How a Shoulder Dislocation Became Actor Dennis Toh’s Launchpad for Entrepreneurship and Reinvention

Within a short span of 5 months, Dennis Toh plunges into entrepreneurship, once again, focusing on 2 minimarts, 1 bubble tea shop, 1 thai food store and a coffeeshop

Sometimes, life’s unexpected setbacks can lead to the most remarkable opportunities. For Dennis Toh, a lecturer, actor, and now prolific entrepreneur, a shoulder dislocation from a volleyball game last August 2024 became the catalyst for a surprising and inspiring journey into entrepreneurship. What began as a painful injury has not only changed his career trajectory but may also mean the end of his lifelong passion for volleyball—a sport he has loved and played since the age of 15. 

A Devastating Blow to a Lifelong Passion

Dennis has been active playing volleyball since age 15. From 40 years old, he joined Taman Jurong CSC club and participated in local and overseas competitions, helping the club achieve many accolades and awards.

Volleyball has been a cornerstone of Dennis’s life for decades. From the courts of his youth to competitive matches as an adult, the sport has been a source of joy, camaraderie, and discipline. However, the shoulder dislocation he sustained during a game has left him facing the heartbreaking possibility that he may never play volleyball again.  “Volleyball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Dennis shared. “The thought of not being able to play again is devastating. It’s not just a sport to me—it’s a part of who I am.” 

Rather than letting the injury define him, Dennis chose to channel his energy into new pursuits. During his recovery, he found himself drawn to entrepreneurship, a field that allowed him to apply the same discipline, teamwork, and strategic thinking he honed on the volleyball court.  “When one door closes, another opens,” Dennis said. “While I may not be able to play volleyball, I’ve discovered a new passion in building businesses and creating opportunities for others.” 

‘It’s uncanny what life throws on you. It’s strange how this negative energy of losing my chance to play volleyball has transformed into a positive energy to start something anew’.

A Thriving Entrepreneurial Portfolio

Dennis’s entrepreneurial journey began with Feethaven, a foot massage business he successfully ran from 2012 to 2020. He sold his last outlet in Katong to the management of House of Javanese Massage right before Covid hit. Now, within a span of five months, he has expanded his portfolio with four new ventures; a minimart, a bubble tea shop, a Thai store, and a coffee shop. Each business reflects his commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement. 

“Entrepreneurship has given me a new sense of purpose,” Dennis explained. “It’s challenging, rewarding, and constantly pushes me to grow—just like volleyball did.”

From Star Search to Stardom

Dennis has always had a non-fulfilled wish; i.e to be a full-time actor. Circumstances have it that he could only work around being a freelance actor and producer.

Long before his entrepreneurial and academic achievements, Dennis first captured the public’s attention as a finalist in Star Search 2001, Singapore’s iconic talent competition organised by Mediacorp Channel 8. His performance on the show showcased his charisma and talent, paving the way for a later career in acting that has seen him appear in local dramas, commercials, and theatre productions. 

He was not signed as an artiste by mediacorp back in 2001.

“Star Search was a starting point in my life,” Dennis recalled. “It gave me the confidence to pursue my passions and opened doors to opportunities I never imagined possible.” 

Dennis’s acting career spans a wide range of roles, from television dramas to commercials

and theatre. He has appeared in Mediacorp’s Channel 8  productions such as ‘Babies on Board’, ‘Lonely Fish’, and ‘CTRL Z’, captivating audiences with his versatility and depth. In 2020, Dennis was involved as an actor in Four Horse Road, a production staged by The Theatre Practice. Unfortunately, the play only had two nights of run due to the COVID-19 circuit breaker, but it remains a testament to his dedication to the craft. 

Dennis has been involved in numerous local commercials in Singapore.

Dennis has also lent his talent to commercials for major brands like KFC, MOM, SingTel, Manulife and Dester Beer, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences across different mediums. He has since appeared in more than 30 local print and broadcast advertisements in Singapore.

Exploring the Digital Frontier

As the entertainment industry evolves, Dennis is determined to stay ahead of the curve. He is currently exploring ways to elevate his presence on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, recognizing the potential of digital media to amplify his creative vision and connect with a broader audience. “A lot of actors are caught in the chasm, not being able to bring their creative vision and passion to the next level digitally,” Dennis shared. “I want to bridge that gap. Whether it’s through short-form content on TikTok or longer narratives on YouTube, I’m excited to explore how I can use these platforms to tell stories and engage with people in new ways.”  Despite the challenges of 2024, which Dennis describes as a “creative desert,” he remains optimistic about the future. He believes that every experience—whether it’s running a business, teaching, or even recovering from an injury—prepares him for future acting roles. “Sometimes, living and breathing well prepares me for future acting roles to come,” Dennis shared. “Every moment, every challenge, and every triumph adds depth to my understanding of life and humanity. These experiences will undoubtedly enrich my performances when the right opportunities arise.” 

A Creative Desert in 2024

Dennis got into producing in 2022. He has since produced three theatre shows from 2022- 2023.

While Dennis has found success in entrepreneurship, 2024 proved to be a challenging year creatively. With fewer projects and collaborations on the horizon, he describes the year as a “creative desert.” Despite his active involvement in theatre production in 2022 and 2023—producing plays like ‘Surviving Hope’, ‘Changing Shift’, and ‘Catfished’—the opportunities to act, produce, or collaborate were scarce in 2024. 

“Last year felt like a pause in my creative journey,” Dennis admitted. “There weren’t many projects or collaborations to pursue, which was frustrating. But it also gave me time to reflect and plan for the future.” 

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Dennis steps into 2025, he is eager to reignite his creative spark. He remains open to audition calls and invitations from directors and casting agents, hoping to return to the stage and screen with renewed energy and passion. “I’m ready to dive back into acting and producing,” Dennis said. “I miss the thrill of storytelling and collaborating with other creatives. If there are directors or casting agents out there looking for someone who’s passionate and dedicated, I’m here and eager to contribute.” Despite the challenges posed by his injury and the creative lull of 2024, Dennis continues to excel other roles. As a lecturer at institutions like Curtin Singapore, Kaplan Singapore, Shelton College International, and MDIS, he inspires students with his real-world experiences.“Life is about adapting and finding new ways to thrive,” Dennis said. “I may not be able to play volleyball anymore, but I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve found in teaching, acting, producing, and entrepreneurship.” 

A Testament to Resilience and Reinvention

Dennis’s story is a powerful reminder that even the most difficult setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities. While the possibility of never playing volleyball again is a profound loss, Dennis has turned his pain into purpose, building a legacy that extends far beyond the court. 

His businesses, ranging from a minimart to a cozy coffee shop—are a testament to his resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination. Through his journey, Dennis continues to inspire others to embrace change, pursue new passions, and find strength in adversity. 

As Dennis moves forward, he remains committed to creating value for his community and inspiring others to turn challenges into opportunities. His story is a shining example of how determination, creativity, and a positive attitude can lead to extraordinary achievements, even in the face of life-altering setbacks.