Local actor Yao Wenlong, 54, recently welcomed Jeanette Aw  to his Johor Bahru eatery for a heart-to-heart on her YouTube show JA Unscripted.

The pair — who lit up our screens in iconic local dramas Holland V (2003) and The Little Nyonya (2008) — wasted no time diving into nostalgia, swapping stories about the defining, unforgettable moments from their showbiz journeys.

When the conversation turned to acting awards, Wenlong didn’t hold back. "Awards are an encouragement to artistes," he said. “It’s also like keeping a record — proof that, hey, I’ve been in this industry for 30 years, and look, I’ve won this. For example, if I delivered a really strong performance in a drama, I should be recognised with an award.”

To him, trophies aren’t just pats on the back for veterans — they’re also fuel for the next generation. Wenlong believes seeing others win can light a spark in younger artistes, motivating them to aim high and dream of bagging that award themselves one day.

"[Then it wouldn't seem like] it's pointless to act so well, because they give it to whoever they want," he added. 

In his 32 years in showbiz, Wenlong has picked up two Star Awards — Best Newcomer back in 1994, and Best Supporting Actor in 2001 for his unforgettable turn as Tequila in Looking for Stars.

He admits those wins mean a lot to him. Beyond the trophies themselves, they’re tangible reminders of the hard work he’s poured into his work, and the encouragement that’s kept him going all these years.

“If you ask whether I’ll cherish it or need it, my mindset now is that I [no longer yearn for it,]” he said. “Of course, if there’s a chance, it’d be nice to win Best Actor but that’s it. We’re not going to change the way we act just for an award.”

Jeanette, echoing Wenlong’s sentiments, added: “For me, the louder the public’s expectations, the deeper the disappointment will be.”

Wenlong concurred: "Yes, why chase these things, right? The more you want it [the more disappointed you would be when you lose]. During Star Awards, for those few days, no one sleeps well. Everyone thinks they would surely win, right? Because everyone worked hard."

Wenlong recalled how he was once 'tipped off' by “people from above” to get ready for an award — only to walk away empty-handed. He later revealed that the nomination was for his role as Liu Yidao in The Little Nyonya.

His story struck a chord with Jeanette, who smiled knowingly and said: “Us both.”

Back in 2009, Jeanette had played the dual roles of Huang Juxiang and Yamamoto Yueniang in The Little Nyonya, but lost the Best Actress title to her co-star Joanne Peh. That same year, Best Supporting Actor went instead to Chew Chor Meng for The Golden Path.

When asked if they still felt disappointed about losing out on the awards, Wenlong admitted he did “at that time” because it felt “very unbelievable.”

Jeanette agreed, adding: “Because the whole world tells you it’s going to be you. Even if you don’t dwell on it, when the staff, media, and audience are all saying you’ll win, of course you start to think there’s hope.”

Wenlong described the experience as a “regret.”

“Look, Yueniang and Liu Yidao are still remembered by many. Jeanette’s only regret is not having that award recognition, right? If she had it, the memory would be perfect,” he said. At that, Jeanette teared up.

But despite the lingering regrets, both agreed that if given the choice between winning an award or being remembered for their roles, they’d pick the latter.

Photos: Jeanette Aw/ Instagram

You can watch the full video of Wenlong and Jeanette's chat on her YouTube channel, or catch it below. 

You can also rewatch The Little Nyonya on mewatch, or catch episode one below.