Her first job after her GCE 'A' levels was a flight stewardess with Singapore Airlines,[4] Au's career in the entertainment industry began when she was talent-spotted from a Toy Factory Productions English remake of a Hong Kong stage musical I Have A Date With Spring. In 2015, she auditioned for The LKY Musical, and got the coveted role of Madam Kwa Geok Choo, but life took a sharp turn when her close secondary school friend passed away from a heart attack. During her teenage days, she had spent a night in Marymount Girls Home and witnessed many girls in dismal circumstances. I had everything, yet I felt a huge void, she says. The blazing lights of show business were soon snuffed out right when she blew out the candles on her 30th birthday cake. Live where you fear to live. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . The truth is our paths have crossed before. Most of the time in our workplace, we want to be the best and contribute to the company so that everyone can grow together. He was so shocked to know that because to him, I was someone very capable and talented, and someone he admired.". However, she had been accused of mimicking an Indian accent during the SEA Games opening ceremony. That's what happened to former Mediacorp actress Sharon Au who shared this in an emotional post today (May 11), addingit "took me 11 days to pen this note, without crying". She also said that she has moderate scoliosis since young, and needs a medical bed at home for her spinal condition. After staying with Melissas family for two years, Sharons aunt finally took her back in. Her ability to connect with the masses wasnt her only repertoire of skills; there wasnt a role Sharon couldnt embody. Or perhaps Picasso, in all his cubism glory, might do a better job. But the process of getting help was not as straightforward. [13] Intending to take a year of sabbatical, she instead applied for a job at a private equity firm after spending two months in Paris, France. I never had a proper home, and moved every year, Sharon says. . First at 13, then at 30, and again at 42. That was when she knew she had to get serious help. In an episode of the meWATCH talkshow Hear U Out, Sharon told host Quan Yi Fong that she even thought of being a waitress at the Italian restaurant, before meeting a former Mediacorp chairman who recommended her for a job. . In an interview with AsiaOne on Monday (Nov 22) for her upcoming meWATCH. According to Ms Au, the chairman had seen her work and was impressed by her. . Everything ends. [7] In the same year; she played the female lead, Madam Kwa Geok Choo, in The LKY Musical, alongside actor Adrian Pang, for 37 shows in the Marina Sands Theatre. [5] She played numerous roles ranging from a cabaret girl in the stage musical, Beauty World to an enthusiastic radio presenter in the sitcom Right Frequency, each receiving rave reviews. She added: While we were eating, he asked me how work was, and I told him I didnt have a job and couldnt find one. Sowhen we caught up with host Sharon Au on Monday (Nov 22) for her newmeWATCH series Money Money Home, we had to ask: What should young people do with their first salary? I lost my friends as I was too arrogant, or perhaps too busy to care., Almost everyone remembers Sharon as the vivacious host of. I understand now why I wanted to leave the fame behind. Apr 2007 - Jul 20169 years 4 months. I also enjoy encouraging others to do the same . During one of the nights, Sharon had reserved a ticket at the Marina Sands Theatre for her friend to watch the performance, but she never showed up. Her favourite artist is Rembrandt, who is a symbol of freedom. ", She added: "Took me 11 days to pen this note, without crying. SINGAPORE - Sharon Au's dream life in Paris recently turned into a nightmare when her apartment was broken into on April 30. He said: "Whenever I have time, I think it's very important to invest in myself. But I have (my pet cat) Rudon. As I watch her float out of the door with a Gallic flair, a couple from the next table gapes with admiration. Quiet Inlet, a sweet Kayuki cocktail, is a popular choice of drug, but today, Sharon is happy sipping water. Nobody had felt anything. I remember crying after the meeting as I closedmy laptop and packed up. More than she has ever written in the past 20 years, penning down her thoughts in long essays. An unsympathetic man with his gaze fixed on his computer, the doctor only looked at Au once, when she stopped talking. I was unhappy and empty inside. Three months later, Sharon left at the peak of her career and found herself in Tokyo, without a concrete plan in mind. The whole celebrity diva thing had disintegrated and I felt like I had become the Sharon Au that I was supposed to behappy and contented. Perhaps I was feeling too vulnerable back then. After staying with Melissas family for two years, Sharons aunt finally took her back in. By submitting this form, I agree to these terms and conditions. Sharon said: "When I was job hunting, I didn't even want to spend on rent. Copyright 2023 SPH Media Limited. The whole celebrity diva thing had disintegrated and I felt like I had become the Sharon Au that I was supposed to behappy and contented. It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan, and the fourth most powerful in modern history. I got home, switched on my laptop, andtyped outmy resignation letter.". Until one day, in a work meeting, she felt the ground tremble and shake. She returned to MediaCorp to serve her scholarship bond upon graduation in 2011, taking up an office executive position. Humble beginnings While her country of residence is now Paris, Au's roots go back to a humble kampung in Serangoon. to come on board. If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates. [6] She also went to Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 in France for a year as part of Waseda University's One-Year international Exchange Program. Life is all about connections. | Darren Lim turns his yacht into a business opportunity, takes people out on rides. Her deep love for the arts grew when she recognised its value, serving as a mirror of her life. And you can't beat me at Scrabble. It takes courage, strength, self-awareness to break away from the comfort of familiarity, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. She was jobless for three months and even thought of being a waitress at the Italian restaurant near her apartment. Prices start from S$138 for an express programme, and go up to S$688 for a professional course. I started crying like crazy. She followed instructions, took direction well, but had little autonomy over her actions much like a marionette. We become what we chase after. ', But I chickened out. She made a significant mark in her forties, being one of the 3 key hosts in SEA Games in Singapore's home ground. In October 2018, she found an overseas job as an investment director in a private equity firm based in Paris, France. One of them emailed me about work at 12am - 1am, require the report be sent to him by 9.30 am next day (work start at 9am). Thinking that an earthquake was happening, she gripped the edges of the table and asked if anyone else felt it. But Sharon doesnt like Picasso. ALSO READ:Sharon Au: People thought I was a traitor in the media war but I'm actually the big winner, released statements announcing her resignation, Sharon Au: People thought I was a traitor in the media war but I'm actually the big winner. Today he is still traumatised by the invasion. I hoped that by being famous, my parents would notice me and regret that they had left. This is relatively affordable compared to culinary schools overseas, which can cost upwards of S$50,000 and take over a year. Nonetheless, she was still invited to host at televised events and theatres. The counselling, together with anti-depressants, eventually redeemed Au from the clutches of depression. I wish you well. Putting up such a front made Au question if she was really that happy all the time, and whether she had lost sight of herself. Effectively multilingual, Au established herself amongst top emcee-hosts in Mediacorp alongside Quan Yi Fong and Guo Liang. I was not a very nice person to my friends, she confesses wistfully. She is really cool.. Going back to school made me the same down-to-earth person I was before I joined the media.. Sharon Butler Director, Corporate Partnerships & Social Investment at MOSAIC Delta, British Columbia, Canada 2K followers 500+ connections Join to follow MOSAIC University of Victoria. Her ability to connect with the masses wasnt her only repertoire of skills; there wasnt a role Sharon couldnt embody. After all, self-love is the best kind of love. However, the one silver lining was that Rudon (whom she often posts about) waited for her to return home despite witnessing the break-in. Time away from the limelight allowed Sharon to recentre herself, and upon graduating from Waseda University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in 2011, she returned to Singapore with an invigorated sense of purpose and identity. Although Sharon seems to have made peace with the fact that she may not be able to experience motherhood, a number of netizens left their two cents in the comments, writing that it might not be too late for her after all. Au also posted an Instagram story featuring what appears to be a police officer - in a uniform sporting the French words "identite judiciaire" (forensic services) - conducting investigations inside her apartment, while her cat looks on. Even the slightest sound startles him now. [] Because all my life I've been strong enough to overcome any adversities, so like, this shouldn't be any different. When she realised telling jokes drew people to her and made her forget about the dreary realities of life, Au started living through that persona. Subscribe to the 8days weekly e-newsletter to receive the I consent to the use of my personal data by Mediacorp and the Mediacorp group of companies (collectively Mediacorp) to send me notices, information, promotions and updates including marketing and advertising materials in relation to Mediacorps goods and services and those of third party organisations selected by Mediacorp, and for research and analysis, including surveys and polls. In the day, she attended school and at night, she slept in Dennys, which was open 24 hours. Slow down and take it all in. Modest Rally in Asian Equities Expected as Regional Economies Remain Supportive and Valuations Reasonable, Dubai-Based Real Estate Developer Omniyat Launches Ultra-Luxury Beachfront Residences, Singapore Buyers Show Strong Interest in Mixed-Use Development in Londons Vauxhall, This Residential Tower in Dubai Features Interiors by Pagani, What to Expect at the Newly Reopened I12 Katong Retail Mall, Are You a HNWI? Former Singaporean celebrity Sharon Au shared her ideas at work and she was scolded for it and she then dramatically resigned from Mediacorp in 2018. "I just told myself, 'Okay, this is Paris'.". To continue, upgrade to a supported browser. To complete the course, students will spend one week in one of the chef's kitchen,after which they receive certification should they pass. . "Aggressive" and "ambitious" were the words Au used to describe herself. She followed instructions, took direction well, but had little autonomy over her actions much like a marionette. And from then on, I changed the way I lived, Sharon reveals with a tenderness in her voice. In 2015, she auditioned for The LKY Musical, and got the coveted role of Madam Kwa Geok Choo, but life took a sharp turn when her close secondary school friend passed away from a heart attack. We Are Hiring Following her resignation, the actress relocated to Paris because she wanted to start afresh but no one there would hire here. We were supposed to go back to work after the meeting but I dont know why, I just walked away and couldnt stop, and I ended up going home and crying on the way back. During the late 1990s she was best known for co-hosting City Beat with Kym Ng and Bryan Wong. The. But Au also found the rumour "sobering", as she realised that most people would only make such a drastic change to their lives if they were dying. Privacy policy. Investment Director Duties & Responsibilities To write an effective investment director job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. A phone call later, she clinched a job at a private equity firm and she has climbed her way up to being an investment director with clients under her. Global Head of Investment Bank Research. In the World War ah?". Mediacorp | 8 Days. "I really felt it you know. Unfortunately, the second psychiatrist she went to was no better. As an actress and a host for more than 10 years of her life, Sharon is used to following a script that doesnt give her any agency. Running away has always been Sharons source of comfort, a constant theme in her life that she has grown to be familiar with. Time away from the limelight allowed Sharon to recentre herself, and upon. These included beauty products, clothes, shoes and jewellery. In Paris, I was able to dive deep into my psyche and I got to know myself all over again. - global investment operations. It was only when I turned 30 that I realised how much I disliked myself, she remarks. She said: "I forgot myself ina meeting and started sharing my ideas excitedly and I got told off for it. And all of this began when she was only in primary school. The 49-year-old said: "I was so crazy over the antique car. The 46-year-old is based in Paris, where she works as an. By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis. Even today if you asked me, I really felt the earthquake. Thread starter lordofthering; Start date Oct 17, 2021; Prev. PHOTO: SHARON AU/INSTAGRAM, Shane Pow, Pornsak and Kang Chengxi were robbed in the US, Actor Desmond Tan robbed of mobile phone in Bali. I wanted to be liberated so I went to Paris, Sharon says, who spent a year studying there as part of Wasedas international exchange programme. When asked what she was doing here, Au could not bear the idea of the public knowing about her condition, and therefore lied that she was researching for a role. Six years ago to be precise, onboard flight SQ334 from Singapore to Paris, where I had the privilege to serve her. The first figure is an old man seated with his head bowed and the second figure is an inconspicuous woman at the fireplace in a corner, tending to the fire. The entire room looked at her, incredulous. The longest would be a stay for one year and I had to move to another relative's house. Sharon Au (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: u Jngxin; born 13 August 1975[1]) is a Singaporean former actress and host. Javier Oficialdegui Co-Head Global Banking. Whatever your choice, we're cheering for you!. Sharon Au Work Experience and Education. I wanted to learn to like myself, to live by myself with nothing. Dress by Andrew Gn; Hair: Ben Leong (Passion Hair Salon); Makeup: Andy Lee. I have nothing now. "It takes death for them to do a change like that. I didnt expect it to be under such circumstances. Sharon didn't go into details about the meeting, including its purpose or who was present, but the last positions she held prior to her departure wereas the publisher for Elle Singapore and the lead of styleXstyle.com. Perhaps I was feeling too vulnerable back then," said Ms Au. It was really all on impulse., I disliked myself in Singapore, because it was all about advancing my career. She graduated from Waseda University in Tokyo with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in 2011.[3]. Not making huge amounts of money, but at least we know how to manage our wealth properly. Aiyo, why so depressed? I remember crying after the meeting as I closedmy laptop and packed up. It was a cathartic yet tiring session, she admits. It's a milestone and you've worked so hard. - global client services. She told entertainment news outlet 8 Days in an interview that year: "I was very calm when I found out. : @maxberlinparis #Maje #soire #change #yolo, A post shared by Sharon Au (@sharonau13) on Apr 3, 2018 at 7:27pm PDT, You lead the life you want. She wrote: "My apartment was broken into 11 days ago. It's a milestoneand you've worked so hard. So you don't know what is not performing, what is performing.And then I keep having to keep up with my performing persona.". | I identify with the woman at the fireplace. She frequently texts her mum to check on her sometimes a bit too often, much to her chagrin. Tokyo was fun, as I could have the childhood I never had. After a few months in Paris, she began work as an investment director in Jolt Capital, a private equity firm. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months. I drew a complete blank and had nothing to wish for. She played host for President Star Charity show in 2012. You never know maybe I already had the virus because [before the lockdown in France] I still went to concerts. Perhaps I was feeling too vulnerable back then. And, for once, Sharon has seen the light. I didn't know what I was doing. Back in 2018, both Sharon and Mediacorp released statements announcing her resignation. ", ALSO READ:Darren Lim turns his yacht into a business opportunity, takes people out on rides. If you're wondering, no, "Ti Yan" is not French. Quitting and moving to Paris, therefore, was the exact opposite of what people thought she was. "When I drive, I don't leave things in my car. The former actress-host moved to the City of Love in 2018 and had been working as an investment director in a private equity firm. But under such circumstances, Au emerged a fiercely independent woman and top-notch performer, which could explain her career-oriented fervourin her former life at Mediacorp. At the same time I was grateful I wasn't ill, but I thought to myself, 'Then I better really do this before I really got ill.'". 2023 High Net Worth All rights reserved. Quiet Inlet, a sweet Kayuki cocktail, is a popular choice of drug, but today, Sharon is happy sipping water. Another difference is that there is no timeline for Ti Yan's courses, so that students can progressat their own pace. As an Institution of Public Character (IPC), SHF is committed to maintaining highest standards of governance and abides by the Code of Governance for Charities and IPCs. Picture: Instagram. Other people might put the cashinto a piggy bank in case of a rainy day. Rembrandts Philosopher in Meditation hanging in the Muse du Louvre is dearest to her. Ms Au had finished her overseas studies and was serving her bond with the company on the corporate end. Others also showed their support for Sharons choice, with one netizen writing: There are many ways to 'be' a mother and many little ones who would be blessed by your presence in their lives. In February 2018, she resigned amicably from MediaCorp. He ceaselessly searched for new stylistic modes of expression much like how Sharon has been working on the latest version of herself that she likes best. Sharonadded: "Starting from zero. Someone asked me if i was ill and dying. Contact us After a few months in Paris, she began work as an investment director in Jolt Capital, a private equity firm. As long as [you] havent reach menopause, its still possible (sic), one netizen wrote. On May 11 (Wednesday), she posted on Instagram: "They took everything I love. I didnt know what I was doing. All rights reserved. In an attempt to. The 46-year-old, who first moved to Paris in 2018, said: "I think I need to heal first and reevaluate life here in France.". It brought her back to the past and reopened long-buried wounds. I kept asking myself: Who is really Sharon Au? she admits. Melbourne, VIC. It takes courage, strength, self-awareness to break away from the comfort of familiarity, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Or perhaps Picasso, in all his cubism glory, might do a better job. Zo Evans. Coming back to Singapore proved to be a blow for Au. ALSO READ:Sharon Au once came to work without a bra, Kym Ng reveals, for her upcoming meWATCH series Money Money Home, episode of the meWATCH talkshow Hear U Out, Sharon Au once came to work without a bra, Kym Ng reveals. In Money Money Home, Sharon and actor-host Darren Lim offer viewers tips on money management and investment in a light-hearted manner through skits, songs, and banter. On occasion, the ghosts of Sharons past still pay her a visit. In Paris, I was able to dive deep into my psyche and I got to know myself all over again. At present, Ti Yan Academy is one of Au's latest project, in which she has invested S$100,000. Thankfully, she eventually found a competent counsellorin April 2012 one that was recommended by her mother, who had grown increasingly desperate when Au did not get any better. For most of Sharons childhood, her fear of not having enough to eat manifested into a hunger to be more likable in her career. From a cabaret girl in the 1998 stage musical, Beauty World to a bubbly radio presenter in the sitcom Right Frequency, she made every single character believable. This was after she had completed her overseas studies and was serving her bond with the company on the corporate end. #autumnleaves #autumninparis # # Photo taken by @choubidu, A post shared by Sharon Au (@sharonau13) on Oct 28, 2019 at 2:20am PDT. Actress Ya Hui and songbird Kit Chan will make an appearance today (Apr 30) and next Monday (May 4) respectively. Former Singaporean celebrity Sharon Au shared her ideas at work and she was "scolded for it" and she then "dramatically" resigned from Mediacorp in 2018. The 45-year-old recalled the day she. Her. Having joined the TCS during the mid-1990s, she won many awards as an artiste with MediaCorp before taking a sabbatical to pursue university education in 2005 on a scholarship. Sharon Markwick joined Argo as a receptionist in 1985 and during her 35 years with the Company has undertaken a number . Growing up in what she once called a"broken, poor and unprivileged family background", the natural performer admits that it took a toll on her self-esteem. No, no, no. 202120748H. Sharon Au, a 46-year old ex-Mediacorp actress/hostess, has now moved on from her private equity investment firm director position in Paris after her house was ransacked by burglars. "Because of my freed up status (in Paris), I was able to really look at things. And now it is really too late, read her caption, which was accompanied by a couple pictures of her bonding with a friends kid. Straight lines would now break away to form wavy curves, painted with flowing brush strokes in a riot of bright colours. in the 90s, where she would regale audiences nightly with her lively anecdotes and witty banter alongside co-hosts Kym Ng and Bryan Wong. Sharon Au moved to the City of Love in 2018 and had been working as an investment director in a private equity firm. What about you guys? If an artist were to draw a youthful version of Sharon, it might be Piet Mondrianbest known for his abstract paintings consisting of squares and rectangles. This is not Au's first brush with burglary in Paris - but her reaction back then was vastly different. Upgraded but still having issues? There is another side to Sharon that sets her apart from many of her peersher sharp business acumen. 1; 2; First Prev 2 of 2 she explains. We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with TODAY to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be. I just wanted to restart my life and go back to school, Sharon declares. It was really all on impulse.. They are so proud of their culture and gastronomy that when they saw this crazy Chinese woman wanting to share it with the world, they completely embraced the idea, she says. Singapore 2K followers 500+ connections Join to view profile Mediacorp Pte Ltd Waseda University Personal Website About Eyes. Despite being trapped by an oppressive regime dictated by the entertainment industry, she continued to work hard and went on to clinch Best Variety Show Host at the Star Awards for four consecutive years, from 2000 to 2003.