Leong, who will be representing Malaysia on Friday, is only the third comedian from the country to perform at JFL after Ronny Chieng and Phil Wang. Additionally, he is the only comic from the Southeast Asian comedy scene in the lineup this year.
Sharing the news on his Instagram profile, the 36-year-old gushed elaborately: “It’s quite surreal.”
“I feel really honoured to be selected,” he told FMT. “I’ve said it many times – Malaysia has the best standup comedy scene in Southeast Asia, and when I perform anywhere outside the country, I feel a duty to represent our comedy community properly.”
JFL – which runs until July 31- is billed as the biggest comedy event in the world, and began in Montreal’s Saint-Denis Theatre in 1983. Over the years it has showcased the biggest names in the business, from Jerry Seinfeld and Eddie Murphy to Russell Peters.
The New Faces showcase, with alumni that include Amy Schumer and Kevin Hart, is a launchpad for the next generation of comedy superstars, touting 62 up-and-coming comics this year.
While it has usually been a platform primarily for acts from the United States and Canada, the international showcase on Friday features 10 performers from outside of North America for the first time.
For the uninitiated, Leong is a medical doctor turned comedian whose 2020 Netflix special “Hashtag Blessed” allowed him to transition from medical professional to professional joke-teller.
His latest live show “Heaty” completed a sold-out run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival earlier this year, in addition to two sold-out shows at the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore.
Jason’s online standup clips have received tens of millions of views across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. He has appeared on Comedy Central’s Stand Up Asia, and was the winner of the 2013 Hong Kong International Comedy Competition.
Leong regularly performs around Asia, Australia and the US, and will be touring Jakarta, Australia, and London this year.
“I hope this paves the way for many of my colleagues in the future,” Leong added.
Check out the lineup of the New Faces International Showcase here. Stay updated on Dr Jason Leong’s comedy via his website, as well as Facebook and Instagram profiles.