Thomas Ong Said He Has Left Showbiz & Explained Why He Didn’t Get Into Top 10 in Star Awards 2021

If you’ve been following up on the news regarding the Top 10 Award category for Star Awards 2021, you’ll quickly realise one thing.

Thomas Ong isn’t one of the nominees.

Why? What happened? Well, it’s now been clarified by the actor himself.

Thomas Ong Explained Why He Didn’t Get Into the Top 10 in Star Awards 2021

On 12 Mar 2021, Ong took to his Instagram account to explain why he isn’t a nominee for this year’s Star Wwards.

In Mandarin, he explained that he had received messages from friends asking why he was not nominated for the Star Awards.

He had actually received a call from the programme unit, informing him about his nomination.

However, as he wants to enjoy Star Awards 2021 as a normal viewer, he declined the nomination.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Toto Ong (@thomasong17)

Here’s his caption in full:

“My friends have been messaging me in the past few days and asking why I was not shortlisted for the Star Awards this year.

“Last week, the programme unit called me and said I was nominated in the top 30. However, I left the contest as I wanted to watch the show quietly like a viewer.

“Thanks for all the love and I wish the Star Awards success. Let’s all watch happily when our colleagues win the awards. Meanwhile, I will keep eating.”

He Has Left The Industry

According to ST, Ong had told Chinese media that he had left the industry but declined to comment further.

Since 2019, Ong has expressed his intention to quit showbiz after he completes the drama series Super Dad.

He said that he is tired of acting and wants to do other things.

In Jan 2020, it was reported that he left showbiz to open up an online crystal business.

Apparently, it all began with an ambassadorship in 2019.

He found himself attracted to crystals and started to research them as a hobby.

Then, he decided to turn his hobby into a business.

“Since I’ve been engrossed in crystals, I’ve been to China, Thailand etc. to buy various kinds of crystals and precious stones. Spent so much money, haha. I’ve discussed this with some business-savvy friends to see how we can set up this kind of online business. They’ll be in charge of sales while I’ll be designing the crystal accessories.”

No Stranger To Trying New Things

Thomas Ong isn’t a stranger to trying new things, either.

In Aug 2020, it was found out that Ong had to put his travel plans on hold due to COVID-19.

With nothing to do in the meanwhile, he got into a joint venture with a durian seller to sell durian mooncakes, and a chef to go into the healthy food business.

Then, fellow actor Chen Hanwei was confident that Ong will return to the entertainment industry.

After all, it wasn’t the first time he announced his retirement.

However, whether Chen still thinks this way after Ong declined the award remains to be seen.

One thing for sure, though, it probably won’t be the last we’ll hear about Thomas Ong, a popular celebrity in Singapore.

Feature Image: Instagram (thomasong17)