.com/kuala-lumpur/nightlife/a-merry-guinness-christmas-with-vince-chong-and-friends
  27. https://open.spotify.com/album/3EqP8uMBWxkDgo6cGfbDNM
  28. https://music.apple.com/us/album/with-you-this-christmas/1680274937
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xur18Yv32Uc
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  31. https://www.mediahiburan.my/i-tak-nak-kena-denda-rm1-juta-cabaran-nak-sorok-identiti-enggang-vince-chong-berjaya-kelirukan-juri/
  32. https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/chong-gets-wacky
  33. https://search.worldcat.org/title/Sembilu-2005/oclc/82149634
  34. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3513209/
  35. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16143190/
  36. https://myartmemoryproject.com/articles/2007/08/every-frog-has-its-day/
  37. http://frogway8007.blogspot.com/2007/
  38. https://kakiseni.org/awards/6th-boh-cameronian-arts-awards-2007/
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  43. https://www.netflix.com/title/81775779
  44. https://www.facebook.com/vincetogram/posts/finally-its-happening-our-first-ip-the-eggies-will-be-on-netflix-this-june-7th-i/1058819562474320/
  45. https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2008/02/25/46627/amazing-challenge-cause
  46. https://www.mstar.com.my/spotlight/hiburan/2013/01/04/vince-pernah-murung-kerana-berat-badan
  47. https://www.facebook.com/vince1979/videos/bila-sakit-tekak-dan-suara-jadi-bass-bassyvoice-bass-belaianjiwa-inuendo/
  48. https://www.discogs.com/release/27409794-Vince-Mengapa-Harus-Cinta
  49. https://castalbums.org/recordings/High-School-Musical-2006-TV-Film-Soundtrack/4561
  50. https://music.apple.com/sg/album/alang-alang-ep/1679710466
  51. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRERJuwE1ub45KKJM0PaOxSRISmSD0hn_
  52. https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2025/01/28/malaysian-creative-team-dissy-to-make-its-cinema-debut-with-comedy-film-on-cny
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