Vincent Chong Ying-Cern (simplified Chinese: 张英胜; traditional Chinese: 張英勝; pinyin: Zhāng Yīngshèng; Jyutping: Zoeng1 Jing1 Sing3; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tiuⁿ Eng-sèng, born 30 September 1979) is a Malaysian singer, internationally known by his stage name Vince , is the first reality TV star to issue from Malaysian Akademi Fantasia.
His popularity increased internationally after he teamed up with Nikki Gil and Alicia Pan to record the theme from High School Musical, Breaking Free (Asian Version).
His father was Chong Chen Kian, of Chinese ethnic origin, and mother Susan Ann Higgs from England.
Chong also had experience in recording back-up vocals for professional artistes, such as Ferhad[1] in Anugerah Industri Muzik Awards in 2001.
He received an offer to do a duet with Malaysian singer Nora a song titled Dilema'03 for her greatest hits album.
Chong had decided to leave Maestro Talent to be an "independent" singer by joining EMI Malaysia to kick-off his singing career.
But he maintained determination as his first album self-titled Vince was also highly anticipated, featuring his single Mengapa Harus Cinta?
In 2004 and 2005 Chong's fame progressed after received several awards due to his achievement and he accepted an offer to be the lead actor for Yusof Haslam's new film Sembilu 2005.
Chong represented Malaysia to sing the special Asian release edition of the hit Breaking Free (from Disney's High School Musical), alongside Singaporean Alicia Pan and Filipino Nikki Gil.
In 2007, Chong and Nikki Gil teamed up as a Host for High School Musical: Around The World which has been aired on Disney Channel.
Recently Chong is involved in composing commercial jingles for Rakan Muda which is now aired as a Malaysian local television advertisement.
He recently admitted to local entertainment magazines that he had experienced back pain since last July and he's now working hard to regain his fitness.
Although he is now more involved in television production, Chong has expressed his desire to produce a Mandarin-language album one day, not only to penetrate the Chinese-speaking market but also to fulfill his late grandfather's wish to see his grandson sing in his mother tongue.
The launch of the album was conducted at a bar in Damansara Perdana, Over 100 guests, media and fans attended the event as they tucked into the Christmas dishes and enjoyed the Guinness beer.
He was joined on stage by local celebrity, television host and singer Burn, Daniel Veerapen and his brother Sean Chong.
Chong's album is available for purchase at Canaan Land Bookstore in Cheras, Bandar Utama and Menara TA; and at CzipLee Bangsar.