It’s rare for a single performance to make someone a household name, but David Eung Hao’s debut in Summerdaze—a Boys’ Love-themed film for the now-defunct fashion brand The Authority Co.—did just that. Released six years ago, the film captured the emotions of first love and the complexities of identity, marking David’s breakthrough into the public eye. For him, this was just the beginning. What began as an unexpected foray into film soon evolved into a multifaceted career. Today, he is known not only as an actor but as a rising musician, style icon and entrepreneur marching to the beat of his own drum.
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ON MUSIC
“I’ve always had an affinity for music,” says David, who taught himself to play guitar in secondary school. His debut single, “Reverse This”, has gained a growing audience, blending traditional Cambodian sounds with modern influences. “Music is universal. You don’t need to speak the language to feel it,” he adds. His influences range from Cambodian icons like Aok Sokunkanha to international artists like Sabrina Carpenter.
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ON FASHION
David’s style has become as defining as his music. “Fashion is a way of telling a story without speaking,” he explains. With help from stylist, Hiro Ye Xuan, David has refined his aesthetic, blending sleek, modern designs with a touch of elegance. He admires designers like Schiaparelli, Mugler, and Robert Wun, and sees fashion as an art form.
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ON WAVE MANAGEMENT
David recently launched Wave Management, an agency that aims to spotlight Cambodian talent. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to work as an actor and content creator, and I’ve witnessed so much untapped talent in Cambodia,” he shares. “My goal with this agency is to provide a platform for aspiring individuals to shine, as I share my cross-cultural experiences with them. I hope that this will inspire and empower a new generation of Cambodian stars.”
Photographer JAYA KHIDIR
Stylist NAVIN PILLAY
Hairstylist & Make-up Artist ZOEL TEE using BURBERRY BEAUTY
Photographer's Assistants NOWO KASTURI; TAWFIQ ISMAIL
ELLE Bestie is a community-building editorial initiative by ELLE Singapore to spotlight and celebrate movers and shakers in Singapore and the region with a 360° approach—across print and digital.