Meet Collin (钱翰群), a man whose life has taken him from the glitz of Star Search 1993 to the heart of Singapore’s community spirit. Once a familiar face on television, Collin’s journey didn’t stop at acting. He ventured into football, entrepreneurship, emceeing, live selling, and most recently, a purpose-driven durian initiative—Spikes of Love—which he co-founded with his two sons.

At the core of everything Collin does is heart. Whether he’s engaging audiences online, sharing motivational talks, or giving back through community work, he carries forward the values passed down by his late parents. With authenticity, humour, and a passion for connecting people, Collin continues to inspire others to live fully, love deeply, and age purposefully.

Let’s go back to 1993. What motivated you to join Star Search, and what was the experience like being a finalist in such a prestigious competition?

Back then, I was already 26 and running my own business. So, to me, joining Star Search was more of a stepping stone—an opportunity to be recognised and continue doing what I wanted. I eventually got involved in football and other ventures. Acting wasn’t something I initially aspired to, and to be honest, my Mandarin wasn’t strong. It was a clear-cut stepping stone.

Towards the end of my time with TCS (now Mediacorp), I began to develop more interest in acting and understanding scripts. But by then, I had committed to joining the National Football Team, so I decided to leave acting.

As for the experience, there were “no days or nights.” We got about six to eight hours of sleep, then it was full-on—training, media appearances, publicity—it was intense. The entire process, from auditions to finals, took about six months.

Artistes signed from Star Search do not train like actors from older days. We were “thrown into the ocean and had to learn how to swim.” The experience was good, but I wasn’t hardworking enough. I was juggling too many things at once.

Looking back, life feels like a movie that you watch every five years—you gain new realisations each time. Star Search was one of the best experiences of my life. It brought me immense publicity at the time.

What inspired you to start Spikes of Love?

Spikes of Love is built on three kinds of love. First, my mother’s love. We grew up poor. We grew up in a 3 room flat and one of the room and our living room are rented out to many tenants.

I had asthma as a child, and my mother would do anything to make me happy. She knew I loved durians. During the 1970s, durians cost about 40-50 cents per kg—expensive for us.

But she still brought me to the streets to pick durians. When we brought them home, they were often sour or spoiled. Once, seeing my disappointment, she rallied the neighbours to chip in. They laid newspapers on the floor, and one uncle brought a big basket of durians. That memory—everyone sharing durian together—was beautiful. People today have forgotten the joy of sharing.

The second love is my passion for durians. I travelled across Indonesia exploring plantations. Later, I even ventured into Malaysian plantations and searched for wild durians in Singapore. I encountered wild boars, snakes—everything! But I loved it. I loved nature.

The third love is for my sons. My two sons are in the business with me. Since 2018, we’ve grown from making durian popsicles to now serving VVIPs at Resorts World. It’s not about making lots of money—it’s about creating memories and sharing.

We do community work, visit old folks’ homes, teach them how not to get scammed, and show them how to choose durians. That’s my passion.

Many ask me to speak about communication. I tell them we all can communicate—it depends how much we respect the other person.

You’ve also started selling on Instagram and Facebook Live. Can you share what’s the experience like?

I’m very active on Facebook and Instagram. Social media is about connection. It’s very different from being on stage with a mic. Online, people see the real you. If all you do is “sell, sell, sell” with no emotion, you’d better be very strong in product knowledge. But I don’t sell that way—I build trust and friendship. That takes time.

I remember Jack Neo once asked why I am able to open durians for so long during a live without anyone doubting the quality. I said: trust. Trust is everything. Don’t show off. Don’t speak down to your viewers. And never use vulgarity. Respect the audience.

As an emcee, how do you make events memorable?

Every event is important because someone has entrusted you with their platform. I’m not a jokester like Wayne, and I don’t try to be. My strength lies in personal engagement.

I also speak in multiple dialects. I can sing too. Sometimes I become the singer because clients don’t have the budget for both.

I understand that you are also a speaker. Tell us more about the work you do.

When I was younger, I wanted to motivate by sharing stories of failure. But now I believe it’s more meaningful to speak from a place of success. I published a book in 2016 called Roots. I wasn’t the main character—I was just sharing good people, good vibes.

Many ask me to speak about communication. I tell them we all can communicate—it depends how much we respect the other person. I speak on topics like fashion, communication, and elevator pitch. I’m also an advocate for Dads for Life, helping fathers in crisis—divorce, child issues, etc.

I want to motivate people over 50 who feel lost. Life doesn’t end after 50. Don’t stop learning. Use SkillsFuture. Don’t leave behind 10 houses for your kids—they don’t need that. Just be there when they need you.

Many fans remember you from your acting days. Have you ever considered returning to TV?

I actually returned to Channel 8 in 2023 for a guest appearance. I’m open to trying new things—even performing on stage.

What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?

I’m very excited. Our infrastructure, especially transport, is amazing. I visit different parks and neighbourhoods with the Papazao group—it’s beautiful. In five years, I’ll be 65. I just want to keep contributing to Singapore.

If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?

I’d turn back time—just to spend more time with my parents. They’re both gone now. I used to chase success, power, fame, but I missed out on time with them. My mum passed away suddenly within a week.

My dad lived three more years after surgery, and I tried to make up for lost time. If I could have one superpower, it would be to go back and spend those moments with them again.

Connect with Collin: Instagram.