Singaporean producer who worked with Leslie Cheung now a personal trainer at 55
Ethel Tseng
TNP
May 28, 2025
George Leong made his mark in the Asian music industry, producing hits such as "Chase" in 1994 with Leslie Cheung and collaborating with other prominent artists like Alex To throughout the 1990s.
Now, at 55, Mr Leong is embarking on an inspiring new chapter: transitioning into the fitness world as a personal trainer.
With decades of experience in music, Mr Leong brings the same passion and vigour to his new venture in the fitness industry.
"It was a very natural shift for me," he said, explaining that fitness had long been a personal hobby.
When asked what led him to pursue fitness full-time, he shared that his former career, while successful, had taken a toll on his mental health and self-esteem.
Struggling with his mental health, he took a courageous leap of faith to explore fitness and personal training as a career. In doing so, he found a renewed sense of purpose, building his self-confidence while inspiring others to lead healthier lifestyles.
"In fitness, it's a one-on-one interaction, and my clients come to me with a very positive mindset," Mr Leong explained.
"They want to be better; I work with them on that, and I make sure they come out of the session happy with themselves. They feel a sense of achievement, and in one or two months, they see improvement. That's what matters most to me."
His commitment to inspiring clients to push themselves takes on a new dimension as he prepares for the international Mr Nusantara 2025 competition. The event, billed as the first international male pageant for mature men, is a personal goal for Mr Leong.
"For me, it's not so much about winning," he said.
"It's about becoming more comfortable on stage and using this opportunity to inspire others to lead a healthy lifestyle and take positive action in their lives."
His motivation also stems from a desire to encourage his clients, many of whom are older adults. He hopes his participation will demonstrate that even rigorous diet and workout routines are achievable with dedication.
"Maintaining physical health is vital to preserving quality of life as we age," he emphasised.
The competition also promotes cross-cultural exchange, with Mr Leong affirming that such events can "strengthen cross-cultural appreciation and identity" among participants with similar passions.
Looking ahead, Mr Leong aims to gain more experience in bodybuilding competitions, raise awareness about proper nutrition, and acquire new skills in rehabilitation to better support clients with injuries.
To those looking to reinvent themselves later in life, Mr Leong had this to say: "If you feel that it is time to make a change, you have to be willing to let go of who you were to make space for who you're becoming."
Mr Leong's journey from the recording studio to the gym is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to reinvent oneself and a reminder that it's never too late to start anew.
