You may have seen Music & Drama Company (MDC) artiste, Khim Ng (@immkhim) on television before. In 2006, when she was just 13, she participated in the local reality-TV Chinese singing competition, Campus Superstar. Although she was the youngest contestant, she captivated judges with her powerful, husky voice. Seven years later, she took part in another, English local singing competition called The Final 1.
Then, at the age of 25, Khim joined a highly popular Chinese reality talent show, Sing! China, during which she gave her rendition of the classic Alanis Morissette song, You Oughta Know.
Khim says that she loves participating in competitions because it’s exciting and she enjoys “testing the limits” of what she’s capable of on stage.
A love for performing
But Khim began singing and performing from the time she was in primary school, when she and her friends would sing songs by Taiwanese girl group S.H.E. at school events.
She knew then that she wanted to be a singer and performer, and has worked hard over the years to perfect her craft. She says that Christina Aguilera, in particular, has inspired much of her vocal technique and singing style. She also admires Taiwanese singer-songwriter A-lin for the way she sings Mandopop ballads.
So far, Khim has performed at various local events like the ASEAN Paralympic Carnival, charity concerts, Rockestra 2018 and countdown parties, and at large venues like the Singapore Indoor Stadium and the Padang. She can still recall two of her most memorable performances.
“One was my very first Esplanade Outdoor Theatre show in 2014, before I joined MDC – I got to sing my favourite songs with my amazing bandmates and put on a thrilling show,” she says.
“Then, after I joined MDC, I performed at the MDC 50th anniversary concert. That was unforgettable, too, because I got to perform a medley of songs by MDC alumnus JJ Lin, while my colleague and dancer, Jeslyn, joined me on stage and did an aerial dance.”
Khim believes that her willingness to be herself is a big part of her success on stage. She enjoys sharing her talent and interacting with her audience, and it shows.
“Many people hold back because they’re afraid of being judged by others or of making mistakes on the job, but when I’m on stage, I try to embrace every experience, laugh at my mistakes, and focus on doing my best.”
In 2022, Khim released two Mandarin singles, 宿醉 and I’m Out. That same year, she sang for the Chinese drama, 快跑吧立娇, titled 云烟, and in 2023, she performed for the Chingay closing act and released a single, E.R.
Showing appreciation for those who serve
In 2020, Khim joined MDC because it gave her the opportunity to work with talented people on diverse projects, and to grow as a performer.
She feels “honoured and delighted” to perform for NSmen and NSFs, saying that it makes her feel good to be able to “give back” and “show appreciation” for those who work hard to serve the nation.
Since joining MDC, Khim continues to hone her skills as an all-rounded performer. She is also an emcee, a vocal technique coach, and offers stage presence guidance at a music school.
Her job keeps her busy, but when she has extra time, she loves to unwind by watching football, which she says is just as thrilling as performing on stage, but in a different way. Her favourite English teams are Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester City.
Cooking for her family and loved ones is also a favourite relaxing activity. Khim mostly cooks simple homecooked meals.
Khim hopes to continue performing for as long as she can, and eventually, learn to manage and take on producer roles to advance her career.
Follow MDC socials for the latest updates: Instagram @musicanddramacompany, TikTok @musicandramacomp, Facebook @musicanddramacompany and YouTube @musicdramacompany.
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