Star Search’s Cai Cheng Jun Opens Up About His “First Time Living Alone” While Filming In Taiwan

“You would think such things only happen when you have more experience, maybe after 10 years?” he adds.

In fact, he admits to fanboying a little when meeting his cast mates.

“I’ve watched Aokbab’s Bad Genius when I was 19. And Edward in Your Name Engraved Herein. It is not every day you get to meet and work with the people behind these iconic roles,” he gushes.

The opportunity also came with another milestone. A more personal one: Living alone.

Cheng Jun admits that this is the first time he is living by himself: “That’s the scary part. Because I had to settle everything myself, from my laundry, and it’s my first time buying my own meals. Back home, my family usually cooks.”

He also admits he appreciates Singapore’s public transport even more now: “Many times, over here, you would need to walk at least 15 minutes to the nearest bust stop.”

Before leaving for Taiwan, the Last but not Least actor reached out to fellow Mediacorp stars Hong Huifang, Tyler Ten, Jernelle Oh, and Andie Chen for advice, all who have filmed in Taiwan before, while Andie is based there.

“Everyone gave me good advice. Both Andie and Huifang told me to just come and enjoy myself. They said shooting overseas is a daunting task, but not to let it get wrapped around my head,” he shared.

“I realise now it isn’t that scary. The people in production are like a big support group, and they said if I needed anything, just let them know,” he adds.

In fact, he says that as Taiwan’s warmest months are coming ahead, the crew on set have been quickly passing him a fan while filming.

“They are scared that I will burst into flames,” he laughs.

So how is it like working with director Peter Ho?

Cheng Jun reveals that he initially felt the pressure while preparing for the role. But once filming began, things quickly shifted.

“As I have now played such boy-next-door roles three to four times, I found myself being performing in one way. Peter then said to change it up and would give me a look and ask if I could give something else. I can’t wait to see the result because it feels so different,” he says.