Does Bryan Wong, recently crowned Singapore’s first Star Idol and Temasek Polytechnic graduate, miss his alma mater?

Sometimes, on his way back from work to his home in Sengkang, Bryan, an Info Tech School graduate, would make a special detour to drive past Temasek Polytechnic. It would be a drive down memory lane for the 26-year-old who received his Diploma in Information Technology in 1999. The TP experience had left an indelible mark on him.

Thus, when the School invited him back for an interview recently, Bryan Wong readily agreed. “It feels good to be back. I always looked forward to coming to school.” Besides the beautiful setting of the campus situated by the Bedok Reservoir, Bryan remembers making “many good friends and hanging out and sharing many memorable moments” on campus. He laughingly admitted to his more remarkable moments being on the soccer pitch. His adept soccer skills led him to represent Temasek Polytechnic at the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Soccer Championships. It is also a little known fact that our Star Idol actually had a stint playing soccer with Tampines Rovers!

During his visit, Bryan met with Mr. Boo Keng Hua, PCEO, Ms Lim Sok Keow, Director, Info Tech School, whom he gladly remembers as a lecturer during his student days, as well as Mr. Lim Kok Hwee, Course Manager, Diploma in Information Technology. “I feel honoured to be back,” he said with an unassuming candour uncharacteristic of one who has just won the nation’s first Star Idol competition. Bryan also fondly remembers the lecturers in the school for encouraging his interest in IT. His favourite subject in school was Java Programming.

In a big brotherly fashion, Bryan gave this bit of advice to the students in TP: “Study hard and enjoy your time in TP. It’s an experience of a lifetime.” Bryan’s interest in IT has not waned and he is currently pursuing a part-time degree course in an IT-related field. “I actually came back some months ago to the Info Tech School to get some documentation needed for my exemption from some modules in my degree course.” Bryan strongly believes in the need for further education in a competitive society like Singapore, “It’s something practical and logical to do. I think IT people are trained to think like that.”

There is no doubt that he will be faced with the tough challenge of balancing his commitments as Singapore’s new Star Idol and his studies. But Bryan has never been one to shy away from challenges. In fact, it was the spirit of wanting to stretch himself to take on new challenges that prompted him to take part in the acting competition. The Star Idol competition afforded him the opportunity to learn and develop, as well as make new friends.

In fact, it was like a mini TP reunion for Bryan who met several other TP graduates who were contestants as well. With no prior acting experience, it was Bryan’s willingness to learn from criticism, and put in a lot of hard work to practise and prepare for the competition that gave him the winning edge. After being eliminated in one of the earlier rounds, he worked hard and fought off stiff competition to win the Revival Round, and subsequently went on to win the title of Star Idol!

As the Star Idol, Bryan has won for himself a two-year MediaCorp contract and a role in at least one Raintree Pictures movie. Bryan intends to make good on the opportunities given to him. He gives himself the next few years to make a name for himself. He hopes to be given good roles and that his acting will be accepted by the public.

Has life changed for the Star Idol? “I’m still the same person,” he says affably, and admits with an air of casual confidence that never develops into arrogance to being recognised more when he goes out these days. He attributes his down-to-earth nature to his parents and their advice to him: “Remember who you are; remain humble and remember your roots and all those who have helped you along the way”. Good advice, indeed.

Before Bryan left, he had this to say to his supporters in the School, “A big THANK YOU to all who have supported me! I hope you have enjoyed the journey with me so far, and will continue to support me. I’m now at the beginning of another new challenge.”

Yes, Bryan, TP and the Info Tech School will take that new journey with you.

The future shines brightly for this new rising star.