SINGAPORE - She’s been in the music industry for eight years, but Kelly Poon is still struggling to be heard.

The Singaporean singer, who entered the business after winning second place in the first edition of Project Superstar in 2005, admitted that her singing career has been fraught with doubt and difficulties.

Despite the challenges, however, Poon says she is grateful to her family for their unconditional support.

“My mom is the most supportive person in my whole life,” the singer told TODAY after a press conference for her new EP, Miss Kelly, at the Warner Music Singapore office. “She doesn’t say anything, she doesn’t scold me, she doesn’t question my work. She just supports me quietly.”

The 31-year-old added: “But it’s always very heart-breaking when she asks me if I have money to eat. It’s like, I am already so old, and you still have to ask me! When she asks that, it shows how much she’s worrying about me.”

But Poon, who also took part in Taiwanese reality singing competition Super Star earlier this year, has decided to take things one step at a time, even though she acknowledges that it has been difficult staying committed to her dream job.

“I think my singing career so far hasn’t been as smooth-sailing as other singers,” she said. “There have been many difficulties, and I’ve been through ups and downs. I keep moving from company to company, and every step has been a learning process.”

“But I believe you can tell that my songs and work are getting more mature. And right now, I am just focusing on doing the best I can.”