Why Elvin Ng Didn't Join Instagram... Until We Forced Him To

8 DAYS: When we asked you to get on Instagram a month ago, you barely knew what it was. You also said it wasn’t quite your thing and were afraid it will feel forced. Now, 28 photos and over 2,000 followers later, what do you think?

ELVIN NG: Actually, I found it quite fun for the first two days. After that, I had a mental block. I was like: What else is there to take? (Laughs) I will only post if I have something to say. I wouldn’t just post a pic of a bag and say that it’s a bag. It has to make me feel something — like if it’s colourful, it may make me feel vibrant. Or say something about it being the colours of life. Maybe I think too much. I’m just a bit something wrong lah. (Guffaws)

8 DAYS: Do you think we can judge a celebrity by his or her Instagram pictures?

ELVIN: For me, you probably can. You say you guys forced me to get on Instagram, but once I started it, I will make sure it’s mine, and that what I do on it is me. At times, I enjoyed it. I hope to touch people and be empathetic, and I hope that I can help someone or someone can help me.

8 DAYS: Was it an ego boost to get over 2,000 followers in such a short time?

ELVIN: Not really. It’s just because of my job lah. I don’t make anything of it. Look at the kids such as Ian Fang and Edwin Goh, they have so many followers [Ian Fang has over 9,000 followers and counting.] I followed some of the other celebs — whoever I’m acting with now, and people like Desmond Tan and Andie Chen. When I had to start Instagram, I had to get the kids such as Ian, Edwin and Kimberly [Chia] to help me. (Laughs) I was asking them: How to follow people ah? (Laughs) They were like: Wow, Elvin Ng got Instagram — it’s impossible! Why would he do something like that? (Laughs) I do read the comments that people leave about my photos but I don’t reply. If I do, it’ll just go on and on.

8 DAYS: Why does technology seem so hard for you?

ELVIN: I don’t know! (Laughs) I had to get Nat Ho to help me set up my blog last time. I was like: Just set it up for me, I just want to do my writing. I always thought that city life was not really for me — I’ve talked a few times about going away to my farmhouse. Yes, it’s a bit ironic that I’m here. It’s not that I don’t enjoy my job, but for me, I don’t want to take the supposed fame or popularity too seriously.