Comedian Phil Wang recently shared that his mixed British and Malaysian heritage plays a vital role in his comedy. According to him, his dual-cultures are at the core of his comedic material and have been instrumental in shaping his career in stand-up comedy. Wang expressed these sentiments during the ESEA Lit Fest, which coincides with East and Southeast Asian Heritage Month.
In his newly released Netflix special, Wang In There, Baby!, Phil Wang humorously explores the cultural differences between Malaysians and British people, starting off with a funny take on reheating leftover rice. He points out the contrasting attitudes towards reheating rice, highlighting how Asian individuals have no qualms about it while Westerners may feel uneasy. Wang humorously describes his comedic formula as a mix of “Asianness, food, and some kind of smut.”
Having grown up in Malaysia before moving to the UK, Wang explained that comedy became a way for him to address his feelings of being an outsider and to embrace his uniqueness. He stated that without his distinctive heritage, he may not have ventured into comedy as a career. Wang emphasized the importance of representation in the comedy industry, noting that East and Southeast Asians (ESEAs) like himself still face challenges in breaking stereotypes and being fully accepted.
Despite the existing hurdles, there are initiatives like Comediasians and Friends, a pan-Asian comedy and improv group in London, that strive to provide a platform for ESEA performers to showcase their talents. This group hosts regular shows featuring improv performances and guest acts, aiming to amplify Asian voices in comedy and create a welcoming space for diverse talents.
During the ESEA Heritage Month celebrations, Phil Wang participated in a panel discussion about his book, where he delved into various aspects of navigating life as a mixed-race individual. Offering a light-hearted piece of advice, Wang encouraged people with dual-heritage not to be deterred by societal norms, humorously stating, “Don’t let people tell you can’t reheat your rice. It’s good for at least two days in the fridge.”
As Wang continues to embrace his Malaysian and British roots in his comedy, he remains an inspiring figure representing the intersection of different cultures and the importance of embracing one’s heritage in creative endeavors. Through his work and participation in events like the ESEA Lit Fest, he contributes to a more inclusive and diverse landscape in the world of comedy.