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"If you want to be in a position where you're constantly in the public eye, you have to learn that fame comes with acceptance and rejection, encouragement and insults. Glenn Yong on being a public figure

IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID NEGATIVITY, especially for public figures, who are inevitable victims of constant scrutiny. As the world continues to be shaped by social media, more keyboard warriors arise, adding fuel to sometimes barely existent fires. Now, whoever started the metaphorical blaze is unclear, but it has been made known on the grapevine that these trolls aren't the only antagonists. According to singer-actor Glenn Yong, it is not uncommon to be teased and be belittled by fellow actors, specifically seniors who are supposed to be mentors and role models.

In his debut single, the 26-year-old summarised his four years of showbiz experiences and encounters with backstabbers with lines like "Take me for a rookie, but you never be me", "Tryna wreck my rep, but I see this s**t with clarity" and "Said you got my back, but where you all be at".

Unfortunately for these haters, attempts to tear him down have been futile; on the contrary, it has only cemented his fortitude. "I've learnt to shrug it off and only digest constructive feedback and wisdom," Glenn Yong elaborates in an exclusive interview with Augustman where he also talks about his plans for the new year.

As an actor, musician and social media personality, you are undoubtedly multifaceted, is this what encouraged you to pursue a career in entertainment?

While my passion lies in film and music, my dream is to be an activist. As an artist in the entertainment industry, I am able to pursue them all. With an influential voice and platform, I can use my fame to bring attention to the causes I believe in.

Many of the artists I've met discovered their love of cinema while watching a production. What's that movie for you?