Cover Jeffrey Ngai started modelling at 17 and became well-known after appearing on Hong Kong variety shows including ‘Be a Better Man’ and ‘Be On Game’ (Photo: Getty Images)
Jeffrey Ngai started modelling at 17 and became well-known after appearing on Hong Kong variety shows including ‘Be a Better Man’ and ‘Be On Game’ (Photo: Getty Images)
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The Hong Kong singer, actor and model is making waves on screen and off
From modelling to singing and acting, Jeffrey Ngai has captivated crowds with his talents and versatility. In 2020, he gained fame through his appearances on ViuTV’s variety television shows and has since become one of Hong Kong’s hottest celebrities.
On June 3, Tatler Gen.T honoured the Hong Konger with Dutch-Indonesian roots as one of its Leaders of Tomorrow 2024. The flagship list—now in its ninth year—recognises the trailblazing young leaders across Asia setting trends and shaping the future in various categories including Entertainment, Social Entrepreneurship, Finance and Venture Capital and Food and Beverage.
Read more: My First: 10 of Hong Kong’s rising stars on the most pivotal moments in their career
Here are five things to know about the 26-year-old celebrity who is making a name for himself.
Reality TV’s breakout star
In an earlier interview with Tatler, Ngai previously said he was hesitant to join the show business because he was concerned that it would negatively affect his relationship with his girlfriend of eight years, Evelyn Chen. Chen also doubles as his manager. By chance, they were offered a spot on ViuTV’s reality show Be a Better Man. Participants in the show were trained to be ideal boyfriends for seven days. It was his affection and love for Chen that endeared him to the audience.
His increasing popularity landed him as one of the hosts of Be On Game. There, he gained more fans with his amiable personality. As the youngest cast member with no airs and graces, he often shared lighthearted jokes and wore comical costumes.
Read more: Actress and musician Annette Lee is made for the stage
Sought after by luxury brands
With chiselled facial features and a lean physique, he has appeared in multiple advertisements for various luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co and Celine. Scroll his Instagram and you’ll see Ngai decked out in designer jewellery, clothes, watches and cosmetics. He also regularly attends their highly-anticipated events, including the fashion shows in Paris and Milan.
From flab to fab
Ngai weighed close to 200 pounds at one point as a child. In an Instagram post, he said staying fit has constantly been a challenge for him. He shared how he follows a strict diet and exercises twice a day. Sometimes, he gets through the day by eating only mints and drinking coffee. His post received overwhelming support, with comments reminding him to take better care of himself.
A singer in the making
Above Official music video of Jeffrey Ngai’s ‘The First Fan’
Growing up, Ngai sang songs by Canto-pop legends like Jacky Cheung and Eason Chan with his family at home for fun. This early exposure cultivated his interest in music. In late 2022, Ngai released his first single, The First Fan, a song inspired by his experience of having companions through his ups and downs. He reportedly spent over HK$100,000 on this project. The music video topped the city’s YouTube trending chart in just one day.
Following this success, Ngai released multiple songs in 2023 and collaborated with Hong Kong superstar Sammi Cheng. Later in the year, he won the Gold Award for “Ultimate Male Newcomers” in the Ultimate Song Chart Awards, one of the major awards in the city’s music industry.
Read more: Vietnamese American rapper Spence Lee on bridging cultures through music
A gifted actor
Ngai previously said acting was one of his greatest fears but he conquered it by taking acting classes. Many audiences were impressed by his natural performances in the television dramas he starred in, such as I Swim, where he played the leading role of a swimming prodigy. He later appeared in a few movies, most recently the comedy-drama film Table For Six 2.
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Based in Hong Kong, editor Yoyo Chow covers the people and ideas redefining Asia’s future—from cutting-edge innovation and AI to bold moves in sustainability and diversity. She also drives content for Tatler Gen.T in Hong Kong, a platform and community spotlighting the region’s next generation of startup founders, creatives and changemakers.
Before that, she was a video journalist producing content for international TV and digital platforms, including Reuters and South China Morning Post. If you have a powerful story to share, she’s all ears. Send press materials, event invites and any inquiries to yoyo.chow@tatlerasia.com.
