Hong Kong-based Malaysian singer Karen Kong recalled that she had a lot of different jobs while trying to make a name for herself as a singer there.
She told mStar – The Star’s Malay-language portal – that she held many posts in the 11 years she’s been in Hong Kong, and some of them are not showbiz-related, including office jobs and even selling durians to make ends meet during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It was challenging to start a new life in Hong Kong. There was a period of time when I didn’t have any income at all.
“So, I had to work at an office. In the past 11 years, I have worked many jobs.
“The houses in Hong Kong are small, but the cost of living is very high,” said the Cinta Hello Kitty singer.
The 37-year-old – who started her career in 2007 with the Malay album Mulakan – moved to Taiwan in 2009 to further herself as a singer.
In 2010, she moved to Hong Kong and has been based there ever since.
The Labuan native came back to Malaysia recently to attend the premiere of Namewee’s film Nasi Lemak 1.0, in which she has a role. The film opens at cinemas nationwide on Thursday (Jan 27).
Apparently, during the height of the pandemic, Kong struggled to make a living as there were no singing gigs that she resorted to selling durians from Malaysia to make extra cash.
Happily, she said, things are looking better now as she’s signed on to a recording label and has just released two new singles.
“All my hard work and experience have taught me to be patient,” she mentioned.
Even with her singing career blossoming once again, Kong is not willing to give up her “other jobs”.
For one, she said she’s continuing with her durian business, as it is doing well.
Furthermore, she's opened a cafe featuring Malaysian food and a hairdresser salon in Hong Kong with husband Adam Hui, who is a hairstylist.
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