Phyllis Quek on the Fine Line Between Chill and Detached
At first glance, Phyllis Quek’s quiet aura might have been mistaken for a frosty, unreachable vibe. In reality, she’s just living by her own set of priorities – the kind of priorities that keep her from letting anything else pull her attention away.
Speak‑Easy Truths on “Hear U Out”
During the latest episode of Mediacorp’s Hear U Out, host Quan Yi Fong asked the 50‑year‑old about her wildest on‑set blunder or any big grudge she might hold. Phyllis shook her head: “I’ve never really gotten worked up about anything. I just keep it all to myself and focus on the work at hand.”
Why the World Feels “Cold”
- Phyllis confesses that she felt the need to stay “composed” because of the relentless pressure from filming, herself, and the media’s scrutiny.
- Her producer had even hinted that she comes off as “cool-as ice,” but she’s all about keeping the camera rolling.
Audience Over Colleagues
When it comes to what matters most, Phyllis pinpoints audience feedback over the opinions of fellow crew members. “I’m not clowning around trying to please everyone,” she says – a sentiment echoed in her own words about wanting to focus on her craft, not on external chatter.
Pruning the Noise
She breaks down criticism like a seasoned editor: read it, reflect, then ditch the parts that don’t serve her growth. “If someone gives me a bad piece of advice, I’ll simply ignore it and move on.” This sentiment came up when host Fong shared a story of a viewer who sent harassing emails. Phyllis admitted, “He threw a bunch of ugly words my way. They sting, but I kept going – because that was what the work demanded.”
Support From the Roots
Phyllis credits a handful of lifelong friends, whom she met in secondary school, with keeping her grounded. “They’ve always been there to listen,” she says. And as for confronting hostile fans or critics, she reminds us: “I’m not an octopus doing 10‑head multitasking. I’d go crazy if I tried to juggle that with everything else I have to manage.”
Take‑Away Take‑aways
- Keep your focus on your craft and audience.
- Filter out the noise and only keep constructive feedback.
- Lean on the people who truly understand you.
Phyllis Quek continues to stride forward—cold, confident, and undeterred. A reminder that a calm exterior can still be a powerhouse of ingenuity.
