Model, actor, national athlete and now TV producer, Paul Foster is an all-rounder in every sense of the word, and he speaks with unbridled enthusiasm and passion on his new production.

The show has broken new ground on a number of levels, having made its debut in the squeaky-clean city of Singapore. There are currently no legal poker rooms in Singapore [though that will soon be changing, following the opening of the new casino at Resorts World Sentosa], and indeed many Singaporeans associate the game with gambling. But where others have seen difficulty, Foster saw an opportunity, and sought to change the state of affairs with a new reality show.

“[My co-producer] Jonathan Kay and I were proactive about taking this opportunity to create a poker-centred show that brings the game into the public eye and showcases it for what it really is, the ultimate test of skill and character,” he says. “There are thousands of Singaporeans playing poker every day, and indeed, some of them have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the game, both locally and on the world stage. It’s a shame most of the country doesn’t know this, and its time the people of Singapore were properly introduced to poker.”

The Asian Poker Showdown features eight amateur poker players from Singapore, living together in the palatial PokerStars Mansion on the resort island of Sentosa, competing in challenges with lessons they must master in order to make it in the world of professional poker. Mentored by PokerStars Team Asia Pro Bryan Huang, they were in for the ride of their lives.

Foster’s aim is to use the show as a vehicle to bring the game forward and into the spotlight, familiarising viewers with the game of poker. “Most people do not see the hard work that goes into getting that good at this game. The long hours spent honing your skills, and the discipline to keep at it and not get distracted by the perks of the job.”

The producers’ decision to market the show online was a strategic move, targeted at making it accessible to the masses as well as international audiences.

Summing up his thoughts about the show, Paul reckons that he couldn’t possibly be happier with how things have gone. “We had a great time filming and producing the show in Singapore. As the show progresses, you can definitely see the contestants making progress; all of them have definitely improved – and that’s the aim of the show. Also, look out for a few cameo appearances in the finale.”