While Shaheizy Sam strives to make his chocolate brand go global, being a versatile actor remains a priority
THERE are two Shaheizy Sams rolled into one, but both strive to be the best in what they do.
The 38-year-old star of comedies, such as the Adnan Sempit series, thrillers such as
Saya Amat Mencintaimu, tear-jerkers such as Pinjamkan Hatiku, and action adventures such as the Polis Evo series — is a versatile actor who has won many awards.
He is also a strong promoter of local food brands, having endorsed a popular beverage and instant noodle, and now owns a multi-flavoured chocolate spread brand.
QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY
At the launch of his new chocolate brand Syoklat Syoko Tube at Putra Glass Hall in Puchong recently, Sam said that his decision to double up as a food entrepreneur was his way of "diversifying".
He said: "Having been an actor for more than 25 years, I feel it is time to go beyond acting, as I realise that I won't be on top of the game forever.
"Many new actors enter the entertainment industry every decade, and since they are increasingly social media-savvy, they'll establish wider fan bases than seniors like me."
As a result, Sam has chosen to become more selective with his big screen roles, and will only take up scripts that interest him.
"Like many of my seniors in the film industry, I've reached a stage where I'll only go for films that pack a punch and roles that viewers will remember for a long time."
Sam also said that as a proud father of two children, Syeriv Samheizy, 4, and Sarima Samheizy, 2, he wants to spend more time with them.
"Selling quality foodstuff such as chocolates, health foods and drinks brings my wife Syatilla (Melvin), my children and myself closer together, since we love good Malaysian food," he said.
JUST SQUEEZE IT
Sam co-founded Syoklat in October with his old friend Raihana Abdul Rahim, and chose to go into the food business since food is a great unifier.
"Malaysians just love food, and that goes for me and my family, too," he said.
"Food is the common language of Bangsa Malaysia, and we can promote brand Malaysia through the sale of original food products like Syoklat.
"What makes my brand original is that it doesn't come in chocolate bar form, but in liquid form — its tagline says Just Picit!"
SWISS INSPIRATION
The idea of a chocolate product came in 2018 when Sam visited Switzerland with his family.
There he saw a Malaysian chocolate brand at a supermarket, and was pleasantly surprised.
"It was a proud and joyous moment to see a made-in-Malaysia product on sale in a Swiss supermarket.
"Looking at the chocolate bar, I figured how amazing it would be to come out with quality food products that could be sold internationally," he said.
RECRUITING YOUNG AGENTS
Sam will be receiving support from the International Trade and Industry Ministry to promote his chocolate brand in roadshows later this year.
He also plans to recruit young and enterprising Malaysians to be the brand's agents and distributors.
"For now I'm the sole ambassador of Syoklat. I hope to recruit a few of my good friends from the entertainment industry to appear in its television advertisements," he said, adding that they would include his longtime collaborators.
NEW HORROR FILM
Sam hopes to come up with foods and drinks that are "wholly Malaysian, healthy, kid-friendly, family-friendly and tasty".
"As a food lover with an affinity for chocolate, I want to give fans products that are delicious and nutritious.
"I want to develop feel-good foods that are a stark contrast to the diverse and unpredictable characters I portray in films," he said.
"Ideally, I would love to see my fans and friends sit back and watch my films in
cinemas or at home, consuming my products."
When asked about his next film, Sam said that it was a horror flick titled Indera directed by Woo Ming Jin.
"It's rather disturbing, and we shot it in January. It's got a few new actors who are really good."
FOUGHT THE FLAB
Sam admits that he "slipped and fell" while weight-watching in the last three years.
He went out of shape after some months of strict dieting to prepare himself for the challenging roles of cancer-stricken Naufal in 2017's Pinjamkan Hatiku, hardy detective Man in Interchange and no-nonsense Inspector Khai in Polis Evo 2.
As a result, the lean actor turned into a "big daddy", especially after he and his actress wife Syatilla became parents.
"When I took a break after these movies, I let down my guard and did not exercise.
"As a result of my negligence, I became out of shape," he added.
Sam returned to the gym in the middle of last year, and is now watching what he eats.
Best of all, his wife, siblings and close friends have strongly encouraged him to be as lean as Adnan Sempit again.
"I'm cutting down on carbohydrates, and taking more fruits and vegetables now. As for drinks, it is bitter tea and coffee for me."
WHITE RAJAH'S ASSISTANT
Sam's most-awaited action film, Polis Evo 3, completed filming early this year.
It will premiere at year-end or early next year.
Sam and his co-star, Zizan Razak, will be going on another explosive, crime-busting adventure as Inspector Khai and Inspector Sani respectively.
"My second international film, Edge Of The World, will be screened later this year, too, and I'm very excited because it is my first non-fiction work," he said.
In the film, which was originally titled Rajah, Sam plays the semi-fictional Suboh, the personal assistant of Sarawak's first White Rajah Sir James Brooke.
"Suboh is actually a composite character based on several men who served as the White Rajah's assistants. The story of Brooke is told through him," he said.
Edge Of The World stars Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Brooke, Sarawakian actor Kahar Jimi as Sarawak's Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Ali, Datuk Rahim Razali as Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin of Brunei and Bront Palarae as the Sultan's Viceroy Pengiran Muhammad Salleh.
The film, directed by Michael Haussman, is supported by the Sarawak government.