Jason Leong started on a path that would make any Asian parent happy—by being a doctor. After having spent 5 years in the medical line, he found a new joy—by being a stand-up comedian.
The huge GoT fan now has a full-time career as a comedian and he will even be on Comedy Central Asia’s Stand-Up Asia show, which premieres on August 22nd on Hypp TV channel 609 and Astro Go.
In this week’s edition of DKL Gets Personal, we speak to Jason as he shares on what makes him happy in life, the common misconceptions of those in the comedian line and if he has any plans of returning to the medical field someday.
1. When did you first discover that you’re actually pretty funny?
In school, I always was the class clown. I remember in Standard 6, there was this nerd in my class who read a lot. One day, we had a friendly argument, and he shouted something mean across the street, and I shouted back, “I will burn your books!” and everyone laughed. I wish stand-up comedy was that easy.
2. What are the common misconceptions that people have about comedians?
That we are funny 100% of the time. The most irritating thing we get asked is, “Eh tell us a joke la!” Dude, we ain’t a vending machine, and even if we are, you have to pay first for the product!
3. Who’s the funniest crowd you’ve ever performed to?
4. Being a certified doc, why did you decide to pursue comedy instead of the medical line?
I worked as a doc for 5 years before switching careers because I felt the bureaucracy of the Malaysian health delivery service bummed me out and stand-up comedy was like an escape, a release and it slowly became a passion and a full fledged career.
5. Would you ever go back to the medical field one day?
6. What are your other passions besides comedy?
I like money, please give me some. But seriously, my passions these days include advocating for science literacy, LGBT rights, women’s rights, to name a few. Also money.
7. You listed jiujitsu and MMA as your interests. How good are you really? 😛
I do train Brazilian Jiujitsu regularly. I have a blue belt. I don’t do MMA. I would say that I will be able to defend myself way better than someone who doesn’t know an ounce of jiujitsu.
8. What shows do you binge watch when you’ve got the time?
9. What’s one talent you wish you had?
10. Where would you love to travel to next?
Actually, I have travelled extensively, been lucky to do so. As a student I travelled to most of Europe, and as a comic, I’ve performed in Australia, Hong Kong, USA, Dubai, and Singapore. This year, I went to Hokkaido and New Zealand. Next year I’m planning to go to Tromso, Norway to see the Northern Lights.
11. What are some of the pickup lines you used on your wife during the courting stage?
Oh, there were no pickup lines. You see, most idiot guys don’t know this but the way to a woman’s heart is not with flattery or words. What I did was, I bought her her favourite foods. Lamb cumin, kebabs, Chinese takeaways (we were students in Dublin then) and after many months of begging and not giving up, voila! We became a couple.
So the way to a woman’s heart is through the stomach.
12. Does your wife think you’re funny?
No. And you are not allowed to interview her.
13. What’s the best part about being in an interracial relationship in Malaysia?
You get exposed to a whole other race and culture you otherwise would not have been exposed to. And I have to say for the record, once you go brown, you don’t turn around. #preach
14. Do you see yourself becoming a dad someday?
Urgh I guess, once all this happiness, freedom and extra money bores me.
15. What makes you happy in life?
Money.
All Image Credit: Dr. Jason Leong