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159 - From Civil Engineer to Award-Winning Actor: The Extraordinary Journey of Michael Chua
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In this special episode of The Adrian Tan Show, I sit down with Michael Chua - a seasoned technologist and award-winning actor.
Michael shares his unique journey from studying civil engineering in Australia, working as a programmer in London, to becoming a consultant in cybersecurity across 19 countries.
Along the way, he discovered a passion for acting which led him to win multiple awards and captivate millions of viewers with viral videos.
Tune in to hear how Michael navigated the challenges of freelancing, the importance of recognizing opportunities, and the pivotal moments that sparked his multiple successful careers.
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Michael Chua is a Singaporean actor, director, and casting director who made a remarkable career transition from technology consulting to the performing arts at age 50. He has appeared in over 400 productions, including the viral short film "Gift" and award-winning features like "Ilo Ilo," which won the Camera d'Or at Cannes and a Golden Horse Award. Chua has earned multiple accolades, such as Best Actor and Best Film at the Singapore International Film Festival, and is recognized by younger audiences for his roles in popular YouTube series like Titan Academy. His acting is noted for its depth and authenticity, drawing on his rich life experience and global perspective.
Before his acting career, Chua spent decades as a technology consultant, working across Europe, Asia, and Australia, and managing high-profile cybersecurity incidents. He has founded successful tech businesses in the Asia-Pacific region and continues to advise startups and companies on digital security and cloud management. Currently, he is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Newcastle’s Singapore campus, teaching acting and media while also serving as a trainer and coach in both educational and corporate settings.
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This episode is brought to you by Deel , the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at https://deel.com/adriantan.
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00:00 Introduction
01:27 Welcome to the Adrian Tan Show
02:03 Meet Michael Chua: Actor and Technologist
02:52 Michael's Journey: From Civil Engineering to Cybersecurity
05:32 The Challenges of Freelancing Abroad
12:24 Transitioning to Acting
14:42 The Spark of Opportunity
19:34 The Evolution of Freelancing
28:34 The Decision to Return Home
29:21 Advice for Aspiring Freelancers
30:51 Opportunities and Challenges in Singapore
34:28 Balancing Multiple Roles
36:47 Navigating the Freelance Market
44:55 Handling Office Politics as a Freelancer
50:04 The Importance of Emotional Resonance
52:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Where to find Michael Chua:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jupilier/
Hentak Kaki: https://youtu.be/Dh2ormh7Oic
Gift: https://youtu.be/1DUYlHZsZfc
Where to find Adrian:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/
Website: adriantan.com.sg
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