M'sia Chabor clamours for glamour -- in S'pore
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."
The Ultimate Star winners
The Ultimate Star finals held at *Scape on Sunday saw three champions crowned in the Vocal Solo, Vocal Group and Dance categories.
The winners of the local singing competition organised by P.A.T.H. (Professional Artiste Training Headquarters) Acme Academy in its inaugural year told M what gave them the edge over their rivals.
Four acts competed in each category and the winners won a cash prize of between $1,000 and $1,200 each.
PSYKATS
(VOCAL GROUP)
The six members of this talented a capella group, aged between 20 and 23, brought the house down with their mash-up of Counting Stars (One Republic) and Starship (Nicki Minaj). The arrangement was by SMU Voix, Singapore Management University's a capella group.
Member Amanda Sng, 20, said that they were all SMU students who were out to offer something different at the finals.
She added: "It's rare to have an a capella group in a mainstream competition.
"We realised the importance of showmanship and that's why we won."
AGOD
(DANCE)
These five hip-hop extraordinaires from North Vista Secondary School, aged 16 to 19, beat the competition with their slick, fancy moves.
Said member Fergus Koh, 16: "We feel happy and grateful to have won as we worked hard for it.
"We were training for three hours a day at night and we kept recording our sessions so that we could learn from our mistakes.
"That really paid off."
JEFF NG
(VOCAL SOLO)
This 24-year-old piano teacher has been singing since he was 17.
Nghas joined 10 singing competitions previously and finally took home first prize last Sunday.
The power-singer said: "This is a milestone, a new achievement for me.
"I don't really dream of being a celebrity because there are a lot of things you have to do, like pander to what the music market requires of you.
"I'm not prepared for that, I'm more of a free-style person."
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