Men With Style: Mark Ong, Artist, Designer And Founder Of SBTG

Better known as Mr Sabotage, the Singaporean sneaker customisation artist and streetwear legend lets us in on his creative journey.

Mr Sabotage Mark Ong — Photos: Courtesy of Mark Ong

By Gracia Phang - published 20 Aug 2025

“I’ve always had a compulsion to break rules. I was that kid at the back of the class, questioning every norm. That mindset never left,” says Mark Ong, better known as Mr Sabotage. That rule-breaking spirit led him to start SBTG, becoming one of Singapore’s most renowned and respected names in the streetwear and sneaker culture scene in the process. For Ong, it’s all about the freedom to explore and express himself; to shift, connect and digest creativity in his own time. Right now, that means focusing his energy on creating his own made-in-Japan line of sneakers, and taking the local creative scene further.

What was your childhood dream?

“My childhood dream was simple: to be like Mike (Michael Jordan). Every time I step onto the basketball court, I channel that energy. And years later, I got to design my own signature shoe with Nike, so I’d say that dream came full circle. That counts for something, right?”

What does fashion mean to you?

“Fashion, to me, is a form of expression through the way you dress; creating an atmosphere that stirs emotion. It’s not just about how something looks, but how it makes people feel.”

How would you best describe your style?

“I’d describe my style as subcultural distortion. I’m always playing with contrast theory—twisting expectations, whether it’s in my designs or the way I dress. If I had to wear a suit, I’d disrupt it with a vintage tee or a leopard-print aloha shirt underneath—maybe throw on some safety pins and band buttons on the lapels. I’ve always had a compulsion to break rules. I was that kid at the back of the class, questioning every norm. That mindset never left.”

Who is your style inspiration, and why?

“My style foundation comes from Tim Armstrong of Rancid, the Sex Pistols, and the Misfits. That raw punk energy—that’s my base layer.

I’m not copying the look; I’m chasing the feeling. Their style was pure expression, and I use doses of that spirit to shape whatever I’m into at the moment. It’s about attitude more than aesthetics.”

What was the first pair of sneakers you customised? Was that the moment you decided that this would become your career?

“The first pair I ever customised was an all-white 1982 Nike Legend. I painted it to mimic a rare pair I couldn’t afford at the time. My friends showed a lot of love, and that gave me a boost.

About a year later, I customised a pair of Air Force 1s and posted it on an online forum—someone actually reached out to buy it. I was still serving NS (national service), and that moment blew my mind. That’s when I thought, maybe I could really do this for a living.”

What does being a Singaporean creative mean to you, and why?

“Being a Singaporean creative comes with a sense of responsibility—but it’s one I willingly carry. Because of our young history, we get the rare chance to write our own chapters and be the first to do something. That thought is always at the back of my mind. It pressures me, but it also fuels pleasure and purpose.”

What is your vision for SBTG for the next five years?

“I wouldn’t say I have a five-year plan—things move fast these days, and locking into something long-term can feel limiting. I’ve always taken it one step at a time, focusing on outdoing my last project. That approach has served me well.

Right now, the most exciting thing on my radar is a conversation with a brand about creating my own made-in-Japan subline of sneakers. That’s where my energy’s going.”

Most treasured piece in your wardrobe, and why?

“Funny enough, I don’t think I have a most treasured piece right now—it didn’t hit me until you asked. I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer attached to physical objects.

All the grails I once chased? I’ve already owned them. What I value most these days is my health and athleticism. That’s the real flex for me now.”

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“‘Done is better than perfect.’ It cuts through overthinking and gets you comfortable with failure—because failure, more often than not, is what leads to success. It’s all part of the process.”

Favourite collection of all time?

“Junya Watanabe’s fall/winter 2006 collection left a deep impression. He collaborated with brands like Levi’s, Dickies and Carhartt, all unified by a shared dark camo print. It was the first time I saw how multiple brands could be pulled into one cohesive vision, and it inspired me to chase that kind of creative direction in my own career.”

If you could do a wardrobe swap with anyone, who would it be and why?

“Honestly, the idea scares me a little; I’m super particular about proportions, more than the pieces themselves.

But if I had to choose, I’d swap wardrobes with the Sex Pistols during their Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren era, just to get a taste of that raw, untamed energy firsthand.