The Z List: Zi Xuen paves the foundation en route to achieving his dreams

As one of Malaysia’s up-and-coming social media personalities, he has found a path online doing content he loves. Meet The Z List 2024, content creator, Zi Xuen. 

Who is Xuen, you asked? To many, he’s a popular content creator with 159K followers on Instagram and 140.5K followers on TikTok. Known for his relatable content and being “Cha Eun Woo’s younger brother”, Zi Xuen has amassed a sizzling reputation for both his sense of humour and boyish looks.

On a sunny afternoon, Zi Xuen — a towering figure at over six feet tall — joins us on set of The Z List Class of 2024 shoot. Immediately, his affable personality comes through; greeting everyone he sees with curious eyes. The 20-year-old social media personality, currently a FinTech student, has a hovering a sense of maturity beyond his age. But beneath the mannerism, there’s a little kid waiting to come out and have fun.

Whether he’s speaking to members of the production team or his fellow inductees of The Z List Class of 2024, one thing we are sure of is that Zi Xuen carries himself with conviction. In a way, he embodies this year’s theme — “Strength”.

“I’m someone who’s very easily influenced by others so strength is the ability to listen to yourself instead,” he expresses. He knows what he wants and he intends to work as hard as possible towards his goals.

I sit with the creator during his the shoot to find out a little more about his social media journey, plans for the future and more. And yes, this is Zi Xuen’s first ever interview.

From then till now

Zi Xuen has seen quite a melodious rise on his social media platforms, going viral numerous times. One of his videos from 2023 blew up on TikTok, amassing 1.2 million followers and 285.8K likes so far. The quick transition video sure got everyone’s attention online.

But that’s not all. In March this year, he posted another viral moment; garnering 1.7 million views and 133.8K likes. The short video shows Zi Xuen presenting the “power of a haircut”. While we millennials may find it rather difficult to comprehend, trying to understand these ‘modern day contexts’, these contents are simply in the name of humour — a chill pill of sorts.

His chapter in content creation began on 14 June 2020 when he posted his first ever video on TikTok. “Four years ago, I started making thirst traps on TikTok and lip-syncing audios. That’s how my career started,” he chuckles. 

The first-year university student describes what he does as “relatable content” — or something that “fellow university students can relate to”. From the looks of it, that ranges from K-Pop and student humour to skincare and fashion.

It’s apparent that his followers connect to the things he says and posts. It’s something he’s happy about because after all, he wants his genuine personality to shine through no matter what he does. Whether offline or online, Zi Xuen is Zi Xuen.

In spite of his young age, however, he understands that being an influencer isn’t always going to work out. “Respectfully, I don’t think this is going to last long. There will be times when I’ll flop,” he adds.

Aiming to pursue investment banking after graduation, Zi Xuen — who also plays golf and badminton — illustrates the unpredictably in life. “Sometimes I wish that I’m just a university student… like I’m just focusing on my studies. It might be difficult to juggle sometimes but it’s all about the discipline,” asserts Zi Xuen. 

Well, there’s actually a lot more on his bucket of ambitions!

Writing his own tunes

From being an investment banker and content creator to travelling around Europe, Zi Xuen is sure of his wants and needs. “Being exposed to this at a young age is quite good so I can actually figure myself out,” he notes.

He acknowledges the volatility of the industry, but that hasn’t stopped him in his pursuits. In fact, he is only driven with increased motivation. Fans can look forward to exclusive merchandise — something that ties in with his interest in fashion. While he isn’t sure about what he wants to create in the future, he says that he sees himself “being involved a lot more with fashion” and plans to start his own brand.

Coincidentally, it was during a fashion event at The Exchange TRX when Zi Xuen felt like he actually made it.

“It was like a red carpet event and I thought nobody would recognise me. But, some people in the crowd actually called out my name and asked for pictures,” he reveals. 

That must have been a moment to remember.

More than that, Zi Xuen — who enjoys listening to artists such as Bruno Mars, New Jeans, Post Malone and SZA — has desires to write and release songs one day. Yes, he sings too! “I love singing,” he shares with excitement. Inspired by his sister, Zi Xuen lets me know that he has received a myriad of compliments for his vocals.

In 2022, the creator participated in the YG Global Audition Tour which was held across Malaysia. And while it wasn’t meant to be then, his experiences have led him to this very moment; crafting a more resilient and determined outlook.

“There were points when I was confused about what to do. I kept going,” states Zi Xuen. That alone unveils the burning appetite for success — and one day, we might just see the personality performing his very own anthems on stage.

In the name of youth and strength

Although Zi Xuen isn’t actually part of the second season of ‘True Beauty’ or Cha Eun Woo‘s actual younger brother, his individuality is what draws his followers to him. His videos put a smile on people’s faces — or at times, confused like in the Valentine’s Day video with Daniel Huang.

“I make a lot of relatable content but I’ve been told many times that what I do is easy,” he tells me. At the end of the day, he acknowledges that his biggest proponent right now is his youth, adding: “Starting early as a content creator gives me more time to get used to it”.

In the future, whether he’s running his own fashion brand, entertaining audiences on stage or concocting content on social media, there’s no doubt will continue to rise to the occasion.

“I want to earn more and retire by the age of 45,” confides Zi Xuen. In his own call to strength, he says it’s important to “believe in yourself”. As cliche as that sounds, it’s also very true. One has to first be sure of their own resolve and courage in order to conquer their respective challenges or to reach for their goals.

Well, for now, his fans and followers can keep enjoying the engaging content he puts out on the regular on Instagram and TikTok. And of course, expect to be entertained.

interview RONN TAN | editor-in-chief & creative direction MARTIN TEO | assisted by MALLIE MARAN & PUTERI YASMIN SURAYA | stylist ISAAC CHONG | stylist assistant  ZHI YEE | photography EDMUND LEE (ONE3FOUR STUDIO) | videography POR JIA JUN | assisted by STANLEY LOH | makeup SHIYO JOO | hair CODY CHUA | styled in HERMÈS, SANDRO

In its fourth year, The Z List 2024 continues to celebrate the inspirational and aspirational, as well as the most dynamic youths who find strength in empowering their communities through the work that they do. Working together, the Gen-Zers come in full force to make an impact strength on strength.