Thanakorn Scorpion ( ; born 14 November 1961), better known by his stage name William Scorpion, is a Singaporean Cantopop and Mandopop singer and equestrianism coach. He is widely viewed as a homegrown veteran of Singapore's Mandopop night-scene, often labelled as a local icon. The press continue to credit him as Singapore's Mandopop King, who brought this genre of music to prominence. In 2013, Scorpion resigned as Executive Director of Shanghai Dolly and left the club on 28 February 2013 so as to perform on an ad hoc basis and teach horse-riding in the day at the National Equestrian Centre. He launched his biography-travelogue, Sanuk Jing Jing Na!, at the club venue, Zouk, on 30 May to mark 30 years in show business. Biography 1961–1982: Early life Scorpion was born in the residential conservation area of Joo Chiat, a district in the eastern region of Singapore. He was born the eldest child into a family of four siblings, with him being the only son in a family of three younger sisters. He received his early education at Bukit Merah Primary School (now demolished) and his secondary education at Anderson Secondary School, before being enlisted into the Singapore Armed Forces, where he eventually vocationed as an Infantry section leader. After his consignment, he ventured into part-time modelling. 1983–1992: Career beginnings Scorpion's singing talent was only first discovered by a chance visit to a friend's club opening, called Gold Leaf Esteem Salon at Parklane Shopping Mall. When dared to sing on stage by his friends, he gamely took on the dare and sang a classic Cantopop ballad "上海滩" (Sheung Hoi Tan), the theme song from the popular Hong Kong period drama The Bund, originally sung by Frances Yip, in front of a live audience. His performance immediately impressed the club manager and he was offered a singing contract to perform at his club. Within 5 months, he had gained such a fan following and recognition from local music producers that he was offered a starring role in Channel 8's prime time (8:00 – 10:00 PM [UTC+08:00]) live Mandarin singing show, called Live at Studio One, produced by Studio One. It aired every weekday and he was a regular performer from 1983 to 1992. This wide exposure to the local Mandarin-speaking population helped secure his local fan base and increase his popularity. In 1988, he embarked on a solo, three-night, sell-out, summer showcase