Singer Joi Chua: Living in the moment

Singer, songwriter, optometrist and now summons auntie (Well, a part in a movie playing one)? Not the usual career portfolio a person would have, but the road to stardom has always been a little unconventional for Singapore songstress Joi Chua.

The homegrown songbird made her music debut in 1996 when she was singled out from a pool of 2,000 candidates by Ocean Butterflies Production Company at its premiere audition to join the label as a trainee singer. Choosing to first complete her diploma in Optometry at Singapore Polytechnic, her debut album was released only four years later in 2000.

But life throws curve balls, and it was that very diploma that helped Chua tide over the lowest point in her music career when the album and debut in Taiwan failed to make any impact that year. So optometrist she became, working at a hospital from 2001 to 2003.

After a successful musical comeback in 2004 with Play Music (which Warner Music later acquired) and a slew of awards, including the merit award under the cultural achievement category for The Outstanding Young Person Award in 2006 and Best Asia-Pacific Vocalist at the Original Chinese Music Awards in China in 2010, she unexpectedly left Warner Music to strike out on her own in 2010.

A year later, she fulfilled another life-long dream by opening her own optical boutique The EyeCare People at Holland Village. In 2012, she went on to reinvent both her image and sound, setting up her own music label (Joi Music) and executive producing her EP Perspectives.

And now, three years later, the 37-year-old Mandopop singer is taking another unexpected step with the same chutzpah that has seen her through her years in the industry, making her film debut in Royston Tan’s 3688. In the feted director’s first feature film in seven years, Chua plays the lead Fei Fei, a parking attendant who dreams of becoming a singer like her idol and famous namesake — Taiwanese songstress and Queen of Hats Feng Fei-Fei.

Her co-stars include getai veteran Liu Ling Ling, Singapore’s First Lady of song Rahimah Rahim and hip-hop star Shigga Shay in this multi-cultural celebration of Singapore’s everyday heroes, from kopitiam workers to “summon aunties”.

“When Royston came to me saying that he would like me to act in his newest movie, I brushed it off initially thinking it was a joke,” she told TODAY. “Especially when I have zero acting background! It was only after speaking with Royston that I realised he was serious in getting me to act as Fei Fei.”

Even though she thought it was “totally bizarre” when she was told she got the part, Chua, ever the professional, immediately requested drama lessons with a drama teacher to better prepare for the role.

“As I read through the script, there was a close connection between me and Fei Fei,” Chua revealed. “It was almost like I could understand her and the things she says. More importantly, Royston’s confidence in me was high and he was very sincere about it. His belief in me made me feel that I can do it, and thus, I went with my instincts.”

This “close connection” with her character stemmed from some real life associations. Chua said that they shared similar backgrounds, taking part in singing competitions since young, and how their mothers passed away when they were in their late teens.

While there were obvious character differences, playing Fei Fei had a profound impact on Chua’s life and outlook.

“We are different in our characters and temperaments. Fei Fei is passive and lives in her own comfort zone, while I’m pragmatic and more forward in pursuing the things I enjoy doing,” she said after some thought. “However different we are, there is something in Fei Fei that resonates strongly.

“Fei Fei is real in her emotions and fears,” Chua explained. “She shows her vulnerability like a child and has doubts that she is good enough when pushed to face a challenge. She did not feel entitled to go after her dream. Only when she was left with no choice, she became courageous enough to face what life had for her.”

Chua said her character created an epiphany for her. “That life is not just about living in your own comforts and perspectives of what you think you can be,” she elaborated. “(Life) is about being courageous enough to stretch your abilities and potential, and believing that the entitlement is not only for the blessed and smart.”

For a girl who revealed that her hardest acting challenge was “fiercely scolding people”, one would expect that it would be incredibly nerve-wracking to step into the film world and deal with pre-conceived expectations of both fans and critics. But Chua takes it all in her stride.

“I held no expectations and it was great to be a newbie again,” she said with a smile. “Never thought too much about what fans or critics may think or say. I just kept the role in mind.”

She said she took criticism constructively (“critics have preferences too”) and acknowledged that it was hard to please everyone. “(However) it’s important to get views from different people so that you know how to improve, improvise or breakthrough ...”

With such positivity, one can’t help feel the joie de vivre in Joi Chua.

She relished working with Tan – she has always been a fan. “I became a bigger fan of Royston after working with him because you get to understand his motives behind the movies or short film he made,” Chua said. “Very often his motives are sincere and authentic which touches your heart easily. I never expected him to be such a chill director. He never gave me any detailed or in-depth instructions on how to act, instead, he gave me space to explore and express my performance ... I didn’t even know (if it) worked or not!

“But having said that, I’m really grateful for the space given to me because I was totally relaxed and focused on getting into my role.”

As wonderful an experience as her debut as an actress has been, the multi-hyphenate singer-entreprenuer-actress did confess that “singing will always be (her) passion”.

“The best is yet to come,” she teased. “I’m currently working on my new EP which, hopefully, will be released before the end of the year.”

The EP will be produced by Joi Music but released in China, under a chinese record label.

So after this unconventional journey, what advice would she give her 18 year old self?

“Just be silly. Don’t be afraid of losing out, or that you are a slow learner,” she said. “Take reasonable risks and don’t look back.”

She shared that the best advice she’s been given is to “follow your heart and your instincts”.

“So far, my instincts have not failed me!” she said. “I live in the moment and that’s happiness. (There’s) no need for ever after if the present is thoroughly felt.”

3688 opens in cinemas this thursday.

Joi Chua

Hair and Makeup by: Dollei Seah & Vicky Lee (Makeup Entourage)

Styling by: Dolphin Yeo

Outfit: MARNI

Royston Tan

Hair and Makeup by: Dollei Seah & Vicky Lee (Makeup Entourage)

Outfit: Sects Shop