I've always wanted to be popular

I've always wanted to be popular

SINGAPORE - They long to be famous. BENITA AW YEONG talks to three people who are waiting for their big break in modelling, TV and theatre The limelight. Miss Jen Koh's waking moments are spent reaching for this.

You might think it is far-fetched, but it will not dampen the spirits of this feisty 28-year-old, who believes there is nothing unrealistic about waiting in the wings for her big break.

She is so serious about pursuing showbiz as a career that she quit her five-year job as an air stewardess in February.

"I enjoyed my job then, and often came into contact with big bosses.

"But I found myself recording songs in the wee hours of the morning after knocking off.

"Sometimes my colleagues told me to stop singing," she says with a laugh.

Miss Koh, who is a fan of Taiwanese singer A-mei, began joining singing competitions and pageants when she was 18.

But she says it does not matter if her path to fame is through singing, acting or modelling.

All that matters is attaining the status of a popular celebrity.

"Once you become famous, you can do anything you want, really," she says matter-of-factly.

She makes a living by working as a ring girl at events like Thai boxing matches, and at corporate presentations.

"If you're hard-working like me, you can earn up to $6,000 a month, or even more on occasion," she says.

Jobs are referred to her via her talent agency, Eleganz Talent Management, as well as acquaintances she meets at events.

She confesses that the nine-to-five office culture has never held any appeal for her.

"I just wouldn't be able to sit still.

"I've always wanted to be popular, for people to know me.

"I'm especially encouraged by the story of Taiwanese singer Show Luo, who struggled for more than a decade before finding success.

"These rags-to-riches stories give me hope for my own future," she says.

Miss Koh aspires to make it big in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Her inspiration is TV actress Charmaine Sheh.

She has her share of critics and naysayers, most of whom say her life goal is unrealistic.

"You can't stop people from saying what they want, but I have dreams.

"Who wouldn't want to be famous? For people to recognise you when you go out and to ask for your photograph?

"I wouldn't believe it if someone said this is not the kind of life they want.

"Nothing is impossible, If you don't try, you don't know," she says.

When asked about the prospect of failing, Miss Koh says she prefers not to think about it.

"I'll make my dream happen. I don't want to have any regrets in the future," she says.

Her boyfriend, who is in the property industry, remains her biggest supporter.

"He reassures me by saying that no matter what happens, he will always be there for me.

"This is enough to quell the voices of others who try to put me down."

 

This article was published on April 20 in The New Paper.

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