TAN Kheng ... who? Mention the name Tan Kheng Hua to most Malaysians and it’s likely to draw blank stares. But say “Margaret ... Phua Chu Kang” and their eyes are sure to light up with recognition. 

That despite the fact that Tan has played the cultured, vegetarian Margaret Phua in the hit Singaporean sitcom, Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd, for 10 years since it started in 1997. The sister-in-law of the famously uncouth title character, Margaret is the antithesis of the building contractor with his trademark yellow wellies, permed locks and mole.