The effects of Covid-19 have not spared anyone, not even Malaysian-born singer, Michael Wong or better known as Guang Liang (光良).
Guang Liang’s income was almost reduced to zero last year. Although his employees suggested a salary reduction, he refused. In fact, he’s prepared to keep his employees on and vowed to stick with them through the epidemic.
Guang Liang was grounded in Taipei starting February 2020 when Covid was at its peak. His work came to a halt as his acting gigs were suspended. While he also had commercial performances planned in Macau and Pingtung, Taiwan, they were either cancelled or postponed. Invites from Chinese shows had to be rejected as he holds a Malaysian passport which complicated procedures such as obtaining visas.
He also owns Xingyu Music in Taiwan, which was established in 2010. The record label is heavily reliant on him as he is in charge of album investment, production, planning and other expenses. Guang Liang is also the sole artist of the company which means he has the burden of making money to support employees.
While his employees were concerned as Guang Liang had almost no income last year, he still insists on paying their original salary each month. As he mentioned in an interview with China Press, he plans to keep them on. “After all, they’ve accompanied me through the good times. I will accompany them through the bad times this year.”
Guang Liang is also helped by his foresight and his habit of avoiding unnecessary spending. He’s always had the belief that one should always set aside some income for unforeseen circumstances in the future. The 50-year old attributes this wisdom to a life lesson he learnt growing up, that “plans cannot keep up with changes” (计划没有变化快). He consistently reminds his employees to go at their own pace and to not overpressure themselves.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t plan though. Guang Liang revealed that three MVs will be launched one after the other this year. He is also preparing for a new song premier in Taipei and Kaohsiung scheduled for March. He also keeps busy with his podcast, “Cool Talk” which can be found on Apple Podcast, SoundOn and Spotify.
With all that work, its unsurprising that Guang Liang also has plans for recreation. The singer purchased woodlands in Tapah last year for roughly RM720,000. The area is only a 45-minute drive from his hometown, Ipoh. Guang Liang intends to make it into a recreational park where his friends and family can relax and enjoy nature.
The environmentalist architect he hired was scheduled to begin work after Chinese New Year, but MCO has postponed those plans. He doesn’t mind too much as his intention in purchasing the land was also to protect the trees, first and foremost.
He shared that there were wild durian trees on the land which brought much joy to his family when they visited. Guang Liang was very satisfied. “When I came down, I saw that my family was very happy to pick up durians. I thought it was OK. It was enough to make my parents happy.”
Covid-19 may be terrorising the world, but the worst of times can bring out the best in people.
Sources: China Press, Edgeprop
