True to her roots, she recognises the importance of having a safe space for women to retreat to, and empathises with them. "Life is all about connections. I remember crying after the meeting as I closedmy laptop and packed up. Prices start from S$138 for an express programme, and go up to S$688 for a professional course. If an artist were to draw a youthful version of Sharon, it might be Piet Mondrianbest known for his abstract paintings consisting of squares and rectangles. But under such circumstances, Au emerged a fiercely independent woman and top-notch performer, which could explain her career-oriented fervourin her former life at Mediacorp. [] Because all my life I've been strong enough to overcome any adversities, so like, this shouldn't be any different. In an attempt to. Then, Singapore was the third country to report cases of the coronavirus and was one of the worst-hit outside China, so the former actress-host, who now works as an investment director in a private equity firm in Paris, was understandably worried for her mum back home. Her perspective on her career underwent an adjustment. Having joined the TCS during the mid-1990s, she won many awards as an artiste with MediaCorp before taking a sabbatical to pursue university education in 2005 on a scholarship. "When I'm home, I lock my things up as breaking in is very easy. In 2015, she auditioned for The LKY Musical, and got the coveted role of Madam Kwa Geok Choo, but life took a sharp turn when her close secondary school friend passed away from a heart attack. Au is multilingual, as she speaks English, Chinese, Japanese, French and basic Spanish. The post was accompanied by a photo of her and her beloved pet cat Rudon. The 49-year-old said: "I was so crazy over the antique car. Her ability to connect with the masses wasnt her only repertoire of skills; there wasnt a role Sharon couldnt embody. Aiyo, why so depressed? It was really all on impulse.. Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox. But what about allocating a portion of your income towards upgrading yourself? After staying with Melissas family for two years, Sharons aunt finally took her back in. In fact, libations arent necessary, as she is exceedingly open. . Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months. The 45-year-old recalled the day she quit Mediacorp without having first secured a new job, in the latest episode of meWATCH talkshow Hear U Out. I wanted to be liberated so I went to Paris, Sharon says, who spent a year studying there as part of Wasedas international exchange programme. It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan, and the fourth most powerful in modern history. But when former local celebrity Sharon Au shared her ideas passionately at work, she was"scolded for it". Sharon Au has done it a grand total of three times in her life. Melbourne, VIC. but life is tied to work as an investment director in a private equity firm. Starting from zero. Running away has always been Sharons source of comfort, a constant theme in her life that she has grown to be familiar with. Au, 46, says: "I think I need to heal first and re-evaluate life here in France.". "I mean, it's necessary because as a celebrity, you need to look very good. Perhaps I was feeling too vulnerable back then," said Ms Au. People were convinced that she had a terminal illness of some sort, hence the drop-everything-and-move-to-Paris decision. During one of the nights, Sharon had reserved a ticket at the Marina Sands Theatre for her friend to watch the performance, but she never showed up. Au sat through the entire 45-minute session (she had paid good money for it anyway), but she never visited another psychiatrist again. After savouring the best of French gastronomy that Paris had to offer, she felt a deep compulsion to share the intricacies of the cuisine by offering professional courses. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month. I had everything, yet I felt a huge void, she says. Quitting and moving to Paris, therefore, was the exact opposite of what people thought she was. Destroy your reputation. Live where you fear to live. At the Singapore launch event for her French Culinary school Ti Yan Academy on Dec. 19, the actress-turned-investment director was vivacious. I wish every day is October. In the day, she attended school and at night, she slept in Dennys, which was open 24 hours. Sharonis now working as investment director at a private equity firm in Paris. Sharon Au, a 46-year old ex-Mediacorp actress/hostess, has now moved on from her private equity investment firm director position in Paris after her house was ransacked by burglars. But I wished I hadn't spent so much of my salary on beautifying myself. And in January this year, she started Ti Yan, an online culinary academy that teaches the art of French cooking. During a hypnotherapy session at one of the rehearsals for her recent play for the Esplanade Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts, she bawled her eyes out for hours. She said: "I forgot myself ina meeting and started sharing my ideas excitedly and I got told off for it. I was once in her position too, supporting quietly while my boyfriend read in a candle-lit room, Sharon confesses. You deserve it." In Money Money Home, Sharon and actor-host Darren Lim . Tokyo was fun, as I could have the childhood I never had. I had everything, yet I felt a huge void, she says. I identify with the woman at the fireplace. Coming back to Singapore proved to be a blow for Au. UPDATE [May 12, 2022] Sharon Au has since resigned from her position at the private equity firm after the burglary and is not looking for a new job at the moment, reported The Straits Times. "Because of my freed up status (in Paris), I was able to really look at things. ", She added: "Took me 11 days to pen this note, without crying. That means I put in another $3 of my own [money]. In February 2018, she resigned amicably from MediaCorp. The former actress-host moved to the City. Thread starter lordofthering; Start date Oct 17, 2021; Prev. So I didn't go for that treatment.". Sharon said: "When I was job hunting, I didn't even want to spend on rent. to come on board. But since her Japan and Paris escapades, she is recognising the importance of writing her own narrative. Actress Ya Hui and songbird Kit Chan will make an appearance today (Apr 30) and next Monday (May 4) respectively. Sharon Au quits investment director job in Paris after apartment robbed: (ST).Besides her previous roles as a host and actress, the celeb is perhaps also best known for dropping her life in Singapore to move to Paris in 2018.But the recent burglary has given Au cause to rethink her life in the European city.When contacted by ST, the 46-year-old said she is"not well enough" yet to share more . If you're wondering, no, "Ti Yan" is not French. He was so shocked to know that because to him, I was someone very capable and talented, and someone he admired.. 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I got home, switched on my laptop, andtyped outmy resignation letter.". This is life.". I was unhappy and empty inside. Three months later, Sharon left at the peak of her career and found herself in Tokyo, without a concrete plan in mind. Inspections have been carried out at the ferry terminal by Indonesian authorities. China Equities: Yesterdays Story or More Compelling Than Ever? latest entertainment, celebrity, food and lifestyle news! Ms Au and Mediacorp released statements announcing her resignation back in 2018. But I have (my pet cat) Rudon. Former Singaporean celebrity Sharon Au shared her ideas at work and she was "scolded for it" and she then "dramatically" resigned from Mediacorp in 2018. Her presence (however fleeting it may be) still has an effect, and I guess that part of her will never fade. Copyright 2023 Mediacorp Pte Ltd. All rights reserved. An unsympathetic man with his gaze fixed on his computer, the doctor only looked at Au once, when she stopped talking. These days, Au lives in Paris with her beloved cat Rudon and works as an investment director in a private equity firm. She had no job for three months and even considered being a waitress at the Italian restaurant near her apartment. In an intimate corner space away from prying eyes, Sharon launches into the story of the first time she ran away from home with great zeal. Strapped for cash, shealso shared that her early days in Pariswere not as glamorous as one might think. And she does not deny that she has becomevastly different from the Sharon Au that people knew. At the same time I was grateful I wasn't ill, but I thought to myself, 'Then I better really do this before I really got ill.'". Yes, Only if Its Forma. Director at Regional Investment Corporation Greater Adelaide Area. The academy offers e-courses from a number of established chefs, includingGunther Hubrechsen,Vianney Massot, and Singaporean private chef/Masterchef Asia contestantLennard Yeong. I kept asking myself: Who is really Sharon Au? she admits. I thank God that he is safe, unhurt, and did not run away. I drew a complete blank and had nothing to wish for. | In an intimate corner space away from prying eyes, Sharon launches into the story of the first time she ran away from home with great zeal. Woodlands had dinosaurs before it was cool. More than she has ever written in the past 20 years, penning down her thoughts in long essays. "Aggressive" and "ambitious" were the words Au used to describe herself. When she entered the media industry at 19, Sharon drifted apart from her best friend. The whole celebrity diva thing had disintegrated and I felt like I had become the Sharon Au that I was supposed to behappy and contented. she explains. But it gave me a huge sense of achievement, and I wore that pair of jeans every day.". Sharon Au quits investment director job in Paris after apartment robbed Mandy How | May 13, 2022, 04:44 PM Events Golden Village VivoCity Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates:. Admitting that he raked up debts amounting to around $30,000,Darren added that his then-girlfriend and now-wife Evelyn Tan made him realise the value of money so that they can have a future together. Sharon Markwick joined Argo as a receptionist in 1985 and during her 35 years with the Company has undertaken a number . Doctor: "You know Japanese killed a lot of people ah? I wanted to be liberated so I went to Paris, Sharon says, who spent a year studying there as part of Wasedas international exchange programme. She decided that she would be honest with herself, and be open to treatment. Unfortunately, the second psychiatrist she went to was no better. Nonetheless, she was still invited to host at televised events and theatres. Despite being thousands of miles apart, Sharon says their mother-daughter relationship has improved since the pandemic. The woman was me, when I was studying in Paris in 2008. For some, a large chunk of it goes towards paying off student loans. On reflection, the biggest regret I have is probably not having children and experiencing motherhood. A far cry from the Sharon who had a reputation for being a workaholic. I kept asking myself: Who is really Sharon Au? she admits. A far cry from the Sharon who had a reputation for being a workaholic. When planning your monthly budget, it is important to account for your expenses on food, transportation and utility bills. Today, she is proud to be the author of her own destiny, who is finally comfortable in her own skin. 1 of 2 the former host did reveal that she has quit her job as an investment director in a private equity firm. Quiet Inlet, a sweet Kayuki cocktail, is a popular choice of drug, but today, Sharon is happy sipping water. Despite being trapped by an oppressive regime dictated by the entertainment industry, she continued to work hard and went on to clinch Best Variety Show Host at the Star Awards for four consecutive years, from 2000 to 2003. Au: I studied there for six years, so I've gotten used to it, very different. Contact us, COVID-19 pandemic worsened around the world, Sharon Au On Life, Love And Why Sending Late Night Texts And Emails Got Her Into Trouble In Paris, Insta-Buzz: What The Stars Were Up To This Week, Rebecca Lim, Who Wants To Be A Mum, Seen With Baby Bump In New Movie, Singaporean Man Flies To Thailand Just To Have Dinner With Friends After Accepting Their Dare. It's a milestone and you've worked so hard. I just wanted to restart my life and go back to school, Sharon declares. Privacy policy. Sharonadded: "Starting from zero. Why do we need to wait for tragedy to strike before we realise and make a change? She said in an interview that she grew up in a humble and modest apartment, and she is very close to her mother. 2023 High Net Worth All rights reserved. I lost my friends as I was too arrogant, or perhaps too busy to care.. And from then on, I changed the way I lived, Sharon reveals with a tenderness in her voice. Make it happen for yourself. Sowhen we caught up with host Sharon Au on Monday (Nov 22) for her newmeWATCH series Money Money Home, we had to ask: What should young people do with their first salary? Luckily for her, a former Mediacrop chairman invited her out for dinner when he was in Paris for work. The 46-year-old, who first moved to Paris in 2018, said: "I think I need to heal first and reevaluate life here in France.". I eat very normal food so that I can stretch my cash as long as possible.". To continue, upgrade to a supported browser or, for the finest experience, download the mobile app. But case in point exactly. Other netizens also added that there are other options available, like adoption, or getting a surrogate mother. Besides being the investment director in the education and technology sector in the French international equity firm, Sharon is now also the CEO of Ti Yan, which in Chinese means. At present, Ti Yan Academy is one of Au's latest project, in which she has invested S$100,000. 8days.sg spoke to Sharon after the live streaming session via WhatsApp, the 44-year-old explained that the crisis had caused a shift of perspectives and that she was frustrated that she and her mum were apart during this challenging period. And I think about her forthcomingness, her vulnerability and her rawness. May 12, 2022, 1:44 PM SGT SINGAPORE - Sharon Au's dream life in Paris recently turned into a nightmare when her apartment was broken into on April 30. What about you guys? In Money Money Home, Sharon and actor-host Darren Lim offer viewers tips on money management and investment in a light-hearted manner through skits, songs, and banter. But for the next three years, Sharon continued grinding it out at Mediacorp. There is another side to Sharon that sets her apart from many of her peersher sharp business acumen. Her favourite artist is Rembrandt, who is a symbol of freedom. To complete the course, students will spend one week in one of the chef's kitchen,after which they receive certification should they pass. Director, AMP Capital Investors Ltd. Director, AMP Capital Funds Management Ltd. | This was after she had completed her overseas studies and was serving her bond with the company on the corporate end. The pandemic has made me rethink lifes priorities, says Sharon, When the pandemic is over, first thing I want to do is fly home and give my mum a hug and tell her I love her and that I want nothing more for her than to be healthy and happy. She played host for President Star Charity show in 2012. She wasnt in a hurry to find work, and was actually perfectly happy sleeping on my couch doing nothing. Life is all about connections. To continue, upgrade to a supported browser. Discomfort is the only way to achieve personal growthand Sharon has learnt to step out of her comfort zone and confront parts of herself that she never used to like. And if you deny medical help, it can get to that stage.". Apart from Ti Yan Academy, Sharon hopes to start a girls home or shelter, five to ten years down the road. I never had a proper home, and moved every year, Sharon says. When she entered the media industry at 19, Sharon drifted apart from her best friend. Even though Ti Yan is based in Singapore, Au will be running it from Paris. I remember crying after the meeting as I closedmy laptop and packed up. Since then Sharon has changed 5 companies and 5 roles. The more she dived into her work, the less time she had for herselfto a point where she suffered yet another identity crisis. Sharon Au Reliable workaholic. The next day I told him it's not possible, he told me I had 8 hrs. . Or perhaps Picasso, in all his cubism glory, might do a better job. He ceaselessly searched for new stylistic modes of expression much like how Sharon has been working on the latest version of herself that she likes best. | Its ok, the next best thing is to be a nanny and play with my friends beautiful kids! she went on to say, adding the hashtag c'est la vie which roughly means such is life. Darren Lim turns his yacht into a business opportunity, takes people out on rides. Sharon Au is investment director in a private equity firm. Imagine coming home to your apartment only to find it emptied and your favourite things taken. I began to like myself more when I didnt have to please people. The moment Sharon arrived in Paris, she crashed with a university schoolmate and slept on her couch. He was alone in the apartment and witnessed everything. Sharon Au is back from Paris but not for long. Does Joo Chiat Need Another Italian Joint? The boxes represent her personal insecurities and perceived societal expectations that she puts upon herself, while the straight, rigid lines of her frame depict her unwavering, by-the-book approach. Wei-Sun has READ MORE Executive Director, Asset Management Sebastian Domenech Joined in 2016 What do you do with your first paycheck? When she realised telling jokes drew people to her and made her forget about the dreary realities of life, Au started living through that persona. What impressed me then, wasnt how flawless and lovely her porcelain skin was, but her affable demeanour and immaculate manners. She returned to MediaCorp to serve her scholarship bond upon graduation in 2011, taking up an office executive position. Modest Rally in Asian Equities Expected as Regional Economies Remain Supportive and Valuations Reasonable, Dubai-Based Real Estate Developer Omniyat Launches Ultra-Luxury Beachfront Residences, Singapore Buyers Show Strong Interest in Mixed-Use Development in Londons Vauxhall, This Residential Tower in Dubai Features Interiors by Pagani, What to Expect at the Newly Reopened I12 Katong Retail Mall, Are You a HNWI? But her dream life there was rudely interrupted by the burglary on April 30,. As an actress and a host for more than 10 years of her life, Sharon is used to following a script that doesnt give her any agency. Today, she is proud to be the author of her own destiny, who is finally comfortable in her own skin. Besides instructional videos and text, students at Ti Yan can also book an online session with the chef, where an expert can watch them cook in real time. ALSO READ:Sharon Au once came to work without a bra, Kym Ng reveals, for her upcoming meWATCH series Money Money Home, episode of the meWATCH talkshow Hear U Out, Sharon Au once came to work without a bra, Kym Ng reveals. By submitting this form, I agree to these terms and conditions. During the late 1990s she was best known for co-hosting City Beat with Kym Ng and Bryan Wong. True to her roots, she recognises the importance of having a safe space for women to retreat to, and empathises with them. You must grab on to the connections you make and it helps to have a benefactor, said Ms Au. This was partly fuelled by the fact that Au had a reputation of being a go-getter in the industry. I know it can go to that stage if you don't have a good support system. Health Care, Managed Care, Behavioral Health and Health IT. She recalls working completely insane hours, not even having enough time to pause for dinner. Her death made me realise how fragile life was. All rights reserved. 8.5K views, 123 likes, 14 loves, 8 comments, 12 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ItsRainingRaincoats: Former Mediacorp star Sharon Au, now living in Paris, speaks of her heartfelt gratitude for our. First at 13, then at 30, and again at 42. It is pointless to keep anger.. - global marketing & communications. I was put on a pedestal and became too full of myself. She added: "While we were eating, he asked me how work was, and I told him I didn't have a job and couldn't find one. The 46-year-old is working as an investment director at a private equity firm in Paris. Sharon Hicks. She made a significant mark in her forties, being one of the 3 key hosts in SEA Games in Singapore's home ground. And, for once, Sharon has seen the light. I was at the height of my popularity around 26 to 30. Again. This was after four consecutive years, from 2000 to 2003, of winningBest Variety Show Host at the Star Awards. Au was invited back on a few occasions to be host for some key events, including being the host in Beijing for Singapore Prime Minister's first state visit there and Star Awards 2007. After staying with Melissas family for two years, Sharons aunt finally took her back in. Or at least attempted to, in the heat of uncontrollable rage. When her best friend Melissa from, discovered that Dennys was her temporary abode, she immediately brought Sharon into her home and announced to her mother that Sharon will be staying with us from now on, because she is homeless. No questions asked. As a tribute to her, I placed a bouquet of flowers on her seat so I could look at them when I was on stage like I was acting for her. Urgent message. Wei-Sun is responsible for the origination, structuring and execution of fund investments, along with the ongoing management of portfolio companies in North America. From a cabaret girl in the 1998 stage musical, to a bubbly radio presenter in the sitcom. The post was accompanied by a photo of her and her beloved pet cat Rudon. After all, they are the ones whom you can trust and fall back on in times of difficulty. After her resignation, she movedto Paris because she wanted to start afreshbut no one there would hire her. Sharon Hicks. A part of their dialogue went something like this: Doctor: Nowadays everybody depression ah? Unless youre the anti-virus, dont come back.. Quiet Inlet, a sweet Kayuki cocktail, is a popular choice of drug, but today, Sharon is happy sipping water. Even the slightest sound startles him. She wrote: "My apartment was broken into 11 days ago. Tell me why you depressed. Ex-host Sharon Au quits job after her Paris home is burgled, re-evaluates her life there, All done! April 30, 2022. That's what happened to former Mediacorp actress Sharon Au who shared this in an emotional post today (May 11), addingit "took me 11 days to pen this note, without crying". Straight lines would now break away to form wavy curves, painted with flowing brush strokes in a riot of bright colours. I went back to my childhood and saw baby Sharon. The total number of cases in Singapore stands at 57,915. I didn't know what I was doing. One of them emailed me about work at 12am - 1am, require the report be sent to him by 9.30 am next day (work start at 9am). Time away from the limelight allowed Sharon to recentre herself, and upon graduating from Waseda University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in 2011, she returned to Singapore with an invigorated sense of purpose and identity. That was when she knew she had to get serious help. Discomfort is the only way to achieve personal growthand Sharon has learnt to step out of her comfort zone and confront parts of herself that she never used to like. [14] Since October 2018, she is currently an investment director with the private equity firm in Paris. My whole childhood, people were trying to find where to chuck me.". She wasnt in a hurry to find work, and was actually perfectly happy sleeping on my couch doing nothing. He waited for me to come home," she shared. Instead, it means "to experience" in Chinese. And then I realised I spent over 40 years of my life not appreciating things because I'm always too busy to savour a moment. Instead of acting, she took up an executive position at Mediacorp, citing Japan as one of the, Living in Japan transformed me. This is further endorsed when she clinched the Star Awards for Best Variety Show Host for four consecutive years from 2000 to 2003. Perhaps I was feeling too vulnerable back then. The boxes represent her personal insecurities and perceived societal expectations that she puts upon herself, while the straight, rigid lines of her frame depict her unwavering, by-the-book approach. There are striking parallels between her (older self) and the great painter. Others also showed their support for Sharons choice, with one netizen writing: There are many ways to 'be' a mother and many little ones who would be blessed by your presence in their lives. Effectively multilingual, Au established herself amongst top emcee-hosts in Mediacorp alongside Quan Yi Fong and Guo Liang. Then, aformer Mediacorp chairmaninvited her out to dinner when he was in Paris for business.