Yvonne Lim Reflects on Nearly 30 Years of Fearless Showbiz Journey

When we think of iconic celebrities, Yvonne Lim might not spring to mind right away.

In recent years, she’s spent her time away from the spotlight, focusing on her family and perfecting her chiffon cake recipes in Taiwan, her husband’s homeland.

However, some stars shine brightly while others glow steadily. Lim’s enduring presence is a testament to her resilience. This year, at the Star Awards, she will receive the All-Time Favourite Artiste award, recognizing her as one of Singapore’s cherished actresses. She has been voted into the Top 10 Most Popular Artistes list ten times.

For Lim, popularity isn’t merely about fame or screen time. She believes it reflects relatability, stating that it’s about “being someone people want to be around.”

What draws the audience to her? Is it her youthful charm and doll-like features, even at 48 years old? Is it her warmth that makes others feel valued?

Her long-time fans would certainly agree. “Sometimes, they confide in me, and I find myself being their go-to advice giver,” she shared, noting the impact of losing her mother at a young age. This experience allows her to empathize with those sharing their struggles, whether about relationships, health, or loss.

Her talent on screen has also left a mark, earning her acclaim from shows like *Stepping Out*, *Portrait Of Home*, and *Metamorphosis*. Despite her absence from the entertainment scene in Singapore, she received countless messages expressing how much she was missed and how loved her performances were.

Taking a break to focus on motherhood—raising her two children, aged 10 and eight—has been fulfilling, although she admits a part of her missed her acting identity. Her original plan was to stay in Taipei for two years, but that turned into a decade.

“We’d often watch the Star Awards together,” she recalled, saying her son once asked, “Mum, why aren’t you on the red carpet?” to which she replied, “Because I’m here to take care of you. If you let me go back, I’ll walk the red carpet again.”

With her son’s support, Lim and her family relocated back to Singapore six months ago. He is certainly looking forward to seeing her shine on the red carpet on July 6.

As she prepares her acceptance speech for the upcoming event, Lim admits to still experiencing stage fright even after 28 years in the industry. “I think I’ve struggled with my speeches in the past because of the nerves. All eyes are on you, and everyone expects something memorable,” she explained. Reflecting on her early experiences, she recalled fumbling during a musical performance at Star Search due to nerves.

“To be honest, I don’t think my journey has been easy. It took me 28 years; it’s not something that comes quickly for everyone,” she said.

DESTINY

It may come as a surprise that Lim feels anxious in the limelight. After all, she began her career by participating in a beauty pageant while pursuing electronics engineering in polytechnic.

“I didn’t really want to join; they were short on contestants,” she laughed. “The student union leader nudged me, and I agreed just to fill the numbers. To my surprise, I ended up as first runner-up, which led to my signing with Carrie Models.”

Her first significant audition was for a McDonald’s commercial. “They really focused on a close-up of me eating a $2 McChicken burger. Honestly, it took numerous takes. They dressed the burger to look juicy, while I was just eating plain buns!”

After seeing herself on TV for the first time, Lim thought, “Hey, I look pretty good!”

In 1997, she auditioned for Star Search while waiting to attend university in the UK. “I had no commitments at the time, and my hairstylist encouraged me to try out,” she said. Out of many auditionees, her profile was singled out, though she didn’t receive a callback initially.

Fortunately, a keen producer noticed her and insisted on her return for a second audition, despite her not knowing about it. During her second chance, she impressed the judges with her questions and confidence. “At that age, why not?” she reflected.

“Looking back, I believe it was destiny,” she added. Yet, her biggest regret remains not completing her degree. “I’m the only one in my family without a graduation gown, and I sometimes think about returning to study online to fulfill that dream,” she mentioned.

HIGHS, LOWS, LOVE

Nevertheless, she has certainly led a vibrant life over the years.

Reflecting on her journey, Lim described herself as “fearless and resilient” back then.

Starting out, she faced challenges and long hours on set, with one scene requiring 58 takes due to her inexperience. She expressed gratitude for the directors who supported and pushed her.

Filming period dramas came with their own challenges, especially in the heat while wearing layers of costumes. Recalling her work on the 1998 show *Return Of The Condor Heroes*, she noted that even veteran actors found it challenging, yet she persevered.

Lim acknowledges her growth, stating, “I was thankful for the roles I had and the chances to venture into international projects as my fanbase grew, especially in China.”

She fondly remembers a shoot in a village near Beijing where her team was hesitant to ask locals if they could use their bathrooms. However, when she approached the villagers, they recognized her and welcomed her inside.

Even now, when shooting in a local kopitiam, tourists from China readily approach her for photos.

However, her journey has not always been smooth. After winning her first Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes trophy in 1998, she faced a lengthy period with fewer roles and was absent from the Top 10 until 2009. Doubts crept in about her future in the industry.

While working in China and feeling isolated, Lim realized her storytelling abilities improved. Upon returning to Singapore, acting accolades followed, including awards for *Portrait Of Home* and *Metamorphosis*.

Not only did her career prosper, but she also found love. She met her husband, Alex Tien, a member of the boyband BAD, during a charity show in Singapore. Initially, she wasn’t interested in dating fellow celebrities. “It was challenging being in the limelight, and I didn’t want to take that risk again,” she explained.

After a decade of friendship, they reconnected, and during this time, he had transitioned away from his boyband image. “He was no longer that good-looking boy; I thought, ‘Maybe it’s time to give this a shot,’” she chuckled.

EVOLUTION

Motherhood has subtly transformed her perspective on life. “It’s no longer just about me; it’s about nurturing a family together. I see things differently now and believe I have much more to offer,” she said.

This shift led her to try her hand at directing, as she took on her first project with the short film *Hope*, which garnered accolades, including Best First Time Filmmaker at the Cannes World Film Festival.

“People often think, ‘You’re just an actress. What can you know about directing?’” she said, reflecting on the skepticism she faced.

Yet, more rewarding than the awards is the acknowledgment from her crew. “On the last day of filming, one asked, ‘When can we do this again?’ That truly touched me,” she expressed.

While she hasn’t disclosed her next project, she is set to act in a short film for SG60, produced by Eric Khoo as part of an anthology called *Kopitiam Days*.

“Now that I’m back, I want to give back to my roots,” she expressed passionately. Representing Singapore at Cannes filled her with pride, a clear testament to her dedication to her home country.

“It’s made me reflect on my journey. I won’t claim to have come a long way, but I have achieved a lot,” she remarked thoughtfully.

Lim emphasized humility as a core value taught by her mother, which she imparts to her children. “I teach them to stay grounded, grateful, and not boastful.”

Recognition, she noted, “isn’t just about fame. It’s a reminder that my hard work has paid off.” Lim views popularity as fleeting, urging herself to remain balanced and humble.

Beyond her acting ambitions, she dreams of combining her passion for cooking and baking into a public cooking line.

“I still have a soft spot for McChicken burgers,” she grinned. “If they ever have another $2 promotion, maybe they could feature me alongside my younger self in an ad!”

*Star Awards 2025* will take place on July 6. Tune in live on Channel 8, Channel U, mewatch, or the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel.

Senior editor Serene Seow, Art direction by Chern Ling, Senior producer Lindsay Jialin, Photography by Joel Low, Fashion styling by Johnny Khoo, Hair by Ryan Yap/Passion hair salon, Makeup by Peter Khor using Charlotte Tilbury, Photo assistance by Eddie Teo.