Hong Kong actor Niklas Lam may have gained widespread recognition in 2023 for his role in the hit series The Queen Of News, but his path to success was far from easy.
The 30-year-old once shared that since entering the entertainment industry in 2017, he’s had to juggle up to five part-time jobs just to make ends meet.
Alongside acting, the TVB star does social work, group psychotherapy, tutoring and working for an online clothing store.
In a recent vlog, Lam offered a glimpse into his frugal life, starting his day with a modest breakfast of just two boiled eggs and iced lemon tea.
“All the money I save will be used for transportation fees,” he said.
Lam added that it took years of saving before he could afford to buy a car, though he still spends thousands each month on transportation.
His car expenses total HK$2,500 (RM1,426) per month, which includes tolls and parking fees at his company, where parking costs HK$100 (RM57) for just four hours.
Despite the high costs, Lam chooses to own a car, adding that actors in Hong Kong are responsible for their own travel to sets and work.
“When we get calls in the middle of the night, it would cost more than HK$500 (RM285) to travel to and from my house, so it’s more convenient to have a car,” he reasoned.
To save money, Lam dines at night markets, affordable restaurants or tea houses.
He revealed that his daily transportation and brunch expenses add up to at least HK$300 (RM171), excluding dinner.
Lam even mentioned that he’s considering taking on a sixth part-time job as a dishwasher at a tea house, lamenting: “Life is tough!”
