KUALA LUMPUR: Nicknamed Malaysia's funniest doctor, stand-up comedian Dr Jason Leong Say Keong has received his "best Malaysia Day gift" ever this year.
On Sept 16, he is marking his debut on digital streaming platform Netflix in a comedy special titled Dr Jason Leong: Hashtag Blessed, and it will be screened in 190 countries.
"It's a Malaysia Day dream came true and I'm really happy about it," said Dr Leong in a news report today.
"I can't wait to see it, and I'm proud to help my country showcase its comedy talents to the world."
Hashtag Blessed which was filmed at the Temple Of Fine Arts in Brickfields here in 2018, contains a mixture of old and new materials from Dr Leong, the first Malaysian to win the International Hong Kong Comedy Festival in 2013.
"We had it recorded shortly after the change of government in May 2018. A few of my political jokes were removed as they are now deemed irrelevant. Fortunately, most of the jokes focus on Malaysians' lifestyles and habits which are very much applicable today," said Dr Leong.
Dr Leong, 35, studied medicine in University College, Dublin, Ireland, and worked in Selayang Hospital for five years, before becoming a full-time comedian in 2014.
He first found fame as a member of comedy troupe the Malaysian Association of Chinese Comedians (MACC) comprising Douglas Lim, Phoon Chi Ho and Kuah Jenhan.
In 2016, he represented Malaysia with fellow comedian Harith Iskander in The Funniest Person In The World competition which Harith eventually won.
Dr Leong grew up enjoying sitcoms such as The Nanny, The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, Friends and Family Matters. He also became a staunch fan of comedians like Chris Rock, Ricky Gervais and George Carlin.