Having spent nearly two decades out of showbiz, Xie Shaoguang is contemplating his return to the spotlight. The veteran artiste, who began his acting career in 1989, won Best Actor at the Star Awards five times before leaving the industry in 2005. Now, as he prepares for his comeback, Xie shares his thoughts on navigating the modern landscape of social media.
## Background
Xie Shaoguang, a celebrated actor in Singapore, left the entertainment industry in 2005 after a successful career that spanned over 16 years. During his hiatus, he moved to Johor Bahru, opened an animal shelter, and was ordained as a monk in 2013. Recently, he has returned to secular life and is working as a chef at a vegetarian eatery. His return to acting marks a significant shift, as he steps back into an industry that has evolved considerably since his departure.
## “I just be myself”
Despite his long absence, Xie remains confident about his return to the public eye. He expressed comfort in reconnecting with his “roots” in Singapore and resuming his career in showbiz. “I just be myself,” he stated, acknowledging the different generational perspectives he will encounter. Xie noted, “Every generation is different from the others, there will definitely be a change from Gen Y, Gen Z, to Gen Alpha,” recognising the younger generation’s vocal presence online. Reflecting on his own youth, he added, “I was probably the same back in my younger days.”
## On cancel culture
Xie also shared his views on the prevalent issue of cancel culture. He advised against the hasty “cancelling” of individuals, emphasising the importance of understanding and compassion. “The youth possess a spirit that is admirable,” he said, but cautioned that they should not be too quick to judge. Instead, he suggested taking a step back to consider other perspectives and choosing compassion over conflict.
## A slower pace of life
Xie enjoys a more subdued pace of life, which contrasts sharply with the rapid pace of social media. While he acknowledged that some people find joy in platforms like TikTok, he admitted it isn’t his preference. “I am still very old-school,” he said with a smile. Xie has been embracing a slower lifestyle, focusing on activities such as reading, cooking, and eating healthier. Despite his reservations about TikTok, he joined Instagram on June 2, marking his debut with a photo of himself and his dog.
## Related stories
Xie’s return to showbiz comes nearly 20 years after he left the industry. His journey from a revered actor to an ordained monk and now back to acting is a testament to his versatility and resilience. As he steps back into the public eye, it will be interesting to see how he navigates the modern entertainment landscape and reconnects with his audience.
