As a tribute to her, I placed a bouquet of flowers on her seat so I could look at them when I was on stage like I was acting for her. He said: "Whenever I have time, I think it's very important to invest in myself. After a few months in Paris, she began work as an investment director in Jolt Capital, a private equity firm. I was a people-pleaser because I was insecure, she says. 8days.sg spoke to Sharon after the live streaming session via WhatsApp, the 44-year-old explained that the crisis had caused a shift of perspectives and that she was frustrated that she and her mum were apart during this challenging period. I never had a proper home, and moved every year, Sharon says. The former actress-host moved to the City. I got home, switched on my laptop, andtyped outmy resignation letter.". Wow, I couldn't you know! I had everything, yet I felt a huge void, she says. 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. But for the next three years, Sharon continued grinding it out at Mediacorp. Perhaps I was feeling too vulnerable back then. What impressed me then, wasnt how flawless and lovely her porcelain skin was, but her affable demeanour and immaculate manners. Yes, Only if Its Forma. After all, self-love is the best kind of love. Founder and Executive Director: Finding the balance between people, place and power. The couple created a joint bank account and matched their monthly savings dollar-by-dollar, which freed Darren from his debts. In an attempt to find the elusive answer to that question, she packed her bags once moreonly this timeshe headed to Paris instead of Japan. I went to watch Madonna! Be notorious,. He was alone in the apartment and witnessed everything. I spoke to [my mum about coming back] and she said 'don't be silly! Quiet Inlet, a sweet Kayuki cocktail, is a popular choice of drug, but today, Sharon is happy sipping water. I was not a very nice person to my friends, she confesses wistfully. Dan Persson Chief Risk Officer. From a cabaret girl in the 1998 stage musical, to a bubbly radio presenter in the sitcom. More than she has ever written in the past 20 years, penning down her thoughts in long essays. I didnt want to leave baby Sharon, but I kept telling her that everything would be okay. Copyright 2023 SPH Media Limited. I wish every day is October. Until one day, in a work meeting, she felt the ground tremble and shake. But alas, that too is coming to an end. 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. 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. ", My favourite season. 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. Today he is still traumatised by the invasion. Au: I studied there for six years, so I've gotten used to it, very different. Ros L'Esperance Co-Head Global Banking. Unless its fries. 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. [11], On 4 January 2018, it was announced that her last day of service in Mediacorp would be on 1 February 2018. [12] styleXstyle.com was later absorbed in 8 Days and ELLE Singapore end January of the same year. We all want to put our best foot forward in our work and contribute as much as we can. After a few months in Paris, she began work as an investment director in Jolt Capital, a private equity firm. First at 13, then at 30, and again at 42. Time away from the limelight allowed Sharon to recentre herself, and upon. An unsympathetic man with his gaze fixed on his computer, the doctor only looked at Au once, when she stopped talking. 8.5K views, 123 likes, 14 loves, 8 comments, 12 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ItsRainingRaincoats: Former Mediacorp star Sharon Au, now living in Paris, speaks of her heartfelt gratitude for our. Nah, I just have a familiar face, I mumble. Almost everyone remembers Sharon as the vivacious host of City Beat in the 90s, where she would regale audiences nightly with her lively anecdotes and witty banter alongside co-hosts Kym Ng and Bryan Wong. Humble beginnings While her country of residence is now Paris, Au's roots go back to a humble kampung in Serangoon. When ST asked Au for more information about the extent of the housebreaking and its aftermath, she declined to elaborate and apologised that she is not well enough yet at this point to reveal more. It had gotten to the point where she felt, "Life has no meaning, why not just end it?". "I thank God that he is safe, unhurt and did not run away. The more she dived into her work, the less time she had for herselfto a point where she suffered yet another identity crisis. Director at Regional Investment Corporation Greater Adelaide Area. Be notorious, echoes in my head. Sharon Au ( simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: u Jngxin; born 13 August 1975 [1]) is a Singaporean former actress and host. SINGAPORE - Sharon Au's dream life in Paris recently turned into a nightmare when her apartment was broken into on April 30. And I think about her forthcomingness, her vulnerability and her rawness. . It takes courage, strength, self-awareness to break away from the comfort of familiarity, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. 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. It is pointless to keep anger.. Her perspective on her career underwent an adjustment. If youve ever wanted to shoot your shot at being an influencer, nows your chance. During her teenage days, she had spent a night in Marymount Girls Home and witnessed many girls in dismal circumstances. In an interview with AsiaOne on Monday (Nov 22) for her upcoming meWATCH series Money Money Home, the 46-year-old recounted how she crashed at her friend's place while job hunting in Paris. On May 11 (Wednesday), she posted on Instagram: "They took everything I love. Coming back to Singapore proved to be a blow for Au. 903 followers 500+ connections. Unless you are the anti-virus, don't come back and disturb me, she chuckles. 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. People were convinced that she had a terminal illness of some sort, hence the drop-everything-and-move-to-Paris decision. The truth is our paths have crossed before. 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. "I was brought up to not rely too much on a particular family or person. As I watch her float out of the door with a Gallic flair, a couple from the next table gapes with admiration. Sharon Au (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: u Jngxin; born 13 August 1975[1]) is a Singaporean former actress and host. 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. After staying with Melissas family for two years, Sharons aunt finally took her back in. Recalling how she "spent it all" and more on a $98 pair of jeans with her first paycheck, Sharon said: "I remember I was doing an internship atSingapore Press Holdings. 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. 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. It might not be something that's relevant to my work, but it makes me feel good. She exhibited none of the imperialism of a celebrity, made no desire to separate herself from others, and was just as unassuming as your next door neighbour. Her ability to connect with the masses wasnt her only repertoire of skills; there wasnt a role Sharon couldnt embody. - global marketing & communications. What impresses me today is her candour. Right after graduating from school, Sharon Au joined Singapore Airlines as a flight stewardess. Health Care, Managed Care, Behavioral Health and Health IT. Apart from Ti Yan Academy, Sharon hopes to start a girls home or shelter, five to ten years down the road. She wrote: "My apartment was broken into 11 days ago. And from then on, I changed the way I lived, Sharon reveals with a tenderness in her voice. [14] Since October 2018, she is currently an investment director with the private equity firm in Paris. 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. When I ask for the reason behind her move, she pauses before replying:I disliked myself in Singapore, because it was all about advancing my career. Aiyo, why so depressed? I fell in love with the country and knew I had to come back today. The blazing lights of show business were soon snuffed out right when she blew out the candles on her 30th birthday cake. And from then on, I changed the way I lived, Sharon reveals with a tenderness in her voice. 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. Wei-Sun has READ MORE Executive Director, Asset Management Sebastian Domenech Joined in 2016 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. Russell is an experienced company director who has worked at very senior levels of both government and private sectors. Her. I have nothing now. Her backpack and laptop were stolen, but not her cash. I actually tore down everything and spent a lot of money to refurbish the whole car. 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.". The actress did not speak much about the meeting, including its purpose or who attended, but the last positions she held before her departure were publisher for Elle Singapore and the lead of styleXstyle.com. You know everything else is just noise. latest entertainment, celebrity, food and lifestyle news! 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. ", She added: "Took me 11 days to pen this note, without crying. Inspections have been carried out at the ferry terminal by Indonesian authorities. But Sharon doesnt like Picasso. Most of the time in our workplace, we want to be the best and contribute to the company so that everyone can grow together. It was only when I turned 30 that I realised how much I disliked myself. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic worsened around the world and Singapores Ministry of Foreign Affairs was making arrangements to fly Singaporeans back, Sharon decided to stay put. In the day, she attended school and at night, she slept in Dennys, which was open 24 hours. And she does not deny that she has becomevastly different from the Sharon Au that people knew. I was once in her position too, supporting quietly while my boyfriend read in a candle-lit room, Sharon confesses. Join . And, for once, Sharon has seen the light. I started crying like crazy. 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? [9] In 2016, she co-founded the Style by Style Vibes cafe when the new Mediacorp campus opened. 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. Everything ends. The former actress-host moved to Paris in 2018 and worked as an investment director at a private equity firm there. 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.'". "We were supposed to go back to work after the meeting but I don't know why, I just walked away and couldn't stop, and I ended up going home and crying on the way back. Au: Maybe I just came back from Japan, not used to it, haven't adjusted. I am a people person with many years of experience in the financial world. Not making huge amounts of money, but at least we know how to manage our wealth properly. Instead, my landlord was a lot more upset and she was very apologetic about it. [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. Former Mediacorp actress and host Sharon Au shared a short message on her Instagram on October 15, musing about her biggest regret. I believe education and improving oneself is a lifelong commitment. Web design by Yu Sheng & Yu Siang. Perhaps I was feeling too vulnerable back then," said Ms Au. All rights reserved. I understand now why I wanted to leave the fame behind. And in January this year, she started Ti Yan, an online culinary academy that teaches the art of French cooking. The total number of cases in Singapore stands at 57,915. The moment Sharon arrived in Paris, she crashed with a university schoolmate and slept on her couch. The motorcycle loversaid: "And not just that, it actually helped me build our future nest. 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. Sharon Au has done it a grand total of three times in her life. find the elusive answer to that question, she packed her bags once moreonly this timeshe headed to Paris instead of Japan. Instead of acting, she took up an executive position at Mediacorp, citing Japan as one of the, Living in Japan transformed me. This is life.". 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. Unfortunately, the second psychiatrist she went to was no better. Now, I can finally become somebody that I want to be. Upon hearing Sharon utter those words, Rumis quote of Forget safety. 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. The blazing lights of show business were soon snuffed out right when she blew out the candles on her 30th birthday cake. You deserve it.". Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. As a provocateur and an innovator in technique, Rembrandt was constantly reinventing himself. The erstwhile TV host is not only garrulous but also adept at the art of storytelling. Six years ago to be precise, onboard flight SQ334 from Singapore to Paris, where I had the privilege to serve her. Today, she is proud to be the author of her own destiny, who is finally comfortable in her own skin. Effectively multilingual, Au established herself amongst top emcee-hosts in Mediacorp alongside Quan Yi Fong and Guo Liang. in the 90s, where she would regale audiences nightly with her lively anecdotes and witty banter alongside co-hosts Kym Ng and Bryan Wong. But it gave me a huge sense of achievement, and I wore that pair of jeans every day.". Before the pseudo earthquake episode, Au had visited a clinic where she was recognised by the counter staff, who made a fuss and requested a photo. Darren Lim turns his yacht into a business opportunity, takes people out on rides. No judgement. 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. All rights reserved. One phone call later, Sharon clinched a job at a private equity firm and she has climbed her way up to being an investment director with clients under her. Investment director provides investment analysis at the portfolio level and attribution between asset allocation and manager selection. [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. The 45-year-old recalled the day she quit Mediacorp without having first secured a new job, in the latest episode of meWATCH talkshow Hear U Out. 202120748H. But for the next three years, Sharon continued grinding it out at Mediacorp. Subscribe to the 8days weekly e-newsletter to receive the "He was alone in the apartment and witnessed everything. And all of this began when she was only in primary school. No. There are striking parallels between her (older self) and the great painter. It was really all on impulse., I disliked myself in Singapore, because it was all about advancing my career. I didn't know what I was doing. . "When I'm home, I lock my things up as breaking in is very easy. However, she had been accused of mimicking an Indian accent during the SEA Games opening ceremony. Dont Neglect Succession Planning, Manulife Singapore Offers Digital Payments Via PayNow, FWD Insurance Launches Electronic Claims Payments via PayNow, 1-Michelin-Starred Marguerite Shines With an Invigorating Spring Menu. If you're wondering, no, "Ti Yan" is not French. I choose to strike first. I didnt know what I was doing. Sharon Au is back from Paris but not for long. Or perhaps Picasso, in all his cubism glory, might do a better job. 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. I drew a complete blank and had nothing to wish for. But I have (my pet cat) Rudon. Live where you fear to live. to come on board. Before we say au revoir, though, Au will star in an upcoming Chinese play "Sages of the Bamboo Grove", at the Esplanade onJan 31 and Feb. 1, 2020. She responded the next day on her Facebook page and apologised the following day. I kept asking myself: Who is really Sharon Au? she admits. Imagine coming home to your apartment only to find it emptied and your favourite things taken. I considered quitting my job and returning to Singapore, reveals Sharon during YES 933s Gu De Dai Zai Jia (directly translated as Good Stay Home), a celebrity interview segment that was streamed live on Facebook yesterday (Apr 29). Seems like she isn't taking it that slow just yet. Since then, Au has treasured the "second chance" to embrace life again. Starting from zero. The 46-year-old is working as an investment director at a private equity firm in Paris. 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. Ex-host Sharon Au quits job after her Paris home is burgled, re-evaluates her life there, All done! 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". [8], In 2012, she started and led styleXstyle.com (a property of MediaCorp Pte Ltd), focusing fashion, beauty and lifestyle. "Life is all about connections. It was the same in March 2011 (when I was studying in Tokyo) when the major earthquake and tsunami struck Tokyo, resulting in a nuclear scare. She said: I forgot myself ina meeting and started sharing my ideas excitedly and I got told off for it. This is relatively affordable compared to culinary schools overseas, which can cost upwards of S$50,000 and take over a year. Then, Singapore was the third country to report cases of the coronavirus and was one of the worst-hit outside China, so the former actress-host, who now works as an investment director in a private equity firm in Paris, was understandably worried for her mum back home. My whole childhood, people were trying to find where to chuck me.". Live where you fear to live. 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. But she told The Straits Times that she resigned from her position after the burglary and is currently not working or looking for a new job. You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month. I got $95 on that day. That was what led to her decision to "dramatically" resign from Mediacorp in 2018. But Sharon doesnt like Picasso. I was not a very nice person to my friends, she confesses wistfully. 1 of 2 These days, Au lives in Paris with her beloved cat Rudon and works as an investment director in a private equity firm. Sharon has 9 jobs listed on their profile. Another difference is that there is no timeline for Ti Yan's courses, so that students can progressat their own pace. 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 the slightest sound startles him. Sharon Au's apartment in Paris was broken into on April 30. There is another side to Sharon that sets her apart from many of her peersher sharp business acumen. The next day I told him it's not possible, he told me I had 8 hrs. According to Ms Au, the chairman had seen her work and was impressed by her. When she entered the media industry at 19, Sharon drifted apart from her best friend. She was. I went into showbiz and wanted to be popular for stupid reasons. Sharon Au was told to work less in Paris - so she started her own French academy . Responsible for: - Australia & New Zealand sales & client businesses. . 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I had everything, yet I felt a huge void, she says. Since I was young, I was thrown from place to place. I was put on a pedestal and became too full of myself. Her deep love for the arts grew when she recognised its value, serving as a mirror of her life. Apr 2007 - Jul 20169 years 4 months. Tell me why you depressed. 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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. She was jobless for three months and even thought of being a waitress at the Italian restaurant near her apartment. We become what we chase after. We Are Hiring I identify with the woman at the fireplace. But how full of light and colour are their last days. And in January this year, she started Ti Yan, an online culinary academy that teaches the art of French cooking. True to her roots, she recognises the importance of having a safe space for women to retreat to, and empathises with them. Prices start from S$138 for an express programme, and go up to S$688 for a professional course. 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. Investment Director Duties & Responsibilities To write an effective investment director job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. Dont forget to live, until its too late. That means I put in another $3 of my own [money]. Because my childhood was such that I had to move several times in a year. He was so shocked to know that because to him, I was someone very capable and talented, and someone he admired.. Money Money Home premiered Nov 18 and new episodes are releasedevery Thursday; catch itfor free on meWATCH. Living in Japan transformed me. Discomfort is the only way to achieve personal growthand Sharon has learnt to step out of her comfort zone and confront parts of herself that she never used to like. 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. Fraught with despair over her unexpected death, Sharon continued to deliver a stunning performance. For Sharon Au, who resigned from Mediacorp in 2018before securing a new job, it gave her a temporary place to stay. In 2005, Au left her popularity behind to attenduniversity in Tokyo for aLiberal Arts degree. 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. Besides being the investment director in the education and technology sector in the French international equity firm, Sharon is now also the CEO of Ti Yan, which in Chinese means. | 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. This article is now fully available for you, Please verify your e-mail to read this subscriber-only article in full. In an intimate corner space away from prying eyes, Sharon launches into the story of the first time she ran away from home with great zeal. I wanted to, I struggled and told myself, 'Okay, maybe this is what it takes. Read this subscriber-only article for free! But when former local celebrity Sharon Au shared her ideas passionately at work, she was"scolded for it". Greater Reading Area. 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. Web development by Ripplewerkz. The boxes represent her personal insecurities and perceived societal expectations that she puts upon herself, while the straight, rigid lines of her frame depict her unwavering, by-the-book approach. 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. Instead of acting, she took up an executive position at Mediacorp, citing Japan as one of the definitive moments of her life.