The Making Of An Icon

"SHOUT, SHOUT, LET IT ALL OUT," sings Fann Wong as glittering creations from Buccellati are carefully put on her.

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The '80s anthem by Tears for Fears is playing through the studio's speakers while the large crew (at one point, there are over 20 of us) scurry around, prepping for the shoot. Yet the actress is the very picture of calm amidst the chaos, belting out the words with perfect pitch and diction. Her decades of experience on set shows even before the camera's first click. But, then again, this is Fann Wong we are talking about. Nothing less is expected.

For over three decades, Fann has been a luminous presence in Singapore's showbiz industry. From her early days as a model to acting in local and international productions, she has transitioned gracefully through every phase of her life.

Reflecting on her storied acting career, Fann recalls the shifts that have occurred in the entertainment industry. From the defunct outdoor filming studio, Tuas TV World, to the now-demolished Tang Dynasty City, to Caldecott Broadcast Centre, so much of the environment that shaped the early years of her career has changed.

Yet Fann is optimistic that the best is yet to be. "The beauty of being an actress is that it's a continuous journey," says the 53-year-old, who took a long break from acting after giving birth to her son, Zed, in 2014. "It's fulfilling as it allows me to create and expand my artistic lifespan." The rise of streaming platforms and changing audience expectations in the modern media landscape can be tricky to navigate, even for a seasoned pro like her, but she relishes the challenge. "It's an avenue to stay fresh. Like building a sandcastle, you pile it slowly into a tower, but if you stop, the sand will slide. I love this job because it allows me to keep 'building' and evolving even as I grow older," she says.