How often is a real star born? How is a star made? In a structure-favoured society like ours, it won’t be too far-fetched to say that it’s a rare occurrence to spot one in the wild, and even rarer to see one of these special sparks get honed to its full potential. Yet we have Glenn Yong, no longer a force to be reckoned with and instead a household name and face whose public reception is more akin to a long-time friend than a celebrity.
Don’t get it wrong, his star quality has not waned one bit. In fact it’s grown, dispersing in new directions and depths alongside his masterful manoeuvres through various creative projects. From various television series, independent films, to fashion side quests and making music, our August 2022 and March 2023 cover alum is maintaining his upward momentum with exceptional grace and stability, and it’s all thanks to one unchanging trait — sincerity.
The fact that his warm interactions with his fans are still a topic of discussion more than five years into the game is testament to the heart he not just portrays, but embodies. The fast pace that comes with the public-fronting industry he has found himself in does not always afford nor encourage the emotional bandwidth it takes to make fleeting connections with people that love your craft, although some might argue that the 28-year-old’s longstanding fan base is anything but fleeting in their presence and support. But he is consistent in his interactions, pushing personal boundaries, managing to still find the time and drive to refine himself.
In the spirit of Armani beauty’s Stronger With You campaign and Men’s Folio’s three-part April-May 2025 digital cover, we invite Glenn Yong back into focus to spill all about how he has been cultivating this will to stay true to himself, role models and inspirations, and all the upcoming moves the star is going to make to make sure this glow continues to stay bright and unwavering in its expansive light.
Hi Glenn! What motivates you?
My future, the dreams and goals. My present, and the relationships around me.
What would a close friend say when asked about your strengths?
Woah I’ve never thought of this before. Maybe it’s tenacity? Because they all know I never give up.
In your opinion, what makes someone a strong person? If you have someone in mind, could detail why you find them strong?
When they’re true to their beliefs and stand by it even when it’s not the easiest to do so.. When they’re willing to sacrifice to take care of the people they love. Someone that always gets back up no matter what. It’s actually a fictional character, but he’s still my number one inspiration in life. It’s Naruto.
What has being in the industry after all these years taught you about yourself?
Only you know yourself best, so stop trying to get validation from others. This industry is a very subjective industry, some people like this form of art some do not. But honestly there’s not really a right or wrong to things. So do what you love most and what makes you the happiest, because that’s all that matters. Release the songs you like, dress the way you want and best represents you, take on shows and roles that resonates with you. If you treat this industry as just another corporate job, you’re not going to go far. I genuinely love what I do and I’m super passionate going to work every single day.
What key moments from the songwriting process of your debut EP A World Without You required you to reach for strength?
I think when you’re songwriting it requires you to dig out your past and present hurts, confront them and write it into the melody and lyrics. That takes a lot of courage and strength, because sometimes it’s easier to bury it within and not confront those feelings.
I would say when I’m writing the lyrics, it feels the most heart-wrenching but that’s also how I know it would resonate with many people who listen to the song.
You penned it to be like a love letter, a vehicle almost through which anyone can express their affection for their loved ones through singing the track. Where did you find inspiration for this?
I had a dream one night that I lost all my loved ones and I’m living in a world without them, I remember how awful that felt when I woke up so I wrote it into a song. The title is literally called A World Without You.
You act and sing. What are some unique strengths that come from pursuing each career individually and at the same time?
It’s kinda like balancing a seesaw to me. Because both are at different ends of a spectrum. When I’m acting I’m trying to remove Glenn and live life as another person to get into character. But when I sing and do my music, I get to find myself back and explore what’s on my heart. I need both to feel a balance in my life.
In what ways have you found yourself stronger now than in the past?
I realised I’m able to filter out bad people, bad vibes and negative energy in my life and focus on people and things that are enriching and empowering. I no longer care too much about people’s opinions or try to people please, and that gave me so much strength to stay locked in and focused on what I want to do and do it to the best I can.
Last but not least, what aspects of yourself are you looking to strengthen in 2025?
I want to strengthen my craft, so I’m spending a lot of time going for lessons to improve on my vocals, music instruments, music theory, exercising more to keep in tip top condition. I want to live as a professional, almost like an athlete of my craft.
Editorial Director Izwan Abdullah
Photography Chee Wei
Styling Manfred Lu
Interview Charmaine Tan
Grooming & Hair Zoel Tee
Styling Assistant Danessa Tong, Vanessa Ng
All Clothing & Accessories Emporio Armani
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our April 2025 issue.