Hong Kong singer Sammi Chan Sin Ting is taking on multiple jobs and cutting back on expenses as she navigates a light workload in the entertainment industry.
In a recent interview with HK01, the 40-year-old said her company TVB has assigned her just three shows this year.
She is currently preparing for several programme recordings and working on a new single.
Chan, who joined the second season of the reality singing competition Midlife, Sing & Shine! in 2023, said she remains grateful for every opportunity despite the limited work.
However, with four seasons of the reality singing competition Midlife, Sing & Shine! having produced a growing pool of contestants and artistes, she acknowledged that there are only limited opportunities to go around.
“I’m happy whenever I have work. Hopefully, the company will give me more opportunities.
“Our Midlife, Sing & Shine! family is getting bigger, and there are so many talented people…
“Although I may not be assigned that much work, I’m still very grateful, and clients still remember me,” she said.
To supplement her entertainment income, Chan has kept her real estate agent licence and continues to teach singing at an academy.
She said she had already prepared herself for a situation where entertainment work alone might not provide a steady income.
“I hope to be able to support myself, which is why I’m not relying on just one job. With inflation in Hong Kong, the income from a single job isn’t enough to support myself.
“Money comes in and goes straight back out, and it may still not be enough to cover daily expenses,” she said.
Chan said she is also careful with her spending and has been relying mainly on her savings, while trying to cut costs amid a slowdown in both the entertainment and property markets.
Recalling her time on Midlife, Sing & Shine! 2, she said she used to survive on just one bun a day during the competition.
“Things are better now – I can have one or two more buns,” she added.
Despite the challenges, Chan has no plans to give up her entertainment career and said she does not feel weighed down by the so-called “celebrity baggage”.
“As long as there’s work, I’ll cherish every opportunity and continue working hard to get through it,” she said.
