Having recently bagged the 2013 President’s Design Award, the man behind fashion label A.W.O.L. and pop-up showcase Workshop Element tells Crystal Lee and June Ang about his life philosophies.

My first collection, which I did for a contest, was dedicated to my mum. The judges laughed at me, and it was very, very hurtful.

I’m not born with a silver spoon; I came from a humble family. I wouldn’t be able to afford an education if I hadn’t gotten a scholarship. I am where I am today because of my experiences.

A creative person cannot be contented.

People say I look like Hong Kong star Ronald Cheng. I think it’s a compliment, because he’s always on TV and that means I’m always on TV. Random people have asked for my autograph.

I care more about what my family thinks about my character than how the outside world perceives me. Looks can be deceiving.

I tell my designers and interns that you don’t have to dress up for work—all I need is for your character to show.

I do things very fast—I walk very fast, I react very fast, I bom [lose temper] very fast, and I reconcile very fast.

I like gambling, but it’s more about the time spent with friends. I don’t want to play with strangers and win money.

If you drink to forget, you’ll be stressful to other people when you’re drunk. But drinking when you’re in a good mood is fun.

We seem to be more selfish nowadays. People who have succeeded in their fields may not have considered creating platforms to help emerging talent. Those who receive such assistance may also not be grateful. As a result, we can’t improve.

I love to watch Oprah Winfrey, because I want to be her. She has a big heart. A lot of people think that she’s doing it for fame, but even if she wants fame, she’s still helping people.

I admire a friend who helps out at an association for Myanmar women who were captured and forced into prostitution. She never fails to visit her parents every night and recognizes her dad as a hero.  She taught me a lot and inspired me to become a better person.

I don’t want to market myself and become a personality. I want to be myself and not worry about my behavior in public.

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