Xian Lim set to graduate with Music Production degree

Graduation is just around the corner for Chinese-Filipino actor and director Xian Lim, as he is set to earn his degree in Music Production this July from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde.

Lim once played a music producer in the 2018 comedy-drama film based on the South Korean movie “Miss Granny,” a role that aligns with his real-life degree.

On May 3, the 36 year-old-actor shared the personal milestone on Instagram, reflecting on his early career journey. Lim recounts  working at an early age. 

“At 15, my first job was in a restaurant, and right after school, I’d head straight into my shift, excited to earn and learn. Not long after, I spent about a year working at Costco, juggling work and studies just to make ends meet, before eventually moving to the Philippines.”

He said an unexpected opportunity in the entertainment industry eventually led him to pursue acting full-time, with his education taking a back seat as he put his studies on hold.

After 15 years in the industry, Lim admitted to carrying a “quiet insecurity" for not finishing school and getting a degree. "I knew something was missing,” describing it as a gap he could no longer ignore.

He also said that returning to school wasn’t easy, and that he had doubts and even felt embarrassed at times, wondering if it might be too late.

“More than anything, I was afraid of failing. But here we are,” he admitted. In the end, the actor said, “I’m still in the clouds,” expressing disbelief and gratitude for reaching this point. He also thanked the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation (ETEEAP) program and proudly added, “See you at PICC this 4th of July!”

Fellow actor Matteo Guidicelli, who is currently enrolled in his third program at Harvard Business School, congratulated Lim, commenting, “Congratulations dude. Keep growing.”

Lim previously shared another milestone on June 18 last year, revealing that he had earned his private and commercial pilot licenses.

Lim is recognized for his work in television and film, including roles in "Katorse," "My Binondo Girl," "The Reunion," "Bride for Rent," "Hearts on Ice," "Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?", and "Miss Granny."

He also voiced the titular character in the Philippine releases of "Paddington" and "Paddington 2," and has expanded his career into directing, including the ongoing live-action series "Project Loki."