Being able to adapt to frequent changes in the fickle world of pop is Canto-idol Leon Lai Ming's secret of success. Lai, 31, is a busy man. Besides shuttling between Hong Kong and the mainland for a series of charity activities, he also has to find time to prepare for his second album with Sony Music, which is scheduled to be released by the end of this year. The heart-throb's first album with Sony Music - I Love You So Much - received tremendous response from fans. Lai told Sunday Young Post he was satisfied with his achievements in the continually changing local pop music arena. 'Pop songs change as often as fashion and keeping up- to-date can be just as hard. 'For example, you may like to wear tight trousers today, and tomorrow we may see you in clarinet-shaped trousers,' Lai said. 'If you do not follow the trend, you will be isolated. As a singer, you have to follow these trends very closely, or you will not be able to earn a living in this competitive world.' The Canto-pop king is no longer thought of as only a singer. He is also making a name for himself as an actor. 'I want to divide my time equally between singing and acting.' Lai said he wanted to give both his best shot, but singing gave him a 'very special' satisfaction. To his fans, Lai is a perfect role model: a handsome all-round singer with a gentle voice and a good body. But, Lai is the first to admit he is far from perfect. 'I have too many weaknesses and do not know what my strengths are. Even if I do have some strengths, I am unable to enjoy them except with those who know me well. 'Just like many people who would rather keep their inadequacies concealed, I do not intend to openly disclose mine.' So what kind of a person Lai is when he is away from stage and screen? 'I look at myself as a bit of a rigid person, someone who is not flexible enough. 'For me, things only move in one direction - straight. Sometimes, I do not know how to pull myself out of something and take an alternative course. 'I know it does me no good, but I cannot do anything about it. 'It's part of my character. The only thing I can do is to try my best not to hurt others.' However, Lai said worrying about his 'faults' would do him no good. 'I would rather spend time learning to improve myself as a whole.' Even after all his years in showbiz, Lai still enjoys the challenge of offering fans something new each time. 'It's great even if I have to work hard and often cannot get enough sleep.' Though Lai admits he can easily lose his temper, he says he tries to control it at work. 'It is not fair if I take my anger out on my colleagues. That will affect the whole team and I do not want this to happen,' Lai said.
