The 2nd Golden Awards (ntv7’s bi-annual awards show) was held two weeks ago at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). Held to honour and celebrate the best of the Malaysian Chinese TV industry, the awards was a dream come true for both new and veteran talents of our country.
This year saw a whopping total of 22 awards – “Drama”, “Non-drama”, and “Viewers’ Choice”. And lucky us, we met with the winner of both the “Best Variety and Entertainment Programme Host” award and the “Best Magazine Programme Host” award, Cheryl Lee.
She spills the details on what winning meant to her (she was also hosting the Golden Awards the night she won!) and what’s next after her victorious wins:
Hi Cheryl! Congratulations on winning the awards! How are you feeling?
“It’s a dream come true. I’ve never imagined that I could win two awards. Two! One is encouraging but two is, wow. A dream come true.”
You were also hosting the Golden Awards that night. Was it awkward playing host and then having your name called out all at the same time?
“The first time it wasn’t but the second time it was a little awkward! As a host, especially for events like award ceremonies, we need to stay calm and relaxed throughout the entire time. But when I heard my name being called out, I have to admit that it was really difficult to stay calm. I kept thinking, gosh how do I control this feeling of bursting at seams from sheer happiness?”
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With these new achievement(s), what’s next for you? Do you have any projects in the pipeline?
“To do more shows, definitely! I’m open to trying out new things so I’m excited about doing more shows. Also, I really love writing so I want to write more books. I’m aiming to release my book next year. I’m also venturing into singing and songwriting – it’s a whole new mini industry within the entertainment industry to me. Music is something I’ve always wanted to do. Keep a look out for my album – it should be released sometime in 2013. I’m already working on the lyrics!”
Tell us a little bit about the entertainment industry through your eyes – what are some of the challenges that you’ve faced?
“I think it has got a lot to do with time management. For me, I juggle between working on radio, television, and writing – back and forth. I’m currently writing my third book so it gets a little hectic.”
Do you have any wise words that you’d like to share with the young Malaysian talents who aspire to someday be in the entertainment industry, but are too afraid to venture into the field for various reasons?
“To be honest, my family expected me to be an engineer – till this day, even! So I know how it feels. I do think, however, that the Malaysian industry still has a lot of room for growth and to mature. You just need to be really passionate about what you do/what you’re going to do, and to be really passionate in all that you do. Be truly, madly, deeply in love with your choice of career in the entertainment industry – everything else will fall into place.”
Thank you, Cheryl for speaking to us! We’re already looking forward to your album. And special thanks to ntv7 and Poh Kong Jewellers for making this interview happen.
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