Is goodbye the hardest word for Thomas Ong to say? Or is it the easiest?

Back in 2018, the actor announced that 29th February would be his final Mediacorp drama. Now, just two years later, the actor has come out from retirement to star in upcoming drama Super Dad.

But this time round, the 50-year-old insists to 8days.sg that the drama would be his swan song… like, for real. Or, at least until his Cambodian charity runs out of funds.

“Aiyah, you'll know I've run out of money if I return to acting again. If I can’t get someone to sponsor the schools [in Cambodia], then nevermind lor, I’ll just do another drama!” laughs Thomas when we caught up with him during the imaging session for Super Dad. In the drama, he and Paige Chua reunite as an onscreen couple, two years after working together on the meme-worthy Mightiest Mother-in-Law.

If you’ve been keeping up with Thomas, you would know that the generous star has been running his own charity for the past nine years, having donated over $300,000 of his own savings to built two schools that provides an education for 500 impoverished Cambodian children.

Not only is Thomas supporting the schools financially, he also makes it a point to visit once or twice a year to check up on them, he says.

According to Thomas, the school needs $30,000 a year to run, and it’s gotten so packed that students have to sit on the floor.

It's why Thomas says he's not planning on accepting any more students or expanding the school because he just doesn't have the means to. “Imagine if I keep building, the costs will increase and I just don't have the funds for that, he says.

8 DAYS: You mentioned in 2018 that you were going to retire from showbiz but you’re back again!
THOMAS ONG: (Laughs) Well, I did stop for two and a half years… But I didn’t find anything I enjoyed doing so I came back. However, it’s for real this time and this project is to put a full-stop to showbiz since I’ve found something else I enjoy doing and I would like to move on.

And what would that be?
I’ve been studying crystals and gems for the past nine months, and I plan to make a business out of it. I’ve also been travelling a lot and learning from different people, like my friend who sells crystals in Thailand.

When did your interest about crystals come about?
My interest in healing gems heightened after I endorsed a Malaysian brand [of healing crystals]. I found out that I had a friend selling crystals in Thailand, so I went there to look for him. Then I thought, why not make a business out of it? (Laughs) It will also be my only business ‘cos it’s difficult to find something I enjoy doing.

So will you be giving a portion of your profits to your Cambodian charity?
I will use a portion of my income to donate when there’s a need, but I also have to save money for my retirement. How can I just give and give? Who’s gonna take care of me? (Laughs)

How are things going with your charity?
It is still ongoing. However, I can’t develop it any further ‘cos my hands are full. I’m stopping at two schools and 500 students ‘cos anymore than that is beyond my ability.

But how are you going to reject the students who want to go to your school?
The principal’s doing the rejection. (Laughs) There’s really no space already! Even some of the students have to sit on the floor to write! We can't accept anymore lah.

It’s been nine years since you started Sopheak’s Friendship School, so we guess you’ve seen many of the kids grow up.
Yes, and we keep track of all the alums. The last I checked, some of them have already gotten married, have kids and have found jobs as nurses or are in the hospitality industry. It’s heartwarming to know that by giving them an education, not only have I helped them, but also their families too.

When we last spoke to you, you said that running your charity was financially taxing. How else are you raising funds for the school?
We used to sell locally-made citronella products on our online platform, Project C, but that has stopped as my friend who was helping me with the sales and training of teachers recently had an operation and she can’t hear or speak anymore. She’s still in hospital now. I hope she can recover, if not, I’ll have to find another way to generate income for the school.

Oh dear.
Yeah, it’s pretty unfortunate and I’m busy myself so everything has to stop. Luckily, the school can sustain itself as there are still funds which were generously donated by some friends. We managed to raise enough money over the past two years that I could stop donating from my own pocket. The schools need around $30,000 to run every year, which is still quite a manageable sum. Through other platforms like Giveasia and Project C, the school can run for at least nine more months without a problem.

What happens after nine months?
I will find ways lah. There’s always a way out. Don’t worry about it!

What gives you the motivation to keep your charity running?
Once you reach a certain age, life isn’t all about looking good and having fun. I find all these very shallow and I look towards doing things that give me a sense of fulfillment and purpose, which is this charity. Honestly, I plan to keep this running for as long as I can, but I am not sure if it’s possible. I’ve urged the principal to look for more sponsors, if there ever comes a day when I can’t provide any more. But I know that there’ll always be a way. At most I’ll just bluff you guys and come back to do another drama! (Laughs)

You also seem to travel very frequently and you just bought a house last year. Do you ever have financial worries?
It’s not that bad lah, since I didn’t have to pump in money the past two years. Occasionally I do a drama like this, some endorsements and it’s enough. I’m not a big spender anyway so everything’s alright.

Photos: Aik Chen/ 8days.sg & Mediacorp Photo Unit
Super Dad will be available on demand for free in June on meWATCH. The drama premieres Jun 29, 9pm on Ch 8.