Celebrating 42 Years of Magic – The Story of Jeanette Aw
Jeanette Aw, also known as Ou Xuan, is a name that most of us will never forget.
From Talent‑Search Queen to Household Icon
- It all began in 2000 when she snagged the crown in Singapore’s Route to Glamour talent hunt.
- She beat over 5,000 hopefuls to stake her claim and soon became a household name across Malaysia and Singapore.
- In 2002, she signed with Hype Records and officially joined Mediacorp – the start of a shining career.
The Golden Moments on the Small Screen
- Her debut‑breakout was the playwright‑like role of Mo Jingjing in Holland V.
- But the star that truly set the spotlight on her was Huang Juxiang / Yueniang in the beloved The Little Nyonya.
Breaking the Mold – 2017 & 2018
In 2017, Jeanette stunned fans by announcing she would not renew her Mediacorp contract or keep ties with Hype Records.
She didn’t stop there – the following year she made her directorial debut with The Last Entry and produced her second film, Senses. Her talent spans beyond acting into filmmaking, and even art exhibitions in Japan showcase her versatility (as The Straits Times pointed out).
Behind the Camera: A Glimpse of Her Creative World
A quick scroll through Jeanette’s social feed and you’ll find a bewildering array of projects, from music collaborations to photography shoots. Every post barely betrays the anchoring spark that drives her: a relentless urge to create.
42 & Going Strong
As we mark her 42nd birthday on June 28th, let’s give Jeanette the spotlight she deserves. Her career, from winning talent shows, to redefining TV roles, to taking the helm behind the camera, reminds us that talent and passion can travel many roads.
1. She’s an award-winning actress
Jeanette: Star Award Queen of 15 Years
Picture this: the Singaporean scene is buzzing, and at the center stands Jeanette— a name that has turned the silver screen into her personal runway. Not only does she wow us with her acting chops, but her trophy case is a parade of 29 Star Awards.
Why the Fans Are Thrill‑Buddies
- 29 Star Awards – a shiny tally that’s both a torchlight and a giant party hat.
- 8 nods for Best Actress – the runway of “almost there.”
- 2016: The big moment – she finally snagged that coveted Best Actress nod for playing Zhao Fei Er, the depressed actress we can’t stop talking about in The Dream Makers 2.
How She Turned “Almost” into “All‑In”
Jeanette’s journey isn’t just a list of numbers; it’s a story of resilience, magic, and a pinch of sass. From her early days on Mediacorp to becoming the ultimate “Showstopper,” she’s turned the “nominations” into a showcase of “she’s got this” moments.
Fans didn’t just sit on the sidelines— they shouted her name louder than the drums in a fab celebration. And when 2016 rolled around, the world felt that “Best Actress” had finally met its match.
Takeaway
In a scene where talent meets timing, Jeanette is the superhero who keeps on scoring—and we’re lucky to watch each chapter unfold.
2. She’s now a free agent
Jeanette’s Bold Leap Into Solo Stardom
Back in 2017, the music scene was shaken to its core when Jeanette dropped a bombshell: she was ditching her 15‑year Mediacorp contract and stepping out on her own. Talk about a headline‑maker!
Why She Split From Hype Records
- It wasn’t a spur‑of‑the‑moment call. The decision to leave Hype Records was baked up over time—like a slow‑roasted dish that just wouldn’t get any better.
- She said she finally felt that little inner voice was shouting louder than the crowd: “It was a sign the universe was ready for a change.”
- Simple truth—music careers hit plateaus. She wanted to climb higher, not just plateau.
Seeking Freedom & Growth
Jeanette’s journey was all about personal growth and wanting total control over her creative path. She imagined a future where her hits, style, and even her stage name were 100% hers.
So here’s to the fearless woman who turned the industry on its head and carved a fresh, uncharted path.
3. She’s a profesh baker
Jeanette’s Sweet Journey to Bangkok
From City Life to Cake Hives
Back in 2018, Star‑star Jeanette swapped her hectic art routine for the scent of fresh croissants in Bangkok. She enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu Dusit to earn a Diploma in Patisserie—turning her passion for baking into a real credential.
Why the Nine‑Month Course Was a Treat
She told us she “relished the nine‑month stretch because I could finally stick to regular hours and weekend breaks.” Those times were a breath‑of‑fresh‑air compared to the all‑night hustle of being an artiste.
Dreaming of a Café—Pop‑ups as a Backup
Jeanette isn’t ruling out owning a café someday, but the high rent costs drag her in a different direction. She’s eyeing a pop‑up model for future projects.
Once Upon A Time!
In May 2021, the dream became reality: Once Upon A Time, a bakery on Hamilton Road in Jalan Besar, opened its doors. The sweet spot is now live, and Jeanette’s journey from student to entrepreneur is complete.
- Le Cordon Bleu training = diploma in delight.
- Regular hours + weekends = sweet balance.
- High rent? Pop‑ups just the thing!
- Bakery open and thriving.
4. She has her own production company
Jeanette Aw Takes the Director’s Chair
In 2012, Jeanette Aw founded Picturesque Films—just a name on a business register on a rainy day. Five years later, she hit the gas and turned that vision into a genuine filmmaking journey.
First Lights, Camera, Action!
- She wrote, produced, and directed her debut short The Last Entry.
- The story draws from her godmother’s brave battle with Alzheimer’s.
- It landed a nomination at the Tokyo Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia in 2018—proof that her hands are as polished as her smile.
Keeping the Momentum with Senses
Her sophomore short, Senses, further cemented her knack for storytelling. While the film industry definitely has more ups and downs than a roller coaster, Jeanette’s steady hand keeps the ride smooth.
Beyond Short Films
Picturesque Films isn’t just about cinematic gems. They’ve also produced sleek beauty and fashion campaigns for social‑media platforms—making sure the brand stays as fresh as a new Instagram filter.
Jeanette Aw’s trajectory shows that stepping into the director’s chair can be just as thrilling (and rewarding) as scrolling through feeds forever.
5. She’s been on the big screen
Jeanette’s Silver‑Screen Odyssey: From Mummy Life to Ramen Romance
Jeanette burst onto the movie scene in 2015 with Find My Dad. She played Ping Ma, a single mom on the tightrope of raising her son Ping An, who, after a few probing questions, set off on a quest to locate his dad.
Three years later, she branched into a culinary adventure, starring in Ramen Teh (2018), directed by Eric Khoo. The film served up a delightful blend of cultures—think noodles, spices, and a dash of heartbreak.
- Mei Lian – Jeanette’s heart‑warming role as the Singaporean wife to a Japanese ramen shop owner.
- Her backstory: passion and tragedy – she left the scene when her son Masato was only ten.
- Her husband Kazuo grew distant and work‑obsessed after her death.
When Kazuo passed away from a stroke, it was Masato’s turn to get the detective hat on. Armed with his mom’s old diary, he journeyed to Singapore to unravel the mystery of her family. It turned out he had a brother (the one in the bak kut teh stall), played by Mark Lee, who served up tasty tradition.
Jeanette’s presence permeated the film through a series of vivid flashbacks, showing the sweet meeting between Mei Lian and Kazuo, and the vivid scenes from Masato’s childhood. These memories kept her spirit alive—every noodle bowl and every curve remixed with love.
Laugh, cry, and taste the flavors that Jeanette plated for us. With each role, she seasoned the screen with her warmth, humor, and a pinch of heartfelt emotion—making audiences feel, “Who knew cinema could be as comforting as a bowl of homemade Ramen?”
6. She has published books
Jeanette Aw: A Non‑stop Super‑Hero of Malaysia’s Entertainment Scene
When you think of a multitasking superstar who can juggle acting, singing, entrepreneurship, and even philanthropy, chances are you’ll imagine someone flying on a jet‑pack. In fact, the person behind this whirlwind is Jeanette Aw, a Malaysian actress and singer who is as busy as a well‑clocked Swiss watch.
2012: “Definitions” – A Deep Dive Into Her Reality
In 2012, Jeanette published “Jeanette Aw: Definitions,” a memoir that gave fans an intimate look at her life. It wasn’t just a list of movie credits; it was a heartfelt confession about:
- A breast cancer scare that tested her resilience.
- Being a proud mother to three godchildren who keep her on her toes.
- Her own set of challenges and triumphs that shaped the woman we love today.
With a wink, she reminds us that she’s lived far more than one extraordinary chapter in her journey.
2015: “Sol’s World: Somebody To Love” – A Book of Dreams
Just three years later, she dipped her pen into another realm of storytelling. The second book, Sol’s World: Somebody To Love, follows a curious child named Sol searching for answers in a bewildering world. Though the title sounds like a love‑song, the book offers a poignant exploration of believing in yourself and finding your place.
What’s Next? “A Third Book” (and a Giga‑Project List)
While she’s already famed for writing two remarkable books, Jeanette is busy polishing the foreword to her third thick volume. Her to‑do list reads like a cheat sheet for busy people: “Do this,” “Do that,” “Give a speech,” “Contribute to charity,” and so on.
We can only admire her unstoppable momentum and present ourselves in awe. She’s the living proof that writing a personal memoir isn’t the end of the story; it’s just the beginning of more adventures.
7. She’s an artist
Jeanette’s Canvas Odyssey
From the moment she could pick up a crayon, Jeanette has been a dreamer with a paintbrush. “I love seeing something emerge that is not of this world. I love giving it colours. And sometimes, I love it in black‑and‑white. I love how my emotions are translated in such a fashion,” she confessed in a 2015 blog post that reads like a poem about paint and feeling.
Fast‑forward to 2017, she dreamed big again: “I would love to spend my days with a paintbrush and canvas, creating a world made of dramatic light and shadows.” Even though her only formal art background was back in secondary school, she turned that little spark into a roaring passion.
- In her art, the whimsical meets the thoughtful—think pink unicorns with heavy‑metal reflections.
- Her work feels like a storybook that also asks deep questions.
Gerald’s UOB Collaboration
Last year, Jeanette joined forces with UOB for a “Giving Week” project. She and a group of children from SPD painted two canvases together. The whole session aired live on Facebook, and every view during the stream was turned into S$1. UOB matched that amount—talk about community cheer!
It’s hard to find talent without compassion in the art world, but Jeanette proves it’s a winning combo: bold colors, humble beginnings, and a heart as generous as her canvas.
8. She’s an ambassador for a city in Japan
Welcome to Takasaki: Where History Meets Hip‑Pop
Picture a charming town tucked into Gunma Prefecture in Japan’s Kanto region – that’s Takasaki. It’s the kind of place where the buzz of traditional temples mixes with the energy of modern life, and it’s lucky enough that a filmmaker named Jeanette decided to leave her mark here.
The Eiffel‑Towers of Film
- Jeanette’s Unexpected Appointment – Even though the details are a bit fuzzy, the rumor mill says her leap into local film scene might have been sparked by the 2018 shoot of Eric Khoo’s Ramen Teh. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!
- Senses – Jeanette followed up with her own short film, Senses, shot right in Takasaki. It’s a quick, cinematic bite that captures the city’s vibe and the artist’s flair.
- Local Flavor – The film doesn’t leave anything to chance: the streets, the people, even the sliced tea leaves, are all captured with a sense of humor and a touch of drama.
Why Fans Love It
Jeanette’s work resonates because it’s relatable for both locals and wanderers. She turns everyday moments into storytelling gold, and her footage from Takasaki feels like a love letter to the city’s soul.
Fun Fact
In case you’re wondering: despite the serious tone of many films, Jeanette’s style is sprinkled with a lighthearted Southern charm – a bit like a Japanese equivalent of a funny sitcom cameo!
Stay tuned for more adventures – especially if Jeanette opens a patisserie soon, because WTF brownies sound like a recipe for worldwide excitement.
9. She held a solo art exhibition
Jeanette Aw’s Tokyo Twist: Cooking, Canvas & a Surprise Book Release
Picture this: Jeanette Aw in Tokyo, juggling kitchen knives and sketchpads, all while chasing a prestigious Le Cordon Bleu diploma. But that’s not all she was up to—she turned the city into her own personal gallery and turned a book full of love stories into a midnight bestseller!
From Cooking Class to Artist’s Space
- Le Cordon Bleu on the Menu – She was busy mastering culinary techniques, hitting the class mix like a pro.
- Canvas Hour – While her pots were simmering, she was doodling her imagination, turning blank walls into colorful windows.
- Weekend Vibes – Not just a cooking lesson or an art show, she crossed both worlds this week.
The Book Launch That Came Out of Left Field
In a tell‑all chat with Today, Jeanette laughed that the book’s Japanese republication was totally unplanned. “I was the PR ambassador for Takasaki City at the time,” she explains. “They peered into my pages, thought it’d be a cool addition for Japan, and voilà—project launched!”
Why It Matters
- New Audience – The book, Sol’s World: Somebody To Love, new fans discover it in a fresh language.
- Culture Hook – Combining a book launch with an art exhibition is a double win – a visual feast for the eyes and a literary vibe for the soul.
- 5 K + Artwork – She showcased 20 original pieces – 20 art moments to remember.
The venue? Ginza 6, Tokyo’s bustling heart. A prime spot where foodies, art lovers, and readers can mingle and indulge their senses.
Takeaway
Jeanette Aw proves you can be a master chef, an artist, and a writer all at once. When life gives you a spice, add a splash of color and a sprinkle of words. It’s a recipe for success that Japanese fans drank in, and the city tasted a bit richer for it.
10. She almost became a child psychologist
Jeanette: Actress, Actress & Almost Psychologist
Everyone knows Jeanette’s name spelled out in glittering stage lights, but did you hear she almost swapped out her drama scripts for a child psychologist’s white coat?
How the idea sparked
- Passion for youngsters – “I’ve always loved children,” she told The New Paper in 2015.
- Double major ambition – She enrolled in both theatre studies and psychology to keep her options open.
- Showbiz call – Eventually, the applause of the audience won the battle.
So, while she considered a future in child psychology, Jeanette’s heart stayed firmly in the spotlight. The rest is, as they say, “history.”
11. She’s a dancer
Jeanette: From Gymnastics to Glamour
Jeanette’s journey into the dance world began at the age of 13 when she dipped her toes into ballet. It wasn’t just a hobby; it became her second language. And trust me, a 13‑year‑old can’t just invent a whole new dance style!
Charting Her Artistic Path
Before she graced the big screen, she was busy building an impressive résumé:
- School gymnast who could flip like a pro.
- Saxophonist in her secondary school band—yes, she can rock a sax and a tutu.
- President of the National University of Singapore’s Dance Ensemble—because leadership is always in style.
From Campus to Camera
When it came time to sign her first acting contract, the move from dance studio to set was seamless. She rehearsed daily, turning “practice makes perfect” into literally “practice makes perfect” for the camera.
The Rainbow Connection
In Channel 8’s drama The Rainbow Connection, Jeanette’s character, Ding Yingying (Yoyo), stars as a talented dancer battling stage fright. What’s more remarkable than a line‑up of dance moves? She performed almost every sequence herself—no body double was needed. Fans were treated to her full‑on flair: thunderous feet, elegant twirls, and the genuine awe of a truly live performance.
“The Last Entry” Preview
For those who love a dramatic opening, catch Jeanette in a moving ballet scene from her short film The Last Entry. It’s the kind of moment that makes you want to “Breathe, Dance. Repeat.” While she may have started late compared to her peers, the result is a dance‑filled, emotionally charged performance that resonated with audiences worldwide.
12. She sings, too
Jeanette Aw Takes the Spotlight in Beauty World
In 2015, the celebrated actress Jeanette Aw stepped into the starring role of Lulu, the glamorous cabaret queen, in the musical Beauty World. The production drew a star‑packed crowd, with big names like Kit Chan, Zoe Tay, Pan Lingling, Fann Wong, and the legendary Christopher Lee all cheering her on.
What Made Jeanette a Stand‑Out Choice?
- Not a Traditional Singer: Director Dick Lee openly admitted that Jeanette’s vocal range was more on the “average” side. He said the troupe knew she wasn’t a classical singer from the start.
- Star Power: What mattered most was her undeniable sparkle on stage. “She’s got that star quality,” Lee noted.
- Dance Skills: Jeanette’s dancing was praised as “fantastic.” The musical demanded rhythmic precision, and she nailed it with confidence.
- Dedication: “She was eager to improve her singing,” Lee added. Jeanette didn’t just settle; she pushed herself to grow. That kind of ambition? It’s what steals the show.
Why Audiences Were Smiling
Beyond the applause, Jeanette’s genuine enthusiasm and knack for connecting with fans made the theater feel less like a performance and more like a fun gathering. Her willingness to tackle challenges—especially improving her singing—added a relatable human touch.
And So It All Comes Down to This:
When talent meets drive, the result is a memorable performance that keeps the crowd in high spirits. Jeanette Aw’s journey in Beauty World is a testament to that truth.
13. She has international fans
Why Singapore’s Jeanette is Now a Global Celeb
Jeanette has become the talk of every street in Singapore—she lights up malls, snack stalls, and even video calls with her iconic grin. But guess what? Her fame isn’t stopping at our borders.
The Jeanius Phenomenon
When your fan club starts calling you “Jeanius”, you know you’ve crossed into the legend territory. This nickname has become a staple in whispers across remote regions, and it’s not just local chatter.
- Cambodia hosts a Jeanius squad that organizes midnight “watch” parties for her latest dramas.
- In Malaysia, fans put up giant fan‑art murals in districts where street vendors once sold only ikan bilis.
- Even China hosts a virtual “café” where fans discuss her haircuts over a cup of soy milk.
So, What’s the Secret Sauce?
It’s simple—Jeanette walks into a room and feels like her own film festival. Her charisma, sincerity, and even her coffee‑taste line-up have made her seem approachable (almost as if she texts back in a second).
And while some say it’s a “Jeanius” thing, everyone knows it’s just a little sparkle in her eyes. Those who keep watching her performances will realize that her charm is, quite literally, planet‑wide.
14. She’s like us
When Stars Struggle With Stubborn Buns
Ever get that nagging feeling you’re not alone in the gym? Turns out, even the glitzy world of showbiz doesn’t get a free pass from personal weight woes. Take Jeanette, whose latest public project is less “add glamorous swoon to thread” and more “meet the real hero in the mirror.”
Stubborn Fat Is No Secret
Despite hitting the treadmill like a marathon runner and munching salad after each show, Jeanette’s plates of trouble remain. She’s battling a stubborn layer of fat that sticks around like a bad habit—hard to shake, even with the best diet and exercise plans.
The CoolSculpting Quick Fix
Her solution? CoolSculpting, a “no‑surgery” freeze‑burn therapy that targets and eliminates fatty cells. Think of it as a personalized, science‑backed bat‑to‑study type of body‑revamp—while you’re on the couch, the tech works, and you get to keep the shape you love.
- Non‑invasive—no needles or anesthesia.
- Targeted cold therapy that drips the sweat out of stubborn spots.
- Results? A slimmer silhouette that doesn’t require a fashion crisis.
Jeanette’s New Role
After crunching those numbers—and figuratively, of course—she was crowned as the official ambassador for CoolSculpting. Now she’s on a mission to show that whether you’re a superstar or a regular person, a little tech can help you win the battle against those unseeable weight bumps.
In short, the next time you see a celebrity flaunting their new look, remember they’re just like you—okay, except they get a tiny little “freezer” assistant to get there.
15. She’s a brand ambassador for a local durian company
Jeanette Takes the Durian Spotlight
When a Vulcan Post story hit the feed earlier this year, it was almost like a plot twist: Jeanette is now the face of Golden Moments, the local durian brand that gives fresh fruit a whole new vibe.
Why It Clicks
Golden Moments isn’t just pushing a tropical treat. They’re all about relationship‑building, and, spoiler alert, Jeanette totally gets that groove. She’s the kind of artist who loves turning people together into one story.
Jeans, Director, Durian—All Kinds of Fun!
- Creative Director, you say? Yep! Jeanette took the reins and penned a one‑shot script, directed the heavy‑action scenes, and even stepped in front of the camera as the main guest.
- First‑ever short film ad. The brand’s debut reel is a sip of sunshine—from comic timing to a sweet love story that even makes durians sound romantic.
- Keeping it simple, emotional, and a little goofy. If you watch the clip, you’ll see how a durian can become a warm hug in your mouth.
From the Studio to Your Plate
Golden Moments wants you to feel the chill of the fruit’s aroma and the happiness of sharing it with friends. And Jeanette delivers it with a dash of humility, a pinch of wit, and pure authenticity.
Final Scoop
Every time you bite into a durian, imagine the grin on Jeanette‘s face—because she’s turned this beloved fruit into a community‑loving star. Ready to taste her brand of love? Go ahead, grab one of those golden moments today!
16. She used to write about fashion and style
Jeanette’s Fashion Journey
Everyone knows how Jeanette dazzles whether she’s walking the runway or strolling the streets. Her knack for blending style with personality is legendary.
Turning Passion into Pixels
Back in 2018, Jeanette decided to fuse her love for fashion with her knack for storytelling. She launched CuratedEdition—a chic online destination where trend‑setting meets editorial flair—alongside a trusted partner.
Key Highlights of the 2018 Launch
- Founder’s voice: Jeanette’s first editorial sparks curiosity by debuting the site’s mission.
- Curated content: From runway recaps to behind‑the‑scenes takes, the platform covers it all.
- Audience: Readers enjoy a blend of bold styling tips and candid interviews—perfect for fans of the local entertainment scene.
Jeanette’s latest byline appeared that same year, cementing her role as a fashion whisperer and media trailblazer.
Originally featured on Her World Online, the story reflects the synergy between her star power, her creative vision, and her unwavering enthusiasm for style.
