M'sia Chabor star Joyce Chu wants to be singer-actress in S'pore

SINGAPORE - She's a Malaysian "chabor" (Hokkien for woman) who hankers to make it big in Singapore.

Joyce Chu, 17, who became famous with her viral hit song Malaysia Chabor, hopes to become an actress and singer here.

In the catchy ditty that got more than 7 million views on YouTube since its release in June, she addresses the backlash that she had been receiving on her Facebook page.

Her detractors had accused her of having plastic surgery, being mistaken for being Korean and banking on her looks to sell her songs.

But Joyce said that she has put all that behind her, after she sang about being proud to be Malaysian.

She told The New Paper at local talent competition The Ultimate Star Finals on Sunday, where she was a guest: "I would like to come to Singapore to act and sing. I really like it here.

"Actually, I have deferred my studies since Malaysia Chabor became popular. I want to put my career first since this song is fresh in people's minds and I want to see if I can make it in the entertainment industry."

SCHOOL

Joyce studied at Si Ling Secondary School in Marsiling. And because she lives in Johor Baru, she had to wake up at 4am every day to make it to school on time.

The journey home would be even more tiring if she got caught in a jam at the Causeway.

She said: "I chose to study in Singapore because I wanted a chance to improve my English."

In Malaysia Chabor, which is a mix of English, Mandarin, Malay and Korean, she also sings about being criticised for being plastic.

She is adamant at not having gone under the knife and said that her beauty is a result of good sleeping habits and beauty supplements.

Fish oil and spirulina are what she takes for her radiant, glowing complexion.

She also said that her mum is a very good cook who whips up delicious Nonya food to give her a health boost.

The single teen said: "I've had only one relationship and you can call that puppy love.

"My ideal type of guy must be hilarious, neat and clean. Looks aren't that important to me."

This article was first published on Dec 3, 2014.
Get The New Paper for more stories.