After spending the most part of the past two years in Taiwan, Malaysian pop duo FS (Fuying & Sam) is back in Malaysia to wow fans with a brand new Mandarin album and a crisp new look.
With its latest transformation, the duo has gone from cute and colourful boy band to charming young men, decked out in fresh and sunny summer outfits in light and neutral tones, in keeping with its eco-friendly image.
Formed in 2013, FS comprises Ong Fu Ying, 24, and Sam Chin Neng, 27. Apart from music, the two have also dabbled in acting, starring in two Malaysian movies in 2015, The Dream Boyz and Paint My Love.
Currently based in Taiwan, FS is planning on breaking into China soon.
The two lads dropped their latest album last September – Wo Men Zou Zai Xiang Si Hu Pan (The Lakeside Of Yearning), which has seven tracks in total. It is the duo’s third album following Love Temperature (2014) and Close To (2015). However, this new album is FS’s first collaboration with Great Time Music in Taiwan.
“For this album, we explore three kinds of love – the love for your family members, your friends, and your partner,” Sam said during a recent interview in Kuala Lumpur.
“The Mandarin title of the album is about missing the people whom you love, and wishing they were with you as you stroll along the lakeside,” Fuying explained.
The title track was produced and arranged by prominent Korean music producer Yoon Young-min, who is well-known for his work with K-pop acts such as Song Bin-young, Girl’s Day, B.A.P., and KARA.
A Love For Nature
Fuying and Sam feel there is more to love than romance, and they want their music to reflect that.
They also want to emphasise a greater love and stronger awareness for the environment. So far, the album promotions have included charity projects and eco-friendly ventures like planting trees and clearing trash from streets and beaches.
The boys say that cigarette butts, bottle caps, and, especially, plastic bags contribute to the bulk of the litter.
“Actually, the main concern with our environment now is the overuse of plastic bags. That is bad because plastics take several hundred years to decompose. Among the rubbish we have picked up were snack wrappers that were from 20 to 30 years ago!” Fuying exclaimed.
FS tackles environmental issues in its latest album. Photo: RAM Entertainment
“We all have to do our part in protecting the environment. That is why our Malaysian album also comes packaged with a recyclable bag to help reduce waste,” Sam added.
“We hope that will help people to stop or reduce the use of plastic bags, or turn to other more eco-friendly alternatives. For example, paper bags, which are easily biodegradable, or even compostable plastic bags.
“When in Taiwan, we bring our own reusable tableware and other eating utensils (when dining out).
“We even have our own metal straws that we use for drinking bubble tea, and they come with tiny brushes for cleaning purposes,” shared Fuying.
Just Dance
The Malaysian pop duo achieved a milestone recently, with a dance version music video of Xiang Si Hu Pan gaining more than one million views on Youtube.
The video is one of two filmed for the song. The dance version was filmed at the picturesque Dahu Park in Taipei, while the other “romantic” version was shot at Fraser’s Hill in Pahang.
The dance video was choreographed by celebrated Taiwanese dancer Rex Huang, who has performed with the likes of Wang LeeHom, Jolin Tsai and Vanness Wu.
Having been in the music business for only four years, both guys revealed that they have limited experience with dancing and admitted that choreographed movement was a major challenge for them.
“The dance training took us three months. For the first seven days, we had to practise seven hours on a daily basis just to learn the steps.
“It may look simple, but there are lots of details to remember,” Sam explained.
“I have a bad posture and am quite awkward, so it was especially tough for me, especially for the first four to five days. We had to step out of our comfort zone, and push our limits to make it happen,” Fuying recalled.
Looks like the hardwork has paid off with so many views on YouTube. That would give the duo a boost of confidence as FS heads to China to try their luck.
