Zhang Yaodong’s a busy, busy guy. In fact, he’s so busy, he says that he “doesn’t have the time to date” now 'cos he's juggling three projects at the same time — Taiwan-Singapore co-production, All Is Well, and upcoming Ch 8 dramas My One In A Million and By Daybreak.

“Yeah, all [my dramas are] crammed together,” he laughs. We're at the press conference of his latest Ch 8 drama Dear Neighbours, where Yaodong plays a whip-smart property agent alongside his onscreen dad, Zhu Houren. The drama also stars Felicia Chin, Pierre Png, Yao Wenlong, Chen Yixi and He Yingying.

So if Yaodong’s so busy, how does the 41-year-old actor, who is also known to be a prolific F&B towkay, handle his businesses?

“Oh, I pulled out of everything,” the Malaysian-born star says matter-of-factly about his F&B ventures which included Asian-fusion restaurant Maru, roast meat joint Restoran Selayang which he co-owned with fellow actor Terence Cao and Taiwanese beef noodles eatery Niu Taste in his hometown Kuala Lumpur.

So what happened? I got really, really busy. I’ve been working non-stop for the past two years, and I wanted to focus on my acting career first, he tells 8days.sg.

But Yaodong is not saying good to the F&B industry just yet. He lets on that he is currently in the midst of preparing for a new venture. I'm looking to open another cafe in the future that incorporates entertainment features such as virtual reality. But nothing’s confirmed yet though. Me and my business partners did look into some concepts and locations and had discussions over texts but that’s about it.

Yaodong’s entrepreneurial pursuits may have been widely-documented but his love life remains a mystery. Despite our attempts to probe, the reportedly single actor, who got his start in showbiz when he joined Star Search in 2001, stays tight-lipped about his dating life.

8 DAYS: You’re 41 this year, do you have plans to settle down soon?
ZHANG YAODONG: Yes, yes, yes of course! I want to settle down but nobody wants me. (Laughs)

Maybe you’re just picky?
Yeah… sometimes I feel like I’m too attached to my career already. (Laughs) But I also feel that I'm at the right age where I can grow my career, especially since things have been picking up for me the past two years. I’ve been working non-stop, so I’ll say now’s the best time for me to focus on my work. I also think that if I was attached my partner wouldn't be able to take my schedule 'cos I’m always travelling.

Have you given yourself a deadline when it comes what age to get married?
(Without missing a beat) At the right age, at the right time, and with the right person.

So when exactly is the right age?
I don’t know… Maybe 45? It’s not too late for Asians, I think…

But are you currently seeing someone?
(Ponders) I’m still working very hard on my career, I’ll try to meet someone… I haven’t had the time yet…

You’ve come a long way since Star Search 2001. What are your fondest memories of the competition?
(Laughs) The two-month training process was the most memorable for me. We had training from morning to midnight every single day, and we went through thick and thin together. We really felt like a big family back then.

Do you still keep in touch with your batch mates like Zzen Zhang, Alan Tern and Le Yao?
Rarely… Even during Star Search, I was a bit of a lone ranger too. I do make friends, but I’m pretty low profile and I don’t talk much to people.

You came in second during the Malaysian regional finals. What was that like?
If I’m not wrong, I think I came in second last during the Singapore Grand Finals. (Laughs) But when I was announced as the first runner-up in Malaysia, I felt very happy… But also very exhausted too. The competition totally drained me out. I just wanted to get it over and done with. Especially 'cos I’m not someone who enjoys competing with others…

So why did you join the competition in the first place then?
Stupid lor (laughs).

Do you have regrets becoming an actor?
(Ponders) I have mixed feelings about this…

But you just said you’re really happy about how many projects you have now...
I don't know… (Laughs) I guess it's 'cos I wasn't this busy during the first few years of my career. I wasn't lucky. I only managed to clinch a main lead role in The Greatest Love of All in 2007, which was six years after Star Search.

What were you doing before Star Search?
I had just graduated with a degree in engineering from UK, and I was supposed to be an engineer. I even went for job interviews! However, I’ve always been interested in the media industry so I decided to give Star Search a shot just to try how it’s like.

What advice would you give those who have joined this year's competition?
Just be yourself, don’t take it too seriously. It’s just the beginning. Go play and have fun.

As we mentioned, Star Search is making its comeback this year. If you were a judge, what qualities would you be looking out for in a contestant?
Their attitude, charisma… That’s it. I believe talent can be cultivated.

What kind of attitude should a star have?
[The ability to] Eat humble pie. (Laughs) And that you have to be curious all the time…

Wait, isn’t that your Instagram username @qrios77?
(Laughs) Kind of… I believe that you need to be curious in order to learn! (Laughs)

So which is more important: talent or looks?
(Ponders) This is quite subjective. I would say both are equally important. Talent will last but looks won’t. Looks can be created by a doctor. (Laughs) ​​​​​​​

Catch Yaodong in Dear Neighbours which debuts May 23, 9pm on Ch 8. You can also catch it first on Toggle now.