“I’ve cried in front of my daughter!”
By Cheryl Koh
I like Edmund Chen the moment I meet him, it’s hard not to. “Hello, all!” he booms as he reaches out to give me a firm handshake. He’s quick to acquaint himself with our motley crew of five. Edmund is everything cheery – he’s bubbly, down-to earth, full of glow and smiles, he’s a bundle of spontaneity and joy. I love the laughter in his voice and that laidback approach; it feels of all things warm and familiar, it feels like the friend who got my back.
We had arranged to gather at g.spa, a luxurious fitness and recreation centre Edmund currently represents, for the photoshoot and interview. We scour the grounds of g.spa and found charming, dimly-lighted nooks and crannies that remind of mystical fantasies – it’s the perfect place for photoshoot. As the photographer readies his equipment for the shoot, the team makes small talk with Edmund. He’s amazing, he remembers each of our names – they’re at his fingertips. At a quarter to eleven, we’re ready to roll. Edmund steps into the spotlight and eases himself into professional action as the photographer clicks away. It’s mid-noon before we sit down with Edmund for interview over a hearty lunch, punctuated with phone calls. He is a busy man today, I’m sure. It’s the first day he would be producer for his up-and-coming movie project afterall.
When it was time to leave, I actually felt a tad dismayed – it wasn’t just another interview, I think I had made a friend.
Ezyhealth & Beauty: Do share what you have been up to recently.
Edmund Chen: I left MediaCorp 4 years ago. But before that, I had always wanted to do something in local context but with an international appeal for the longest time. This year has been a very interesting year for me because I managed to achieve that dream. Having acted in 10 international movies; Canadian, Hong Kong, Vietnam, China and Hollywood’s Street Fighter, I have yet to act in a local films. This year, however, I managed to do a local movie, in which I co-produced as well. Today, in fact, marks the first day of me solely producing another movie project, tentatively named “Love”, in conjunction to President Nathan’s message this year.
Apart from that, I also set up a web TV channel, EC TV. The objective of this channel is to create a platform where all local artistes and personalities such as sportsmen, chefs and the like will be recognized for their contributions. It is a platform for them to make Singapore proud. It will be linked with the rest of the world so that people from other parts of the world can share, appreciate and network. EC TV will carry only happy and healthy content, nothing violent or upsetting. Programmes will come in our four local languages and dialects. Though programmes might touch on sensitive topics, they will be viewed in a positive light. EC TV will feature experienced actors and directors who will be switching roles – directors will act, and actors will direct.
EHB: Tell us a little about your career as an actor; what inspired you to take up acting and what kept you going?
Edmund: I’ve been very blessed. I’ve done 10 international films, 90 television series and 5 stage plays in different languages, and 5 publications. This year is my 25th anniversary in the media industry and to mark this special year, I decided to contact a workshop, Mission EC. It is a workshop just for fellow Singaporeans who aspire to actors, directors, song composers and script writers.
EHB: We hear you have five children’s publications to your name. Tell us a little about them.
Edmund: The first four publications were for the Malaysian Government. It was a campaign organized to advocate the saving of endangered animals. I was given 10 different endangered animal species to ‘sell’. I wanted something with a personality so I decided to create a book for each animal. But I stopped at the 4th publication. I was too tired! (Laughs) This year, after 10 years, my little girl asked why she wasn’t in any of my publications so I came out with the fifth publication with her, along with my son, featured in it.
This publication is on dinosaurs and is named ‘Dino-Rules’. The book is partly factual, it features the Chengai Tree, an 18th storey tall tree that stood 200 years ago and that was later removed during the Japanese occupation. I used the tree as an illustration to promote environmental issues and values. It’s a pretty big book sold at Popular and Kinokuniya bookstores.
EHB: You are the spokesperson for g.spa, a fitness and recreation club. Do share with us a little on how you became the spokesperson for the spa.
Edmund: I met the owner Gary during dinner time at the hawker centre beneath g.spa, currently the biggest operator in the spa industry. He was with his friends, while I was with mine. He came over and told me he might have something for me. Months later, I was g.spa’s spokesperson.
EHB: g.spa offers services such as reflexology, body scrubs and much more. Tell us a little about the treatments and your favourite ones.
Edmund: Mother’s day was yesterday. So I brought four mothers; my wife Xiang Yun, her mother, my mother, and a future mother (his daughter) for a treat at g.spa. They really enjoyed themselves with a pampering hot tub experience, massage and spa. Whenever I come alone, I just have to let the helpful staff know how I feel, sore muscles etc, and they will customize a personal programme for me. g.spa has numerous types of treatments but I usually go for my favourites: for a massage that rejuvenates and ‘loosens’ my muscles, I go for ‘Gateway to Vitality’. There is also business class massage where you get double the pampering. Then there’s ‘G harmony’ which is more of a relaxing massage. There are body scrub services, manicure and pedicure for the ladies, and many other types of services. My son says it’s like a short retreat without having to go overseas. He enjoys the food, the sauna and hot tub and yes, the food! They’ve good food, so I often bring my clients here to talk business over lunch. Basically, g.spa is a one-stop concept for everyone!
EHB: Any health & beauty tips for our readers?
Edmund: I use the gym at g.spa every now and then. To me, health is important because I want to keep myself healthy so I can have more time with my loved ones. I want to be functional. I don’t smoke,
I don’t drink and I exercise regularly. When I was younger, I exercised because I wanted to look good but now that I’m older, I want to do it for health and to keep myself in good condition. As such, I’ve changed my philosophy to keeping healthy. I no longer do massive weight lifting, I don’t push my limits anymore – it’s no longer no pain no gain. It’s about keeping healthy, trim and happy. Also, I drink specially treated water instead of normal boiled water.
EHB: Father’s Day is round the corner. What is a typical Father’s Day like for you?
Edmund: Fathers are always ignored! (Laughs) Anyway, last Father’s Day, my kids (He has a son Yi Xia who is 20 and a daughter Yi Xi, who is 11) handmade cards and gifts, gave me a treat, and did the housework. Quite a bit of effort was put into the Father’s Day celebration.
EHB: With a schedule as busy as yours, how do you find time for your children?
Edmund: Years ago I wanted more time with my kids so when I left MediaCorp, I had all the time I needed with them. Children grow too quickly! Back then in MediaCorp I worked nonstop and suffered burnouts. Now that I’m doing my own thing, I go at a slower pace. When the kids have their exams, I will be around to coach them, I would schedule my time according to theirs.
EHB: Any parenting tips for our readers?
Edmund: My wife Xiang Yun and I used to take on different roles; one would be the disciplinarian, and the other, the good guy. After a couple of years, we realized that we shouldn’t have done that! The kids seem to know who to go to when they want something! Now, Xiang Yun and I work closely when it comes to disciplining the children. When Xiang Yun says no, I’ll say no as well, and vice versa.
I also try to blend into my children’s life. I try to take my children and their friends out. I want to communicate more with my children so that they will come to me with their problems. I think it is important a bond between the parent and child is created when the child is still young, because it’ll be too late when they are older. With my children, I try not to be the stern father. When I’m down, I let it show. I’ve cried in front of my daughter. I let my kids understand the responsibilities I have to shoulder, the difficulties that I face. They know daddy is human, too!
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