Yao Wenlong Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Restaurant, Movies & TV Shows, Awards

Chew Chor Meng, famously known as Yao Wenlong, is a prominent Malaysian actor and businessman based in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, with a prolific career in Singapore’s entertainment industry.

Rising to fame after winning Star Search 1993, he became a household name through his versatile roles in MediaCorp dramas like The Little Nyonya (2008) and Kinship (2007).

Known for his comedic and dramatic range, Yao has earned multiple awards, including Best Supporting Actor at the 2001 Star Awards for his role as an effeminate hairstylist in Looking for Stars.

Profile

• Full Name: Chew Chor Meng
• Stage Name: Yao Wenlong
• Born: 14, November 1970
• Age: 54 years old
• Birthplace: Johor, Malaysia
• Nationality: Malaysian
• Occupation: Actor, Businessman
• Height: 1.75m
• Parents: Mr. Chew, Mrs. Chew
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Jenny Tsai (m. 2006)
• Children: Jianyu, Luohui
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Yao Wenlong was born on November 14, 1970, in Johor, Malaysia, to parents whose names are not publicly disclosed.

Information about his siblings is unavailable, as he keeps family details private. He attended local schools in Johor, though specific institutions are not documented.

Yao did not pursue higher education, instead entering the entertainment industry after winning Star Search 1993, organized by the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation. His ethnicity is Chinese, and his religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed.

Career

Yao Wenlong’s acting career began after winning the male category of Star Search 1993, leading to his debut in the 1993 drama Happy Reunion, where he played an onscreen couple with Cynthia Koh.

His early success earned him the Most Popular Newcomer Award at the 1994 Star Awards, followed by the Best Supporting Actor Award in 2001 for his memorable role as a sissy hairstylist in Looking for Stars.

His comedic talent shone in the sitcom My Genie (2001–2002) alongside Fiona Xie and Huang Yiliang, while his dramatic roles in long-running series like Holland V (2003, 125 episodes) and Kinship (2007, 80 episodes) showcased his versatility.

Yao’s portrayal of the simple-minded butcher Liu Yidao in The Little Nyonya (2008) earned him another Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Star Awards, contributing to the drama’s record-breaking success.

He continued to take on diverse roles in series like A Quest to Heal (2020), Your World in Mine (2022), and Strike Gold (2023), often collaborating with stars like Jesseca Liu, Elvin Ng, and Ann Kok.

His recent role in the upcoming Channel 8 drama I Believe I Can Fly (set to air February 2025) sees him reunited with Cynthia Koh as an onscreen husband and wife, a nod to their 1993 collaboration.

Beyond acting, Yao is a restaurateur, co-owning Sun Gourmet Kitchen in Johor Bahru’s Mount Austin, opened in 2019 with Chef Sun. The restaurant specializes in pao fan, with Yao occasionally cooking for customers.

His business ventures also include a car rental service. Yao’s humanitarian efforts include appealing for donations to aid flood victims in Johor’s Chaah town in 2023 and 2024, reflecting his commitment to his community.

His positive attitude and humor, noted by colleagues like Yvonne Lim, have endeared him to both peers and fans.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @yaowenlong
• Facebook Handle: Yao Wenlong 姚玟隆

Personal Life

Yao Wenlong lives in Johor Bahru with his wife, Jenny Tsai, whom he married in 2006, and their two children, Jianyu and Luohui.

In 2022, he bought a spacious 4,000-square-foot, double-story townhouse in Johor for S$400,000. He picked this home because the rooms are equally sized for his kids, and the kitchen is perfect for his wife’s passion for cooking.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yao made family his top priority, staying in Johor to care for his mother after she had a stroke in 2020, which meant his work in Singapore was limited until 2022.

He loves cooking, gardening, and spending quality time with his family, often designing areas like their lawn for gatherings and special moments.

Filmography

• Happy Reunion (1993)
• Looking for Stars (2001)
• My Genie (2001–2002)
• Holland V (2003)
• Portrait of Home (2005)
• Kinship (2007)
• The Little Nyonya (2008)
• Dear Neighbours (2017)
• All Around You (2019)
• A Quest to Heal (2020)
• Your World in Mine (2022)
• Strike Gold (2023)
• I Believe I Can Fly (2025)

Net Worth

Yao Wenlong has an estimated net worth of $3 million, derived from his acting career, business ventures, and endorsements.

His income includes earnings from over 30 years with MediaCorp, starring in high-profile dramas, and his restaurant, Sun Gourmet Kitchen, which has gained popularity in Johor Bahru.