Interview on PopcultureOnline

On top of having a full time job (yes I have a full time job), saving the world, writing my own blog, playing basketball, having a really awesome social life, 

I recently also started a comic blog - Ben Ben Diaries with the talented Mr.Dan Kuah from Dan's Comic Realm 柯建立漫画空间.

It's not as if work ain't busy enough but it is such pet projects that keeps me going instead of simply earning dough and work your life away without 

something you can call your own. 

I try my best to manage my time between work, play, family, gfsss and my own me time projects.

No thanks to the talented cartoonist and really funny son, ben ben, 

we managed to get some attentions very quickly from readers, medias and even publishers. ($_$)

It might not be TIME Magazine level of interview yet but we managed to score 

ourselves an interview with popcultureonline.net. 

What's a better way to get interviewed then in comic format right?

Anyway do check them our and also read the original article here: http://www.popcultureonline.net/into-dans-comic-realm/

We did not set up ben ben diaries hoping to get famous nor rich, all we wanted was something that 

we can have fun with, a space to express ourselves as well as to fulfil our love of sharing. 

I am no successful business man (yet) so I shall save you from my preaches of what you 

should do or what you should not do in life to make money or even how you should manage 

your time but here's one quote that I would like to share with you.

best things in life come unexpectedly.

Read More

Smith Leong - International Man of Mystery.

It's Monday and I just feel like writing something although I'm not exactly inspired these days. I've been focusing too much on NBA playoffs and also work.

I think I've talked about this too many times but I guess it still amuse people. The fact that not many body knows what I do for a living. Every single time when people ask me about it at any social setting. It just become too long a conversation. I wish I could like just tell people using one word like most people. "I sell property.." or "I teach at a school".

Don't have to be a shame about not knowing what I do if you are a close friend because even my mum doesn't really know what I do. In fact from what i gathered, my close friend doesn't really read my blog.

I mean sometimes I do tell people things like I'm a superhero, money launder or even like I'm actually James Bond. But people choose not to believe me so I also bo bian right?

I was also voted by popular local sites like OMG.SG, TheNotSoSmartLocal, Asia362, FatherShip, SuperAdrianNotMe to be the best James Bond ever. 

And being a secret agent is not easy because that means I need to wear many identities in order to confuse people also.

Bob the Dragon Boater 

Like for example my most recent piece of work. I was Bob. Bob is cool. Bob loves dragon boat but just not too sure about when to do it.

Watch full video here.

Masturbating Man 

I think I should be done with stroking my own (no pun intended. ya right)  ego with my short appearance in the movie Rubbers but I wanna do it again to ask you guys to watch the show and support condoms! 

Jia Hua The Blogger

So many people like to ask me if I am a full time brogger but I guess that doesn't work very well with my bank account so I drop that Idea. It is really more of a hobby.

Why are you invading my media! 

That's what some of my friends and neighbours have been laughing at me. I did not go into full time acting (lucky for you guys) but I guess I got lucky with knowing people around and given opportunities. Many people asked me why have I been doing things like this but I guess it pays very well it is really more for the fun of it. I can tell you these shoot like the one with Mediacorp, I wasn't paid and the rest of the projects didn't pay me enough for a drinking session. It was really fun seeing myself here and there. Some people ask me if I am doing this for fame but to be very honest, I am already in my 30s, not too handsome and not that talented. Getting famous is something I don't think I can or want to try. 

Some people also tell me about how this can be affecting my image. Some people feel that I should be doing something where my staff, my clients or even my kids in the future that they can take me seriously and more professional. 

Engineer

Bio Lab Researcher

Doctor

Nuff' said? 

- Blog Awards 2015 - 

Anyway, not sponsored or told to do it but do check out the awards as it is here again. If you guys are into blogging and feel like you deserve to be on the bigger stage, sign up and try your luck today! 

http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/

http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/

http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/

http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/

Mr.Smith, after reading this, still not sure what I do lor...  

Read More

Valentine's Day Present

Every year there will be these people complaining about Valentine's Day being commercial, complain that Valentine's day is a scam and every day can be a valentine's day if you love each other blah blah blah but I guess on top of birthdays, anniversary, birthdays, it is not ALL bad to have another day just to buy a gift and get a gift right?

Not sure what to get for your bf/hubby for this coming Valentine's Day? Don't play play hor, don't just because it is ONLY Jan and you think you have a lot of time. It is really just around the corner.

So besides sailing the 7 seas and trying to save the world. I actually made time for this interview and sharing session with one of my favourite online retailer.

So shopaholic Smith is here to share. Where else besides Taobao?

I know it's a very old photo but it's cool. Comon.

Cheap, good, fast and they have everything!!

Oh lucky for my wife, she just have to follow this shopping list. HAHA.

See the full article here! 

Relationship is about give and take. She give and I take. :p

Read More

What is a lifestyle blog?

I've done many crazy things in my life. Wearing unicorn suit, taking wedding shoot at NTUC but those your already know. What you may not know is that I went till the extent of interviewing myself because I thought I am so cool and somebody should already have done that but didn't. I was just being pro-active.

Smith interviewing Smith

No shame on that.

Lucky for you guys is that besides this lame self-interview, I actually gotten myself a real interview by the press for winning the Singapore Blog Awards 2014 - Best Lifestyle Blog! 

What is a Lifestyle blog to me? You can read the full interview here!

So besides the English version, they actually managed to translate my response into mandarin and got it published onto yesterday's MyPaper! 

My future son or daughter is gonna be so proud of me. #JustSayin #WifeNotPregnant

If you noticed the journalist who did a good job translating it and find her name familiar, it is because she was the "female-lead" for my 1st online series "drama". Watch it here if you don't remember. 

The guys from OMY/SPH are really generous giving me so much attention. If you are into media buying and PR you will know how much media dollars I have earned. Just check these out. 

Omy.sg Facebook Page - 27k Likes

SBA FB Page 1,610 likes

OMY.SG Main Page Rotator. Average Page View - Above 4 Million

Blog.omy - Alexa Ranking top 300 sites in Singapore.

And also MyPaper average daily circulation of 250,000 copies! 

That's not all! I was also featured on GQ Magazine! 

Ok fine, this is fake. It's okay to dream right?

I really don't know how to express my happiness and gratitude besides saying thank you! Also maybe break into a song

Mr.Smith, Started from the bottom now I'm here.  

Read More

I was on Tao Bao, but not for sale.

For those who haven't heard about it. Tao Bao is now "in" Singapore. They now have a SEA version. The major difference is that they have direct shipping to SG! Of course it's not direct by Tao Bao but it's tied down as a 3rd party provider on the page itself like a selected partner. So convenient!

Anyway, before you give me the "aiya, so many Chinese charters.. I cannot read lah.", there IS translation lah dey!

Happy now? 

Before I get too excited about my purchase and all on Tao Bao, I would like to share with you that I was on Tao Bao. Not under the article of "20 Weird Things You Could Buy on Tao Bao" though.

Good News! I was actually featured on their Facebook page!

Bad news was I was there for less than 8hrs. Apparently my item got "cracked" too quickly. Basically the reason why I was there was because of this challenge they are having call the #TaoBaoThrowdown. All you have to do is simply find the item that i wanted and if you are the 1st, you will get rewarded. And there are more weeks to come, so please go their FB and watch out for the other challenges!

In case you are really curious about this item, it's actually the "Shoe Wings" aka Shwings.

So that was my hours of fame on Taobao FB page. Anyway if you are a great fan of Taobao or someone who really wish to try it out, pelase do stay tuned to this space as I will be having another blog post for Taobao and this time you will get to participate and win some Taobao credits!

And if you can't wait, please check out their Facebook page and try your luck with Clara('s question).

Mr.Smith, Was on Taobao and Sold.




                    

Read More

Are Singaporeans Good?

We always like to complain that Singaporeans are Kiasu, Kiasee, selfish amongst many other problems but are Singaporean "Good"?

What do other Singaporeans really think of Singaporeans? Like pointed out in an article on businessinsider "How to Piss Off A Singaporean" -

"We complain about anything and everything, and we’re good at it, too. From the influx of foreigners to the train system breaking down, or the long queues to get the latest Hello Kitty toy from McDonald’s, you’re bound to find various Singaporeans ranting about it via a simple Google search.
But think twice before you leave a disparaging remark about Singapore, because while we may strive to be a cosmopolitan city, we are still very much Asian at heart — only Singaporeans are allowed to complain about Singapore."

So are Singaporeans good or we just simply complain too much when we have time? The good people from DoGoodSg did a little exercise with some of the famous and infamous voices of the local social media scene asking - Singaporeans good or not? 

Look! That's the handsome Smith Leong! 

Me being me, my review will never be that short, so I have to give it to these good people who helped me paraphrased it. Here's the original:

"人之初，性本善。From Chinese Three Character Classic which mean "People at birth, Are naturally good." But these days, many likes to call us the "Ugly Singaporean" and I believe that is partly due to our competitive nature of current society. Many of us has forgotten on how to show patience and compassion to others in daily situation. That being said, we still see many individuals who will go on volunteer trips to help the less fortunate overseas. So are we good or not?"

So are we good or not?

Mr.Smith, I don't know about you, but I am good lah.

Read More

I got Kiwi-fied thanks to Zespri kiwi blogger challenge!

One of the biggest satisfaction I get from blogging is not about the fame(which is almost non-existent even in my imagination) and free gifts but more about the hot chicks incredible people you met along the way. Amongst all the awesome people is the Award winning blogger/Author/Coach and blog teacher(? I'm not sure if that is the term but she gives talks and seminar about blogging! Cool job right?) - Grace Tan!

Picture kope from Gracetan's blog!

Before you guys think that I am talking about her simply because of her pretty face you guys are wrong. Although I do appreciate a pretty face but Grace is more than a pretty face.

Grace is one of those people who I really respect - Dream Chaser. She gave up her job of few hundred thousand a year to be a full time blogger. As much as I wish to say I can be doing the same, but actually I can't. Not even about giving up a job that pays me that well but the part that I haven't even had a job that pays me that well. HAHA. I wonder who I have to kill to get such a pay cheque. (Enough of digress.)

Anyway, I was very honoured to be featured on her blog, in fact again! Grace's blog interviews successful people, celebrities and even millionaires. Not sure what is her secret formula (maybe 1 day I should interview her for a change!), but she managed to get in contact with these people and amongst these people was me! (I must be successful in some way too right?)

Read previous interview here.

So what did I do this time to get featured? Can't probably interview me twice right? This time round I was Kiwified! 

Grace is running for some contest and the creative mind of hers actually came out with this! Making Kiwi to bloggers or should it be the other way? 

And yes! I think these Kiwis really represents me pretty well! My previous "stage image" - Superman and of course Bikini girls (Self explanatory)! 

It was really sweet of her to feature me! Read full article here.

Sorry to the rest of the bloggers but looks like Grace is going to win this again! 

Mr.Smith, KIWIIIII~~~ (not bananananananana this time,

Read More

I was on Radio. Kinda. I think.

So sometime back I visited the Power98 office to do a promo for the then new time slot - Ex Factor! I was kinda "on air".

Looking like a pro (and bloated) is DJ Smithy.

Why kinda? Cause it was just one of the Online Special thingy where you do not really go on air during the normal air time. But still it was pretty fun!

Hear me!



Thanks Darren Sim for the picture!

Mr.Smith, hey Mr.DJ!

Read More

Starring my very own movie at EUFF 2013 - Poking Smith.

Might be a little exaggerating to say that I am on a movie but I am saying it since the short film is going to be on big screen. And hell yeah, I am very excited. Although it is just taking a small segment after another show, I am taking the credit.

Introducing "Poking Smith":

Technically I didn't do any acting as it was a documentary. So I am still not an actor, I am more of a test subject. So what is it about?

Poking Smith:

For guys who reads or know me, there are a few things I am known for:

1. Crazy
2. Social Media
3. NBA/Basketball
4. Sex

So out of the 4 things people know me for, this film actually featured 2 out of 4 of them. As much as I wished it has something to do with Crazy and Sex, it's not.

It is actually about being finding out how extreme can a person survive on social media. We all know and heard enough about how Social Media has improved or changed my life but can my life be just about social media and no other forms of communication?

How far can we bring this test to? In the short film, I challenged myself to a 7 days of communication locked out other than via social media platforms. Even including with the wife, social outing and even my house warming party. Can I survive this harsh test of "silence".

We, talking to each other. 

It was an awesome experience for me as a social media enthusiast. When I was knocked on the door - or rather hooked up by another blogger online, I took the challenge without 2nd thought. It's like a whole super size me challenge without the fats and chance of being killed by McDees.

So if you are interested in the show and really want to find out if I succeed in not talking for 7 days, please show your support and like the facebook page. On this page, you will actually be able to find out more details about the film screening on the big screens in cinemas during the EUFF. 

As stated from the EUFF Site, there are only two time slots on Thursday, 16 May 7pm and Monday, 20 May 9.30pm.

Hope you guys can show some support! The "kids" really put in a lot of time and effort for this. :D

P.S: This firm is rated r21PG. No Joke.

No sex scene, this is not hollywood. 

Mr.Smith, not as popular as those army boys but at least I get my name on the title. #ProudOfMyself.

Read More

Lianhe Wanbao - Thank you very much.

For those of you who are not from the media, let me 1st start with sharing with you some information off SPH's sales deck.

Taken off their website, there are around 400k readers each day. And below is how much you will have to pay base on different days/ different spot/ different color to print something on Lianhe Wanbao.

Anyway, if you are not too sure how to read this rate card, I will summarise for ya - it's freaking expensive. 

So keeping this fact in mind, i actually "earned" quite a bit of money off SPH cause I was on their papers, front and back and full color.

Front Cover.

Back and full article. 

For those of you who have no idea what the Chinese paper is trying to say, it is basically reporting about my latest "production" with Omy.sg. Read more about it here!

It's my silly video gig thanks to Janet. So apparently now I am the hitch. A silly and Chinese Version.

pretty close considering we are both Smith(s). 

 There is nothing to hide about how excited I am about this considering the fact that it is my very first time on the papers. It's really pretty funny to see myself on the papers. So far nobody ask me to sign on it yet thou. HAHA.

Updated:

Here is the full list of videos.



Mr.Smith, now now, who needs help with girls?

Read More