More than a week after Zhang Yaodong was spotted manning a steamed food stall in the Tampines industrial area, the Singapore-based Malaysian actor took to TikTok on June 11 to express his gratitude to his friends and supporters.
The 47-year-old filmed it within the vicinity of his stall, starting the video by briefly panning over the signboard to show its offerings.
Tagging the location as a coffeeshop at Blk 9012 Tampines Street 93, the former Mediacorp artiste formally introduced his stall in his first-ever TikTok.
He wrote in the caption: “A new beginning. Thank you for being part of it. That day at the stall was a wake-up call. Your kindness gave me strength to reflect and figure out my next steps. The road ahead is mine to walk — and it’s a path I’ve chosen for myself. I’ll be sharing this journey with you.”
In early June, a social media user posted the first sighting of Zhang standing in front of the cash register and appearing to be taking orders from customers. Amid the hustle and bustle, the user noted that he was polite and humble, and he was working that day because his employee had resigned.
On March 18, a Facebook post by the Tampines Small and Medium Enterprises Association (TSMEA) indicated that Zhang’s stall was newly opened during that period and serves traditonal steamed dishes like egg, meat, fish and prawns.
Zhang said in his video: “I know there were many friends, even loyal customers, who took pictures of me helping out here last week. I am very grateful for all the encouragement I’ve received on social media.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank the people by my side who have been silently supporting me, as well as the friends who have come over after seeing the reports.”
He also credited his long-time friend Catherine Chew for encouraging him to create a TikTok account.
“I’m touched by her sincerity, as well as her eagerness for the public to see another side of me. She has also introduced me to several bosses, who want to collaborate with me on TikTok in the future.”
The bachelor’s image took a hit in July 2024 when rumours surfaced about him fathering children out of wedlock with women of different nationalities.
In November 2024, Zhang took to Instagram to commemorate his holiday to South Korea with his two daughters, confirming his fatherhood for the first time.
In February, Mediacorp’s talent management agency The Celebrity Agency stated it was no longer representing him and he has not participated in the filming of any new shows. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
