William Yong, the Artistic Director and Founder of Zata Omm and W Zento Productions, has spent over two decades pioneering the fusion of art, science, and technology in his visionary performance projects. This multifaceted artist's journey began with music as a member of the Hong Kong Children's Choir and later as the lead singer and songwriter for the band Fundamental, which was signed by a major record label in Hong Kong and Asia.
As his passion for the arts evolved, William expanded his repertoire to encompass a 30-year career spanning dance, theatre, acting, directing, and filmmaking. His academic pursuits took him to the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and London Contemporary Dance School, where he earned a master's degree with distinction. Throughout his career, William has had the privilege of performing with some of the world's most renowned choreographers and companies, including Wayne McGregor's Random Dance and Matthew Bourne's Adventures in Motion Pictures, touring 76 cities across 15 countries.
As a choreographer and director, William has created over 150 acclaimed works, showcasing his innovative style and creativity. His notable productions include vox:lumen, Steer, and Eden Planted, which have received widespread critical acclaim. In 2024, William made history by becoming the first Asian choreographer commissioned by the National Ballet of Canada for UtopiVerse, a groundbreaking achievement in Canadian ballet. This prestigious production was performed at Toronto's iconic Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
Throughout his illustrious career, William has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts, including the "I love dance/J'aime la danse" Award for Innovation and a Dora Mavor Moore Award for performance. His stage works have garnered eleven Dora nominations, most recently for Outstanding Original Choreography for UtopiVerse. In addition to his work in the performing arts, William has also made a significant impact in the film industry, directing, cinematographing, and editing several award-winning short films. His innovative approach to storytelling has earned him international recognition, including awards for Best Cinematography, Award of Excellence, and Best Experimental Short at nine esteemed film festivals worldwide.
With a relentless passion for pushing artistic boundaries and a commitment to innovation, William Yong continues to redefine the possibilities of storytelling for the stage and screen in the technological age.
