Ex-monk Xie Shaoguang plays tycoon surrounded by women in new drama about cancer patients
Benson Ang
The Straits Times
Oct 10, 2025
It may have been Xie Shaoguang's first acting gig in 20 years, but getting into the swing of things came easily to the veteran Singaporean actor.
The 64-year-old exited the entertainment industry in 2005.
In the intervening years, he left Singapore and became a monk and chef, before making his comeback in September 2024.
At a press event at Oasis Bistro & Cafe in Redhill on Oct 9, the award-winning thespian told The Straits Times: "It is my profession. I just slip into it quite naturally."
He plays a wealthy but lonely entrepreneur in the upcoming Channel 8 drama The Gift Of Time, which premieres on Oct 23 at 9pm. It will be available on mewatch from Oct 20, and also stars Chan Hanwei, Chantalle Ng, Desmond Ng, Xiang Yun and Jeremy Chan.
Reflecting on how filming today is different from his heyday two decades ago when it was "strenuous and draining", the Mediacorp artiste marvelled: "It is much easier now because of technological advancements and better equipment.
"Nowadays, you don't waste as much time, like spending two hours on lighting scenes and laying tracks for tracking shots. Everything is automatic."
The craft of acting, however, has remained the same, said the five-time Star Awards Best Actor winner.
"All my acting training and methods are still there. It is just about adjusting to the role, getting into the character's emotional state and meeting the director's requirements."
To play a rich tycoon who is surrounded by beautiful women but has no one there for him when he is diagnosed with cancer, Xie drew inspiration from his experiences with the uber-wealthy.
He said that although he is quite grounded, he has some rich friends and has attended high-society events where people drank $10,000 bottles of wine.
"I know how egoistic some of these people can be. I study them because as an actor, I have to understand human nature and psychology. That said, I don't judge my character. That is for the audience to judge."
His on-screen foil is another cancer patient, a less well-off retired factory technician who has a loving family, played by Malaysia-born actor Chen, 56. The duo last worked together on the Channel 8 drama Baby Blues (2005), right before Xie left acting.
Teaming up again felt like the good old days, said Xie. Although the pair have not seen each other in decades, it was easy to pick up from where they left off.
Xie said: "Unlike me, Hanwei has never left the industry. So, he has a lot more experience and has grown a lot. Coming back, I feel like the 'newbie' now."
Much has been written about how Chen overtook Xie by winning Best Actor seven times at the Star Awards. But for Xie, a prize haul has never been his career objective.
"Awards are given by others and, of course, I appreciate them. But I always try to give my best and, whatever the result, it does not really affect me."
For now, his main goal is to take things in his stride, be it acting, volunteering or exploring new opportunities.
He said: "Slowing down means I am not stressing my body and mind, but I am also not idling. If there are some things I can contribute, I will."
Xie does not drive and gets around via Grab rides or public transport. One fan bumped into him earlier in 2025 on the MRT train and asked to take a photo together, which she uploaded onto social media platform Xiaohongshu.
The actor said: "Maybe because people see me so often, they don't have much expectation that I'm going to be 'atas'.
"Everyone can approach me. As long as it is not too forced, it is okay. Many of them just nod and smile. It is very respectful."
The Gift Of Time premieres at 9pm on Oct 23 on Channel 8. It is also available on mewatch from Oct 20.
