The big interview: Yvonne Lim looks back at nearly 3 decades in Singapore showbiz

Key Concepts:

• Acting career in Singapore and internationally
• Motherhood and its impact on career
• Relocation to Taipei and return to Singapore
• Directing and filmmaking
• Personal growth and giving back

Early Career and Breakthroughs

• Ivon Lim's acting journey began with a McDonald's advertisement at age 17/18, where she was known as the "$2 m chicken girl."
• The ad gave her the confidence to audition for Star Search 1997, which launched her acting career.
• She emphasizes the validation and encouragement she received from being recognized in her home country.

Notable Roles and Awards

• Legend of the Condo Heroes: Her first period drama, filmed in China, where she had a severe eye infection.
• Metamorphosis: This role led to her winning Best Actress in 2007, marking a turning point in her career, after which she began receiving Top 10 awards.
• Tingang in Bington: This role opened doors internationally, allowing her to work with big names and directors. She was the only Singaporean in the production. The character was well-received by Chinese audiences, leading to continued recognition and offers for more productions in China.

Motherhood and Career Shift

• Getting married and becoming a mother in 2014 significantly changed her life.
• She describes the indescribable joy of holding her children, AJ and Alexa, and the emotional challenges of motherhood, including self-doubt and breakdowns.
• These challenges ultimately made her more resilient and strengthened her resolve to be a strong mother.

Relocation to Taipei and Return to Singapore

• In 2015, the family relocated to Taipei, prioritizing family.
• The move was initially intended to be for two years but lasted a decade.
• The decision to return to Singapore was driven by a desire for her children to experience Singaporean culture, values, and safety.
• She recounts a traumatic experience with an earthquake in Taipei, which triggered an "outburst" and a realization that she missed acting.

Rediscovery and New Interests

• During her time in Taipei, she experienced a career lull but also discovered new interests like cooking, baking, and directing.
• She realized that she could never leave her passion for acting and explored production work.

Directing and Filmmaking

• Her film "Hope" was a personal project based on her experience of losing her mother as a teenager.
• She felt immense pressure to be honest and challenged herself creatively.
• Directing gave her a sense of ownership and creative freedom.
• She won the Best First Time Filmmaker award at Khan's World Film Festival, which she considered a proud moment for representing Singapore internationally.

Personal Growth and Giving Back

• At 48 (approaching 50), she focuses on embracing who she is, living with intention, and uplifting others.
• She started a YouTube channel called "Life with Eve" to share her family life and connect with audiences.
• The name "Eve" resonated with her because it represents giving back, which aligns with her current goals.
• She describes her journey as one of reinvention, rediscovery, and evolution, valuing sincerity, connection, and purpose.

Gratitude and Future Aspirations

• She expresses gratitude to her stylist, makeup artist, and photographer, who have supported her since the beginning of her career.
• She thanks her audience and hopes to give back to them in the future.

Conclusion

Ivon Lim's journey is marked by significant career milestones, personal growth, and a commitment to family and giving back. From her early days as the "$2 m chicken girl" to her international recognition as a director, she has consistently evolved while staying true to her passions and values. Her story highlights the importance of resilience, family, and the pursuit of meaningful work.