Paul Foster: I’m not kiasu or kaypoh, but I’m Singaporean to the core

Coconuts Singapore caught up with heartland heartthrob Paul Foster in chilly Chengdu right after he picked up the Asian Top Fashion Anchor of the Year award at Fashion Asia 2013. The eclectic British-Singaporean emcee and star of Mata Mata local actor gladly divulged his secrets to speaking confidently in front of crowds and staying hunky despite his love for food.

I’m elated! Just being nominated was a privilege, but to actually win the award was an amazing feeling.

We had such an awesome team. The biggest contingent there, I believe. We all kind of knew one another already so that was nice. I’ve worked with (makeup artist) Cale Chew several times before, who most recently did my makeup for Halloween! I knew (The School Of Make Up founder) Peter Angel and Chen Kah Lee (designer from Heng Nam Nam Boutique) from home too, being in the same industry. We were definitely one of the fun loving groups there — no doubt we must thank Peter for that!

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I am Singaporean to the core. I was born and bred in Singapore. This is my home, my country and where I want my family to be. Albeit I am of mixed parentage and Eurasian, with an ang moh look, by birth and nationality, I’m as Singaporean as can be.

I’m very good at eating! I am really a foodie at heart. I’m not kiasu or kaypoh, which are very typically Singaporean traits. However, I think I have the ability to be Ang Moh and local simultaneously, which is a big advantage for me. I love catching the hawker auntie off guard conversing in Singlish or having my expat friends question my accent when I go full local!

My secret to speaking in front of a live audience is composure. The way I look at it is, you’re the one on stage, speaking, in front of everyone. How many other people in the audience can do what you do? I dare say, only a small handful. So have the confidence and composure to talk. We talk all the time, just that you now have more eyes and ears looking at and listening to you. 

Preparation is always key, especially when you have a script and rundown to follow. It’s always good to read through what’s going to happen, so you can get the flow and find your own rhythm and style.

Training is how I stay ripped. It’s really about finding the right balance. As I mentioned, I love to eat, so working out is my counter to that. If I didn’t train the way I do, I would most definitely be unfit. It really is a whole balance of life, work, play and rest. I drink lots of water, try to sleep well, hit the gym three to five times a week, eat right, but also indulge here and there. It’s about enjoying life.

One of my life philosophies: work hard, play harder, rest hardest!

Photos: Andre Frois



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