Approaching middle age can be a difficult adjustment career-wise for a former idol, but for Malaysian singer-actor Nicholas Teo, it became a catalyst for reinvention.

Since shifting his focus to the Chinese mainland's entertainment scene in 2021 — the year he turned 40 — Teo has embraced bold new endeavors while mastering an enviable work-life equilibrium.

In recent years, he has enjoyed several career highlights in Chinese reality shows. For instance, in the third season of the music show Call Me by Fire, the typically reserved performer surprised audiences with his dynamic singing and dancing, while also showcasing his fit physique. Later, in the second season of the acting competition Memories Beyond Horizon, he earned praise from judges for his portrayal of a villain and performing musicals.

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Since late 2023, Teo has been busy on his first mainland concert tour, titled Chapter 21 Tour, which has so far taken him to cities including Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province, Chengdu in Sichuan province and Changsha in Hunan province. Last year, he also released his latest album, White Night+.

When reflecting on his thriving career in China's entertainment industry, Teo expressed gratitude: "As a Malaysian, we share the same language. I'm grateful to my team, the production crews of the reality shows I've been part of and all my fans here.

"Thanks to everyone's kindness and hospitality, I have never felt out of place," he added.

Teo first entered the entertainment industry in 2002 after winning a singing competition in Kuala Lumpur.

By 2006, Teo had released two successful albums, featuring hit singles such as Love is the Answer.

His big break came when he co-starred with Taiwan actress Cyndi Wang in the hit romance drama Smiling Pasta, where he played a pop singer who falls for a commoner.

The series became the highest-rated romance drama of 2006 in Taiwan and soon introduced Teo to a large population of mainland audiences. His tender voice while singing love songs and radiant, healing smile earned him the enduring nickname "Prince of Smiles".

The then 20-something Teo ventured alone to Taiwan to pursue showbiz.

"Back then, I had no clear direction — I just followed my record label's and managers' suggestions," he said. "They'd say things like, 'You're good at this — your smile is charming and relatable, people love it, so play to that strength.' But I didn't understand why I had to keep smiling all the time."

This lack of self-awareness during his early career left him feeling out of sync. Around 2013, he made a decision to step back from the spotlight. His sabbatical included traveling through Japan, participating in an acting workshop in New York and spending days at home playing with his nieces and nephews.

"I once lost myself," he said. "I needed solitude to rediscover who I was beyond others' expectations."

After nearly three years, Teo returned with his album To Be ...Nicholas — a bold statement about himself.

"This album began my journey to authenticity," he says. "Now I manage to pursue work that truly reflects me: fulfilling, yet sustainable."

Teo has now learned to recharge without taking extended breaks.

"In today's fast-paced world, even listening to music has become background noise rather than a focused activity," he said. "But true rejuvenation comes from mindfulness, whether it's tending to houseplants, exercising or simply getting quality sleep. The act of fully immersing yourself in any task, big or small, could become its own form of recharging."

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Meanwhile, his confidence as an actor has grown exponentially.

"The character's morality or screen time doesn't limit me, whether I'm a protagonist or in a supporting role, hero or villain. What matters is having the creative space to fully interpret the character," he explained.

In recent years, Teo has spent stretches of up to 18 consecutive months working on the Chinese mainland. Yet he has mastered the art of living in the moment while away from home, often exploring cities between performances.

When asked to describe a recent day with perfect work-life balance, he simply grinned and said, "Every day!"

xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn