While We Are Young

While We Are Young
Z世代
While We Are Young ; Z世代
Also known as	Generation Z
Genre	Drama ; Romance; School ; Youth ; Education ; Teacher's Day
Written by	Ng Kah Huay 黄佳华 ; Ang Chee Chuan 洪志川
Directed by	Loh Woon Woon 罗温温 ; Lim Mee Nah 林美娜
Starring	Generation X/Y: ; Zoe Tay 郑惠玉 ; Rebecca Lim 林慧玲 ; Zhang Zhenhuan 张振寰 ; Terence Cao 曹国辉 ; Denise Camillia Tan 陈楚寰 ; Generation Z: ; Zong Zijie 宗子杰 ; Chantalle Ng 黄暄婷 ; Calvert Tay 郑凯介 ; Joanna Theng 唐舒恩 ; Marcus Guo 郭麦洋 ; Shalynn Tsai 蔡绮耘 ; Gary Tan 陈毅丰 ; Chen Yixin 陈一心 ; Shanice Koh 许舒宁; Li Decheng 李德承
Opening theme	Go Home and Sleep (回家睡觉) by Jayden Chew
Ending theme	1) 致爱 by Zong Zijie , Chantalle Ng , Calvert Tay , Joanna Theng , Marcus Guo , Shalynn Tsai & Chen Yixin; 2) 致爱 (Demo Version) by Deng Bi Yuan
Country of origin	Singapore
Original language	Chinese
No. of episodes	20
Production
Executive producer	Winnie Wong 王尤红
Running time	approx. 45 minutes
Release
Original network	MediaCorp Channel 8
Original release	6 November –; 4 December 2017
Chronology
Preceded by	Lady With Class
Followed by	My Friends from Afar
Related shows	Don't Stop Believin' (2012) ; My First School (2016) ; My Teacher Is a Thug (2017)

While We Are Young (Chinese: Z世代) is a 20 episode Singaporean drama produced and telecast on MediaCorp Channel 8. The show aired at 9 pm on weekdays and had a repeat telecast at 8 am the following day.

The drama series is a production to commemorate 35 years of locally produced Chinese-language dramas and in appreciation to the local educators in celebration of Teacher's Day. It stars Zoe Tay, Rebecca Lim, Zhang Zhenhuan, Terence Cao, Denise Camillia, Zong Zijie, Chantalle Ng, Calvert Tay, Joanna Theng, Marcus Guo, Shalynn Tsai, Gary Tan, Chen Yixin, Shanice Koh and Li Decheng.

For the first time in 29 years, Zoe Tay will be taking the role of a teacher which incidentally has been her childhood dream. She had previously taken on a variety of roles, but never those of a teacher.^[1] It also features several "second-generation" stars who are children of veteran artistes, including Calvert Tay (son of Hong Huifang and Zheng Geping), Chantalle Ng (daughter of Lin Meijiao and her ex-husband former actor Huang Yiliang), Chen Yixin (daughter of Xiang Yun and Edmund Chen), Marcus Guo (son of host Guo Liang), and Shalynn Tsai (daughter of Chen Xiuhuan).^[2]^[3]

Plot[]

Yang Xiaoshuai (Zong Zijie) is a troubled youth who comes from a broken family. After his stint in the boys’ home, he turns over a new leaf and aims to be a competitive swimmer. Tang Yijie (Calvert Tay) comes from a well-to-do family and excels in his studies. Being talented and good-looking, Yijie is well-liked by his teachers and peers. Both boys with different upbringing and personalities will eventually cross path with each other as they vie for the affection of a girl, Huang-Li-Bai Yun (Chantalle Ng).

Tang Yijie's mother Fang Ting (Zoe Tay) is a righteous teacher who is highly respected by her colleagues and as well as her students. Fang Ting's eldest son Yiwei (Zhang Zhenhuan) was a passionate counsellor in his youth, he encouraged a delinquent, Zhong Ai (Rebecca Lim), to change her ways. She eventually becomes a teacher and marries him. They enjoyed a happy married life until Yiwei's employee Jiayi (Denise Camillia Tan) decides to come in between them. Yiwei nearly strayed, but with interference from his wife and mother, he eventually pulls himself away from Jiayi's advances. To complicate matters, Zhong Ai and Fang Ting have their differences when it comes to teaching methods and domestic matters.

Will they be able to set aside their differences and work out a common solution when it comes to nurturing the Z generation youths?^[4]

Cast[]

Generation X/Y[]

Cast	Character	Description	Episode Appeared
Zoe Tay 郑惠玉	Fang Ting 方廷	Teenage Version portrayed by Alicia Lo (盧予萱) Fang Lord (方爷) Tang Yijie's mother Tang Yiwei's adopted mother Zhong Ai's mother-in-law Bai Jinshun's Pre-U classmate and love interest Rose's best friend Guo Liwen & Zuo Zigan's colleague	1–16, 19–20
Rebecca Lim 林慧玲	Zhong Ai 钟爱	Little Mummy (小咪) Tang Yiwei's wife Fang Ting's daughter-in-law Tang Yijie's sister-in-law Zheng Jiayi's rival in love Yang Xiaoshuai's adopted mother Guo Liwen & Zhuo Zigan's colleague	1–20
Zhang Zhenhuan 张震寰	Tang Yiwei 汤一伟	Car Mechanic's boss Fang Ting's adopted elder son Tang Yijie's adopted elder brother Zhong Ai's husband Zheng Jiayi's love interest Ah Hao's colleague	1–20
Terence Cao 曹国辉	Bai Jinshun 白金顺	Teenage Version portrayed by Chen Yixi (陈一熙) Fang Ting's Pre-U classmate In love with Fang Ting Fu Xiuqin's brother-in-law Huang Li Baiyun's Uncle Owner of Rose Cafe	7–20
Denise Camillia Tan 陈楚寰	Zheng Jiayi 郑嘉怡	Main Villain Car Mechanic's employee In love with Tang Yiwei Zhong Ai's rival in love Ah Hao's love interest Sent a video of Tang Yiwei's drunk and kisses him which causes Zhong Ai to misunderstanding between Zhong Ai and Tang Yiwei Slapped Zhong Ai and file a police report that Zhong Ai, Tang Yiwei and Yang Xiaoshuai harmed her (Arrested and fined in Episode 20 )	1, 4–5, 9–10, 15, 17–19

Generation Z[]

Cast	Character	Description	Episode Appeared
Calvert Tay 郑凯介	Tang Yijie 汤一杰	Junior College Student (Zhuo Yue Junior College) Fang Ting's son Tang Yiwei's younger brother Zhong Ai's brother-in-law In love with Huang Li Bai Yun Yang Xiaoshuai's rival in love Zhou Xuanxuan and Luo Yiling's love interest Dream is to do very well in studies and enter the top University.	1–20
Zong Zijie 宗子杰	Yang Xiaoshuai 杨小帅	Younger version portrayed by Perez Tay (郑传峻) Ex-convict Yang Shanhe's son Ben's nephew Zhong Ai's adopted son Huang Li Bai Yun's love interest Tang Yijie's rival in love Dream is to be a professional Swimmer	1–20
Chantalle Ng 黄暄婷	Huang Li Bai Yun 黄李白云	Alan's stepdaughter Fu Xiuqin's daughter Bai Jinshun's niece In love with Yang Xiaoshuai Tang Yijie's love interest Dream is to be a Director	1–20
Joanna Theng 唐舒恩	Zhou Xuanxuan 周轩轩	Junior College Student Year 2 (Zhuo Yue Junior College) In love with Tang Yijie Dream is to be a Theater Performer	1–2, 4–9, 11–14, 16–20
Marcus Guo 郭麦洋	Kang Lele 康乐乐	Junior College Student (Zhuo Yue Junior College) Dream is to be a PE Teacher	1–6, 9, 12, 14, 16–18, 20
Shalynn Tsai 蔡绮耘	Luo Yiling 罗依玲	Junior College Student (Zhuo Yue Junior College) In love with Tang Yijie Suffered from hurtful comments given by Tang Yijie and Xu Tiancai and attempted suicide	1, 3, 5–6, 9, 11–13, 17, 19–20
Gary Tan 陈毅丰	Lin Junkai 林俊凯	Dream is to be a blogger	1–10, 13–20
Chen Yixin 陈一心	Hong Yuanyuan 洪媛媛	Dream is to be a Singer	1–7, 9, 14, 16–18, 20
Shanice Koh 许舒宁	Ren Youwan 任游玩	Ren Chuan and Li Xue's daughter Junior College Student (Zhuo Yue Junior College) Dream is to be a Model Suffered from stress disorder and begin to self-harm	1–9, 11–12, 14, 16–20
Li Decheng 李德承	Xu Tiancai 许天才	Yu Feng's son Junior College Student (Zhuo Yue Junior College) Dream is to be a Gamemaker	1–20

Zhou Yue Junior College Staff(s)[]

Cast	Character	Description	Episode Appeared
Marcus Mok 莫健发	Old Principal 老院长	Old Principal of Zhuo Yue Junior College	1, 3, 11–12
Li Fuliang 李福樑	New Principal 新院长	Principal He (何院长) New Principal of Zhuo Yue Junior College	14, 16, 19
Kenneth Kong 江坚文	Discipline Master 训育主任	Discipline Master of Zhuo Yue Junior College	2, 4, 11, 14
Rebecca Lim 林慧玲	Zhong Ai 钟爱	Ms Zhong (钟老师) HOD of Chinese Department of Zhuo Yue Junior College See Generation X/Y
Zoe Tay 郑惠玉	Fang Ting 方廷	Ms Fang (方老师) Chinese Teacher of Zhuo Yue Junior College See Generation X/Y
Li Wenhai 李文海	Zhuo Zigan 卓子乾	Mr Zhuo (卓老师) Chinese Teacher of Zhuo Yue Junior College	1, 3–4, 9, 11–12, 14, 19–20
Chen Ning 陈宁	Guo Liwen 郭丽雯	Ms Guo (郭老师) Chinese Teacher of Zhuo Yue Junior College	1–3, 9–12, 14, 19–20

Other Casts[]

Cast	Character	Description	Episode Appeared
Joshua Chia 謝樂	Cai Yaozu 蔡耀祖	Junior College Ex-Student (Zhuo Yue Junior College) Take video in the girl's toilet and was caught by Zhou Xuanxuan Arrested for abusing boarding pass to meet his idol (Expelled from school in Episode 4) (Arrested – Episode 18)	1, 4
Adele Wong 王筱惠	Ah Jie 阿姐	TV Station's actress	1, 11
James Hu 胡问遂	Alan	Villain Fu Xiuqin's husband Huang Li Baiyun's stepfather	1–3, 6
Teo Ser Li 张思丽	Fu Xiuqin 傅秀琴	Alan's wife Huang Li Baiyun's mother Bai Jinshun's sister-in-law	1-3, 8
Jazreel Low 刘琦	Rose	Fang Ting's best friend	1–3, 5, 7–8, 12
Authur Choo 朱锐雄	Ah Hao 阿豪	Villain Car Mechanic's ex-employee Tang Yiwei and Zheng Jiayi's colleague In love with Zheng Jiayi	1, 4–5, 9
Shane Tan Yu Xuan 陈宇轩	Sunny	Yang Xiaoshuai's swimming instructor	1–3, 5–7, 13, 15–16, 20
Cassandra See 薛淑珊	Mary	Villain Threatened Yang Xiaoshuai to upload his nude photos if he doesn't agree her to meet other rich sugar mummies (Charged by police in Episode 20)	2–4, 6, 9, 11–12, 15, 17–18, 20
Andi Lim 林伟文	Ben	Supporting Villain Yang Xiaoshuai's uncle	2–3, 6
Kenneth Chung 钟坤华	Kun Hua 坤华	YES 933's Radio DJ Fang Ting's ex-student	3
Steven Chiang 江常輝	Yang Shanhe 杨山河	Gang leader Yang Xiaoshuai's father Zhong Ai's ex-lover (Deceased – mentioned by Zhong Ai)	3, 11
Ye Xiangling 葉向玲	Li Xue 李雪	Ren Chuan's wife Ren Youwan's mother Manipulating Youwan’s life, causing her deep injuries	3–4, 8, 14, 16–17, 20
Seth Ang 翁兴昂	Ren Chuan 任川	Li Xue's husband Ren Youwan's father	3, 8, 14, 16, 20
Chen Waiwai 陈慧慧	Yu Feng 玉凤	Xu Tiancai's mother	3, 10–11, 13, 16, 20
Lu Guanyao 卢冠耀	Mr Luo 罗先生	Luo Yiling's father	3
Nico Chua 蔡伟彬	Mrs Luo 罗太太	Luo Yiling's mother	3, 5–6, 13
Tay Ying 郑颖		Sign up for Modelling Agency with Ren Youwan	4
Zeng Hanrong 曾汉荣	Gary	Huang Li Baiyun's teacher	5
Cansen Goh 吴开深	Mr Zhou 周先生	Mr Zhou (周先生) Zhou Xuanxuan's father	7, 9
Larry Low 刘龙伟	Tony	Fang Ting and Bai Jinshun's ex-JC classmate	9, 14
Zack Lim 林志强	Xiao Kedou 小蝌蚪	Fang Ting and Bai Jinshun's ex-JC classmate	14
Joy Yak 易凌	Lin Qingxia 林青霞	Fang Ting and Bai Jinshun's ex-JC classmate	14
Lin Peifang 林佩芳	Ms Wu 吴老师	Fang Ting, Bai Jinshun, Xiao Kedou, Lin Qingxia and other Ex-JC classmates JC teacher	14
Wauren Beh 马纬翰	Jon	Villain Xu Tiancai's friend Conned Xu Tiancai's money and manipulates Xu Tiancai's mother (Arrested in Episode 20)	16 20 (voice)
Brendon Kuah 柯迪宏	Ray	Villain Peeping Tom (偷窥狂) Property Agent Installed a hidden camera in Huang Li Baiyun's room and manipulates Bai Jinshun (Arrested in Episode 18)	18
Tao Li 陶李	Herself	A professional Singapore swimmer Yang Xiaoshuai's idol	18
	Joyce	Mary's bestfriends Sugar Mummies	20
	Kitty		20
	Lili		20

Original Sound Track (OST)[]

No.	Song Title	Singer(s)
1)	回家睡觉 (Main Song for the series)	Jayden Chew 周俊安
2)	致爱	Zong Zijie 宗子杰 Chantalle Ng 黄暄婷 Calvert Tay 郑凯介 Joanna Theng 唐舒恩 Marcus Guo 郭麦洋 Shalynn Tsai 蔡绮耘 Chen Yixin 陈一心
3)	致爱 (Demo Version)	Deng Bi Yuan 邓碧源

Awards and Nominations[]

Star Awards 2018[]

While We Are Young is up for 4 nominations.

The other dramas are nominated for Best Drama Serial are , When Duty Calls , My Friends from Afar & Have A Little Faith.

It won 1 out of 4 nominations.

The Star Awards are presented by Mediacorp.

Star Awards – Acting Awards
Accolades	Nominees	Category	Result
Star Awards 2018 Creative Achievement Award Ceremony 专业奖项颁奖礼	Loh Woon Woon 罗温温	Best Director	Nominated

Star Awards – Acting Awards
Accolades	Nominees	Category	Result
Star Awards 2018 Awards Ceremony 红星大奖2018颁奖礼	Zong Zijie 宗子杰	Best Newcomer 最佳新人奖	Nominated
	Chantalle Ng 黄暄婷	Best Newcomer 最佳新人奖	Won
	Zoe Tay 郑惠玉	Best Actress 最佳女主角	Nominated
	N/A	Best Drama Serial 最佳电视剧	Nominated

Development[]

Filming began in May and wrapped in July 2017, with the major scene taken at Nanyang Junior College. The series is the first to cover Singapore's post-secondary education landscape.^[5]^[6]

References[]

^ "Zoe Tay lands 'dream job' in upcoming TV series While We Are Young". TODAYonline. 10 June 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
^ "ALL GROWN UP: Introducing the next generation of local stars". Toggle. 1 May 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
^ "Local TV's Act 2: Actors' children enter the industry". The Straits Times. 18 October 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
^ "WHILE WE ARE YOUNG Z世代". Toggle. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
^ "Zoe Tay lands 'dream job' in upcoming TV series While We Are Young". todayonline.com. Retrieved 1 December 2017.
^ "While We Are Young Z世代 – Toggle". Toggle. Retrieved 1 December 2017.

[1] "Zoe Tay lands 'dream job' in upcoming TV series While We Are Young". TODAYonline. 10 June 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.

[2] "ALL GROWN UP: Introducing the next generation of local stars". Toggle. 1 May 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.

[3] "Local TV's Act 2: Actors' children enter the industry". The Straits Times. 18 October 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.

[4] "WHILE WE ARE YOUNG Z世代". Toggle. Retrieved 20 November 2017.

[5] "Zoe Tay lands 'dream job' in upcoming TV series While We Are Young". todayonline.com. Retrieved 1 December 2017.

[6] "While We Are Young Z世代 – Toggle". Toggle. Retrieved 1 December 2017.

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