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updated 30 Mar 2014, 09:52
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Mon, Mar 17, 2014
Urban, The Straits Times
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7 things in his bag: Isaac Dang
by Stacey Chia

When Malaysian Issac Dang moved to Taipei at the age of 27 to pursue a singing career, his first few weeks there were filled with doubt.

"All the new singers were between the ages of 18 and 21. I started thinking I had made the wrong decision," says Dang, a permanent resident of Singapore.

"But a friend told me to hang in there and reminded me that I didn't choose to become a singer to please anyone but to pursue my dreams," he says.

The 29-year-old bachelor, who lived in Singapore for four years before moving to Taipei, was first spotted by local television host Dasmond Koh while singing in a karaoke lounge with friends.

Koh asked if he would perform the theme song to his directorial debut movie, Timeless Love, starring local actors Aloysius Pang and Kimberly Chia.

"The actors were also quite new, so he wanted someone new to sing the song as well," explains Dang.

Six months after the movie was released, Dang got a singing contract in Taiwan from entertainment company Idson Communications.

Looking back, the former graphic designer said he is glad he soldiered on with dance, singing, as well as speech and acting classes in Taiwan.

He released his first album in May last year and won the award for Most Potential New Artiste at the 13th Global Chinese Music Awards in Malaysia.

His second album will be released by June. He has also appeared on popular Taiwanese variety shows, such as Here Comes Kangxi and SS Xiaoyan Night.

Dang, who was born in Johor Bahru, says he has always loved singing but never thought he had what it took to make a career out of it.

"Growing up, being a singer never crossed my mind because I used to be a fat kid. When I got older, I didn't think about it either as I had no formal training," says Dang, who moved to Singapore in 2008 to work as a graphic designer at Singapore-based fashion distribution company Kwang Sia.

"I don't miss the long working hours, but I do miss designing," he admits.

In January, he launched his first pictorial book as part of the re-release of his single C'est Pour Cela Que Je T'aime (This Is Why I Love You), which came out in December and was sold out within a month. Dang says he provided a lot of input on the design of the book and his outfits.

The 128-page book features the singer in Paris, decked out in designer brands, such as Prada, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo.

While Dang is enjoying his second career, he is still getting used to applying cosmetics and skincare.

"Before I joined the entertainment industry, I only used cleansers and perfumes. Now, I have to use tonnes of products," he says.

"I don't know if all the masks I'm using actually help, but they do make me feel good," he adds.

The singer says he never leaves home without BB cream now.

"I just don't want to look too ugly if my fans want to take photos with me," he says.

HIS BAG

I got two bags for the price of one. This Saint Laurent tote is lined with suede on the inside and can be used inside out.

7 THINGS IN HIS BAG

1 Rado watch

My dad gave me this as a going-away present when I moved to Taiwan. He wore it for almost 40 years. It doesn't work any more, but I carry it around to remind myself that time is precious.

2 Maison Martin Margiela (white box) and Saint Laurent sunglasses

The Maison Martin Margiela sunglasses have tips that hook onto my ears, so it's pretty secure and won't fall off. The other pair is a little more fashionable.

3 Chanel Allure Homme Sport (left) and Montblanc Legend

I never leave home without two perfumes - a sporty fragrance for a fresh scent and a stronger one for more formal occasions.

4 Pencil case and markers

My new photobook has a couple of black pages at the start and a fan gave me these metallic markers to sign autographs with.

5 Boots mouth spray

I got this at a Boots pharmacy in Bangkok. I use it quite frequently because I don't want to scare my fans away with my bad breath.

6 Nixon earphones

I use this to listen to music while I'm in the gym and also to listen to cues from backstage.

7 Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion

I've tried a few BB cream brands, but this is the best as you don't feel like you have layers of make-up piled on.


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