Hello Mentor EP23 | Mark O’dea, Former Boy Band Member Turned Malaysian Show Host & YouTuber
From being a member of ‘The London Boys’ boyband to a full time Malaysian Show Host & YouTuber, Mark O’dea shares how he made this his reality.
By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM
Updated on 2025-03-17 at 7:15 AM
“If it wasn’t for the boy band, I wouldn’t have come to Malaysia and really fell in love with it. When I was in the boy band, I had so much free time so I started a YouTube Channel and that’s when I got noticed by The 8TV Quickie.” – Mark O’Dea
About the episode
In this captivating episode of Hello Mentor, host Derek Toh sits down with Mark O’Dea, a UK-born performer who has successfully carved out a unique niche in Malaysia. Mark shares his incredible journey—from his boy band days in The London Boys to becoming a beloved TV host on Astro and a celebrated social media content creator.
Mark delves into the lessons he learned navigating two distinct industries: television and social media. He reflects on the creative freedom he enjoys as a digital content creator compared to the structured environment of TV hosting. His insights into adapting to evolving trends and staying authentic are sure to resonate with aspiring professionals in Malaysia and beyond.
Getting to know Mark O’dea
Mark O’Dea (@markodea8) is no stranger to reinvention. Initially making his mark as a member of the Asia-based boy band The London Boys, Mark’s path shifted when he began exploring his passion for content creation. His YouTube channel, now boasting over 317,000 subscribers and 110 million views, became his stepping stone into Malaysia’s entertainment scene.
After parting ways with the band, Mark transitioned to TV, hosting The 8TV Quickie and later joining Astro for shows like Wishlist and SuperSport Daily. Known for his humor and relatability, Mark also creates viral content for Instagram, where he has amassed over 213,000 followers.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
1. Embrace Opportunities Outside Your Comfort Zone
Mark’s leap from London to Malaysia as part of a boy band was unconventional, but it opened doors he hadn’t imagined. His story underscores the value of taking risks and staying open to new environments.
2. Adapt to Evolving Trends
In the digital age, adaptability is key. Mark highlights how his pivot to social media helped him stay relevant when traditional TV roles began to dwindle. Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, Mark believes in leveraging the platforms where audiences are most engaged.
3. Stay Authentic
Mark’s approach to content creation is grounded in authenticity. From humorous parodies to relatable skits about Malaysian life, his work connects with people by staying true to who he is.
4. Balance Passion with Practicality
While Mark values creative freedom, he also understands the importance of planning and hard work. His ability to blend creativity with discipline has been instrumental in his success.
Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring and accomplished individuals.
Hello Mentor is hosted by Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly.
Listen to all episodes on Spotify for your dose of inspiration and career advice from real people who’ve been there!
If you’re a jobseeker or professional navigating your own career journey, check out Hiredly for career resources, job opportunities, and tools like the Work Personality Test to find your perfect match in the workplace.
By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM