Just a year after his maiden foray into competitive bodybuilding where he earned the top prize in the 85kg (middleweight) category at the Nationals in 2008, fashion photographer Chan Wai Teik took home the coveted Mr Singapore 2009 title at the National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in May this year.
Having picked up photography in his teens, Chan is today one of Singapore's best known names in the industry and has garnered awards from Singapore to Paris, the most recent being an Honourable Mention at the prestigious PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris 2009 and also in 2008, as well as five Honourable Mentions at The International Photography Awards 2008.
The 37-year-old, who goes simply by Wai Teik, might otherwise be better known to some as the photographer behind the book Hypertrophy in which he photographed six Asian body-builders.
We catch up with Wai Teik, as he is currently shuttles between Singapore and Shanghai where he is shooting editorials for fashion and lifestyle magazines such as Harpaar's Bazaar Men’s Style and Men’s Health.
Chan Wai Teik, Champion of the 85kg category and overall winner at the 47th National Bodybuilding Championships in 2009.
æ: How does it feel having won the competition?
Wai Teik: It certainly feels great! Apart from winning the middleweight category, the winning of the overall title “Mr Singapore” at the Singapore National Bodybuilding Championships is an affirmation of my hard work put in over the last 14 years.
æ: What are the biggest challenges you had to overcome during the competition preparation phase?
Wai Teik: The toughest part must be the physiological part involved during the dieting phase. During dieting, the reduction of carbohydrates and ingesting of “clean” food is not as difficult to handle. However, when I see myself shrinking in size everyday, I find that hard to accept. It is inevitable that during this phase, in order to lose fat and gain vascularity, bodybuilders will lose their overall size. Coupled with that, there will be loss of strength when the bodyweight drops.
æ: When did you decide to get into bodybuilding and why? What keeps you motivated?
Wai Teik: My initial foray into bodybuilding must be when I bought a set of dumbbells and barbells for home usage when I was about 16 years old. Since the weightlifting bench was too costly, I ended up using my piano bench for my bench press! (Laughs) The thought of looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger in the glossies kept me motivated all these while. Recently I joined Fitness First - the branches at Fusionpolis and One Raffles Quay offer breathtaking views; training in that environment keeps my mind refreshed and enables me to stay motivated.
æ: Is it the first bodybuilding competition you had joined? If no, what were the others and when?
Wai Teik: My maiden foray into bodybuilding was last year when I won the middleweight category in the Singapore National Championships 2008. In April this year, I competed in the under 85kg category at the Netherlands Open Championships. Despite having stiff competition from about 14 bodybuilders from China, Belgium and Netherlands, I took the 4th placing, much to my delight.
æ: Do you have a role model or favourite bodybuilder?
Wai Teik: Hidetada Yamagishi must be my favourite Asian bodybuilder. He is doing Asians very proud, having achieved very high placing in the recent American competitions. I met up with him last year in Tokyo and had the rare opportunity to train with him for three days. He was amazingly humble and nice to me, imparting training knowledge to me. Another of my favourites is Victor Martinez. During the competition held in Netherlands in April this year, he was the guest poser. I met him backstage where he was swamped with bodybuilding fans, dying to have a shot with him. Amidst all the jostling, I managed to steal a picture with him. Both of my idols have the same overall package – their physiques are perfectly symmetrical, they have full muscle bellies, great proportion and the winning smile!
æ: What is it about bodybuilding that you love?
Wai Teik: I think it is not merely the physical aspect that I love. I would say that by and large, bodybuilding is very much about the physical appearance. It is also the male bonding during training that I feel is part and parcel of the sport. Friendships are forged during training and fellow bodybuilders have this look of respect when they meet each other. Besides I love the delayed onset of muscle fatigue that occurs after an intense workout session. To me, this ache conveys to me that it has been a great workout and that the muscles are growing.
æ: What’s your favourite body part and why?
Wai Teik: My favourite body part is my shoulders. I think they are relatively broad and they response very well to training. In fact, they remain consistently big even when I lay off gym training. On the other hand, my chest tends to lag behind a lot when I slack off my training. Hence chest is my favourite body part that I train. My chest has improved a lot over the years, even though I feel my upper chest still pales in comparison to the rest of my physique.
æ: Has (and if so, how) has winning the competition changed your life?
Wai Teik: There has been much publicity and hype surrounding my win. At first I thought it was simply a personal achievement. Much to my surprise and delight, this publicity has generated a lot of interest in my work as a fashion photographer. Old clients are reminded that I exist and creative directors from as far as Paris and New York have emailed me, congratulating me. I guess winning the title added an extra dimension to my portfolio as a fashion photographer. It made people sit up and notice that I am different from other photographers. I feel perfectly comfortable straddling between these two seemingly diametrically opposed disciplines, bodybuilding and high fashion.
æ: How do you think being a photographer has affected your being a bodybuilder?
Wai Teik: Been a photographer, I am more sensitive to the usage of lighting. Hence I think I have a slight advantage over fellow bodybuilders. Once I step onstage, I look out where and how the light is cast. I try to envision how the light falls on my physique when I am posing on stage. The overall presentation of a bodybuilder is a crucial part of the judging criteria. How the vasularity show up on the skin has largely to do with how the light falls on the body. For instance, if a subject is lit from the top, he will appear much more “cut” compared to another lit from the front.
æ: Are there any myths about bodybuilding and/or bodybuilders that you would like to dispel?
Wai Teik: One huge myth is that bodybuilding is merely about drugs and narcissism. This is certainly not true. Genetics play a huge role in determining whether a person can be a champion. Hard work, dedication and perseverance are crucial in the making of a great bodybuilder. Bodybuilders may appear to be an egoistical lot. However, I have met true champions who are humble, down to earth and willing to share. I am tempted to say that empty vessels make the most noise, literally because those are the ones who create the most unnecessary noise in the gym.
æ: We know that bodybuilding /weight training is a very popular activity among gay men, whether one competes or not. ‘Muscle worship’ is also fast gaining ground as a subculture in the gay community. What do you think the fascination is with bodybuilding/bodybuilders?
Wai Teik: First of all, I think there is some disparity between my definition of a bodybuilder and that of most people. What is a bodybuilder to a lot of people is actually “lean-fit” to me. My definition of a bodybuilder is someone who possesses a physique similar to that of Hidetada Yamagishi. To others, he will be considered a “freak”. The fascination of bodybuilders arose I think because they appear larger than life, more muscular than the average. During a bodybuilding competition, this illusion is heightened as the bodybuilder becomes objectified. This illusion is aided by the use of bronzing gels, stage lights and a raised stage. All these factors add a veneer to the bodybuilders, making them similar to performers during a theatrical act.
æ: Your coffee table book Hypertrophy, which Fridae featured in 2007, featured Singapore bodybuilders, what draws you to musclemen?
Wai Teik: The fact that I participate in the sport makes me appreciate the toil, blood and sweat behind it. It is a tribute to the bodybuilders who had put in years of hard work. Prior to this book, there was no pictorial that showcases the Asian musculature from a fashion perspective. The book is narrative and cinematic in approach as opposed to a typical coffee table book. It opens with a microscopic and abstract view of the Asian bodybuilders, climaxes with dynamic water shots and ends off with them posing stoically with Roberto Cavalli jackets. Typically the white or black bodybuilder is put on the pedestal, hence I feel the Asian bodybuilder is neglected. Since I am an Asian bodybuilder myself, I feel there should be a platform where our physiques are showcased.
æ: What’s one tip you would give other bodybuilders?
Wai Teik: Perseverance is one key word to success. Bodybuilding is an extremely long-term investment. Typically one does not see results until years of consistent training and dieting. I have encountered people who asked me how long I have taken to achieve this physique. They were astonished to learn that I have taken about 14 years. They would want to know if this could be done in six months. My theory is very simple - what you gain fast, you will lose it even faster. Bodybuilding is a slow sport that requires a lot of patience, endurance and perseverance. Hence I feel that character building has a great role in it.
æ: What are your future goals with regards to bodybuilding?
Wai Teik: I hope to be able to represent Singapore and bring glory to the sport. I do not rule out the possibility of giving personal training so as to impart what I have learnt to others. Since I consume health supplements on a daily basis, I may market them as well. For more updates, please log on to www.hyper.sg.
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Reader's Comments
there is nothing natural on him...Its like going to the farm and having to choose to eat a chicken that was walking around and eating real food or going for the one that is cooked up in a small cage waiting to be put out of its misery....I`ll pass
after u r older like 40 to 60? the muscle will become to ....
And feel a little bit disgusting.. dunno why i will feel like that...
ppl who got a strong healthy fit body, that's gd enough n sexy.
hee... :p
conclusion is that PLUs are really diversed in opinion, wisdom and maturity ...just like any hetero munkeys
best regards.
Like Mr Chan Wai Teik said, some of us might consider body builders like Hidetada Yamagishi to be a “freak”. It is our own opinion. Let’s all just focus on this article’s main point about the sport of body building and not the gay worshipping of muscles ( I myself do not feel that muscles defines a person)
simply say FUCK OFF to comment 1,3,4
Now, what kind of DUMBASS question is THAT???!!!
Oh, and by the way, congratulations to Wai Teik on his achievements. You have done the community proud. Don't bother about what these sad people say. They're just bitter because they haven't done much with their own lives.
Worst still, he's a *very* nice guy. (Yes, even up till today!)
Congratulations Wai Teik. I am supremely happy for you!
Promoting these sorts of attitudes is equivalent to promoting barebacking.
Instead Fridae should be educating potential body builders on the dangerous side effects of steroid use
you'd had done us proud.
keep it up.
jia you!
:)
There are people who like to make their body beautiful cos there are people who like to watch them. Its a demand and supply market.
I enjoy watching and thanks to these people. But it does not mean that i am into steroids or what ever drugs mentioned here.
Just enjoy it!
Bravo to another person who dares to be different!
second, it does not matter if you like the body or not. Bodybuilding is not for everyone. It is not about whether you like the sport or not. I do not see someone saying they do not like dragon boating,swimming or running if there was a an article/interview of that sort even if one does not practice it. Respect the profession.
thirdly, stop accusing. How much do you know in terms of bodybuilding? Even if you do, what's the accusation for?
Congrats to WT for all your hard work dude!
instead of typing...why not go act on it and prove to us (positive & supportive ppl) that you are right?!?! If you are jealous or simply think you can do better...please...prove us all wrong.
Otherwise...keep your ill thoughts to yourself. (though I very much like to type S*#^_@P !!!)
He did something that's worthwhile...at least he attained what he dares to dream. Action speaks louder...than whining and accusing.
How unfortunate to see others demeaning an extraordinary winner...we should be showing our support instead...in our small circle...dun u think?
WT....great job!!
DD
If WT can do all that (just for the sake of argument) and still win a major competition, by all means. My congrats on his many abilities.
There's nothing worse than very sour grapes. Man, I'm having a very serious bout of toothache. Any one has something something to numb my pain..Ouch! :P
there is also natural bodybuilding, but that's a different thing and a different world... they don't reach Mr Universe and get succulent contracts
this guy in particular here is on drugs...? i don't know, but for me it looks like that... don't be naive or pretend to be naive
Some sour grapes comments above, demonstrating the 'loser' mentality. Some comments about steroid use too, which show the commentators only are part-educated about the subject.
seem selfcentered ..no, if fact by all accounts he has remainded
a good down to earth man. he will always be a better person
that some of the commentors who seem to want to degrade
him and his sport. "beauty" truly is in the eye of the beholder.
and if you want to be derrogotory e-mail donald trump as to
why there were no oh! yes not even one asian contestant in
the "miss universe" contest in the final 15. touche
I for one have never taken any drugs and am far from being hypocritical. It is interesting to find out that most homos are low self esteem self haters with focus on the vanity and obvious. Dont even get me started on the crop of homos `dying to shop til they drop`...I`ve met few and beleive me when i say, friendship didnt last too long and by their choice..I guess I find other things more stimulating.
I am yet to meet homos fighting for the environment, animals, poor around the world and so many other cause that are above they gay stereotype, yet when you are labaled gay you freak out, like the HIV video guy from the last weeks video post...
And few of you implying that sour grapes are commenting bad shit is because we are jealous.
let me state I have nothing to be jealous about, I do work out but am also active, do yoga and play sports unlike the fried drugged up super hero 99% of you seem to be loving.
If Michael Jordan took drugs I would be saying the same shit while most of you would be still focused on the outside...I guess thats where the line is drawn...I call it integrity you call it sour grapes...
i look forward to the Fridae interview with a famous gay author, writer, composer, business man/woman, civil rights activist, actor/actress, lawyer, doctor, architect, artist, engineer, worker, bus driver, taxi driver, where the minute, detailed aspects of their work are gone over like this article.
I mean.......one page would be enough for this guy and do a weblink.
I think this just means that you need to get out more and meet more people.
Peeps, don't be so quick to judge. Most people are not 2 dimensional - take the time to find out more before you jump to conclusions.
Wai Teik Wor Men Yong Wen Ci Zhi Ni!
Go on Wai Teik! Do your thing. Your friends and fans luv ya!!
Hey Wai Teik! CONGRATULATIONS BABE! YOU DID US ALL PROUD. I am glad you are a great friend and have achieved your passion successfully in photography and bodybuilding. KEEP IT UP. You are an inspiration!:-) Regards, DAL
We are all proud of you.
My advice to Mr. Chan is simply, the opinions that should matter most are those of your friends and loved ones. Keep doing what you are doing and I am sure you will be a step closer to what you set out to achieve (I am sure you have more 'projects' coming up). Congrats on the win and all the best in your future endevour. Peace!
P.S. Dal, I totally agree. Opinions that does not benefit anyone in any way should be kept to themselves, even if you are pro Freedom Of Speech.
Use steroids is better to don't respect another one and everybody is free if he respect everyone. No ?
I respect your work Mr. Chan. Your body is totally incredible and you are definitively handsome. Your choices are free and I agree with you.
hope to see you in reality in asia !
NC.
Sing An
(In case i get labelled for being a closet supporter of Wai Teik!)
树大招风... u will attract all sorts of comments. Just take it in your stride.
For those who made those ill comments, I just feel so sorry for you. If you think what u said is correct, then good for you. But certainty what u think is definitely not important to me or WT and many others. For you are only judging the book by its cover. If u ever have a chance to get to know him, u will understand why he have friends and family who cares and support him. :)
Congratulations Teik, am glad u care less for those ill comments and thanks everyone for giving you support to him :)
We are not here for conflicting remarks, this is not a forum/debate column, so please withhold the claws & attacks. Look what people have done to Michael Jackson?!
Wai Teik, even though you might not know everyone here, but we or rather many of us really feels proud & congratulate you straight from our heart! Kudos!
I used to train in the same gym as you and have even help you before in your training ! I’ve seen you train and I can see all the hardwork you have put in ! YOU are an inspiration to me and my gym buddy. Congrats for winning Mr. Singapore !
Guess I was wrong.
Anyways, congratulations to the newly crowned Mr. Singapore, regardless of the negative, prejudiced, uncalled for comments posted above.
i must admit that you are open to criticism which explains why you have not try to defend your own grounds on the above opinions. for this, i am proud of your actions. keep it strong and all the best to fulfilling your future dreams.
hip hip horray !
You do us* proud....
* "fellow male population who do find going to the gym and pump up those under unutilized muscles enjoyable"
Although bodybuilding is not a featured in Olympics, it doesn’t mean it isn’t a sport that demands discipline, focus, sweat, hard work and determination. For critics who cry foul of steroid and drug abuse, that can also be said on other popular sports like track & field, swimming and Tour de France!
Many readers fail to understand the spirit of the article, which is to celebrate someone who dares to dream and toll along the way fearlessly to achieve that dream. What makes Wait Teik remarkable is that he pursues his dream while balancing with a full time photography job and family.
As for detractors (some of them hiding in faceless profile) who only seems capable of spiting poison, I say “TALK IS CHEAP !”
Be a real man like Wai Teik and WALK THE TALK
I go to the gym but i would NEVER want to look like THAT.
I think fridae has done its due diligence, he wouldn't be on these pages if he wasn't a suitably interesting candidate - ST features body builders too and they don't get half the vitriol of you lot.
Let's celebrate achievement and leave the mudracking to the idle and prejudiced. We have bigger battles to fight.
It is good to be someone - especially for Singapore.
Was at the NAtionals and thought your pose down was great !!
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