Lim and Kang performing in the finals of the Talent Quest in October this year.
When Joyce Lim took the stage at the recent Life Begins at 50 Seniors Festival 2025 to perform in the Talent Quest competition, it was a return to familiar territory. It was neither her first singing competition, nor her first time in the spotlight.
Yet, this performance was special.
“It wasn’t my first singing contest, but it had been a very long time since I last took part in one – so stepping back onto that stage felt exciting and refreshing! It brought back the same youthful energy I used to feel when performing years ago,” says the mother of three children, all of whom are classical pianists.
What made the moment truly emotional for Lim was the fact that she performed with her son, Clarence Kang, a self-taught autistic savant pianist. The duo performed a song Lim penned herself, Hold My Hand.
Clarence was the one who suggested that his mum take part in the talent competition.
“I wrote this song about 15 years ago during a challenging time raising him, when awareness and acceptance of autism were not as widespread,” Lim says. “Singing it again now, with him accompanying me on piano, felt like a full-circle moment.”
For Lim, that performance was more than just a return to the stage: It marked a new chapter in her life.
Motherhood and music
At 61, the founder and principal of Melodic Music Centre has spent decades nurturing not only her students’ musical talents but also her three children’s extraordinary gifts. Two of them, including Clarence, are on the autism spectrum.
“Life has been full of challenges,” she reflects. “My greatest wish has always been to raise my children well and provide them the care they need.
“There were times when the stress felt overwhelming, yet I’ve always held on to the hope that they would grow up to a brighter future.”
That wish came true.
Her eldest daughter, Chermain, 33, manages the family’s music schools while performing regularly at hospitals to comfort patients.
Her second son, Clifford, 30, who is diagnosed with ADHD, assists with piano tuning and performances. And Clarence, now 27 – who once struggled with communication – has performed internationally, a source of immense pride for Lim.
“Most of my time over the past decades was spent caring for my family, especially my sons, and running the business.
“Music was always there, but just in the background,” she says.
“So, when Clarence told me, ‘Mum, you should sing – I’ll play for you,’ it touched me deeply. It felt like he was giving me permission to be me again.”
Challenges remain, but time together still brings Lim (far left) and her family joy and laughter.
The performance served as a powerful reminder: This chapter of her life is not only about caring for others but also about reclaiming her own identity.
“Joining the competition made me realise that self-expression isn’t selfish,” says the classical musician by training. “It’s a form of self-care. Performing again reawakened that spark in me – the joy, the courage, the excitement I used to feel when I was younger.”
Rediscovering herself
Lim laughs when she’s told she doesn’t look her age.
“Maybe it’s the music and laughter at home,” she quips. “Having children with special needs teaches you patience and empathy which, I think, softens the heart and shows on the face.”
Over the years, she has learned the delicate art of balance: Pouring her heart into caring for her children while consciously reserving space for herself.
Lim finds it amusing when people say she doesn’t look her age, saying, ‘Maybe it’s the music and laughter at home.’She has become intentional about nurturing her own physical, emotional, and creative well-being.
“This means planning ahead, making time for rest, laughter, and small joys, and nurturing my own well-being through music, friendships, and gratitude,” she explains, adding that self-care isn’t a luxury: It’s essential.
Lim adds: “And it doesn’t have to be extravagant. For me, it’s things like keeping a good skincare routine, going for walks, eating healthily, and making time for small joys – like singing, writing, or gardening. These are things that feed my soul.”
She also keeps active by doing light exercises and staying socially connected through her church and community groups.
“Being around positive people makes a big difference. At this age, it’s not about chasing youth, but about feeling alive and purposeful.”
Lim believes that when one takes care of their health and appearance, they can shine at any age.
“Life’s too short to keep the clothes in the closet – dress up, show up, and enjoy every moment!” she adds with a laugh.
A song with a message
For Lim, music has never been just a profession; it has always been a personal lifeline that is both profoundly healing and expressive.
“It carried me through tough times, brought me joy, and allowed me to connect deeply with others – especially my children,” says Lim, who started teaching piano as a teenager and opened her own music school at the age of 21.
But it was songwriting that became her true emotional outlet.
“In songwriting, I found a way to express what’s in my heart and share meaningful messages that can touch others’ lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that a song can resonate with someone and reach their heart,” she adds.
Her song Hold My Hand was born from one of those difficult periods, capturing the struggles and hopes of raising Clarence, who was then a child learning to make sense of the world around him.
fifth The duo also performed the 'Hold My Hand' on Asia's Got Talent some years ago.
“It was a very lonely time,” she recalls. “I didn’t know many parents who were going through the same thing, and support systems weren’t as accessible as they are today.”
The song is no mere amateur effort. Lim shares that the tune has been performed in many countries, carrying with it a message of love and awareness about autism.
It was performed in China on I Dream China (Zhejiang TV), in Hong Kong where it won the Best Expression/Performance Award at the Anan International Autistic Talent Gala, and in Singapore at the ChildAid Charity Concert held at Marina Bay Sands.
The song was also performed in Korea at the PyeongChang Special Music Festival and was even featured on Asia’s Got Talent, as well as in many local performances in Malaysia.
“In some performances, the song wasn’t sung by me,” Lim says proudly.
Yet performing the song at the recent Amazing Seniors Talent Quest, with Clarence beside her, evoked an entirely new and profound emotion.
This time, she says, it wasn’t about sharing their journey of struggle with the world.
“It was about us: A mother and son standing together, with his music wrapping me in warmth and love,” she concludes.
