Charlie Yeung: Facing Death with Her Family & Film in the Fast Lane
In many parts of China, death is a hushed subject—old folks sweep it under the rug, claiming it brings bad luck. But Singapore‑based Hong Kong star Charlie Yeung shakes off these taboos, addressing the topic head‑on. At 47, she and her husband already chat openly about the future for their twins, a practice that, surprisingly, keeps everyone lighter on their feet.
Planning Ahead = Peace of Mind
Charlie is married to Khoo Shao Tze, a Singaporean lawyer, and the couple welcomed twins Aloysius and Ignatius in 2017. When asked about their strategy for the kids’ future, she shared an everyday reality:
- “Both of our kids are only four, so we buy their insurance and make sure our own is in place.”
- “It might feel over‑the‑top to some, but we decided together whether to set up wills.”
For Charlie, the notion that death’s a “taboo” is only limiting if you ignore it. She characterises the conversation as a protective measure: “It’s about shielding the kids, so we just face it.”
From Story to Self‑Reflection
Her latest project, “Hello! Tapir”, puts her in the shoes of a mother who was away from her son Keat after his fisherman father vanished at sea. To cope, Keat’s adults hide the truth, and he finds refuge in the mythical tapir that steals nightmares—a whimsical twist that slipped a veil over the raw grief in the film.
Charlie hits a common chord: she lost her father a few years back. “No matter how much you know or emotionally prepare yourself, death’s still a hard hit,” she confided. “I also feel guilty about my own family dynamics—leaving the kids is something I can’t forget.”
Real‑World Parallels
As a mother, Charlie imagines the sheer weight of carrying her kids everywhere. Yet, in the movie, the mother’s exit is tied to her own reasons and a broken alliance, echoing situations many families face.
So next time you’re planning for the future—whether with insurance, wills, or simply conversations—channel Charlie’s fearless approach: dust off those invisible clouds, talk about it, and keep your loved ones protected.
Being fair to her kids
Singapore is a place that holds many happy memories for Charlie. After all, she had her wedding here and her children were born here. Giving birth is the most mind-blowing thing in life, she confessed.
But, she recalled telling her husband that their next lesson in life is to learn how to be fair to both of them.
Charlie explained: “Because there are two of them, how do you be fair to them and not compare them to each other so they can develop individually?”
When it comes to raising them, she thinks it’s better to guide them instead of just teaching them.
Parenting Lessons From the Kids
Did you know that after having children, you might realize your kids are the ones teaching you more than you thought? They’re little educators in disguise.
“I learned that parenting isn’t one‑way street,” says Emma, a mom who has discovered that a child’s simple question can turn into a life lesson for the whole family. “I used to think I had to be the one giving all the answers. Turns out, kids are great teachers too.”
These tiny humans have a knack for pointing out what’s truly important and, in doing so, they fill your life with a hefty dose of positivity.
Why Kids Make You Smarter
- Observational skills—they watch how you behave and pick up on patterns.
- Unfiltered honesty—the everyday “I love you” or “I don’t understand” shells out a pure truth.
- Creative curiosity—their questions about the world spark new ideas.
A Real‑Life Story
Emma finds herself in a universal parenting moment: she’s struggling to finish a dinner recipe while humming a lullaby. When the kitchen fills with an audible sigh, her son looks up, eyes wide with concern.
“What’s up, Mom? You seem so sad.” “I’m good,” she says, because she didn’t want him to worry.
Fast‑forward a few seconds—her little boy trips on the table, scrapes a knee, and looks up at her with a grin. “Mama, it’s okay,” he says. “I have knees that can fix themselves.”
That instant sent Emma into a laughing fit, and she realized that sometimes kids speak the truth so plainly it clicks the perfect moment for both of them. They remind a parent that happiness doesn’t need a lot—just a chuckle, a hug, and a reassuring “All good.”
And while the kids may teach you new ways to see “everything,” you also teach them a life philosophy, like the art of staying composed. Just remember: the best teachers in the house are those who have a laugh in the face of a misstep.
Death need not be a heavy topic
Talking About Death With Kids—And Keeping It Light
Charlie (the actress) believes that even though her new film deals with heavy topics, families can still enjoy it together. She’s been turning “death” into a classroom lesson because, honestly, life ends for all of us.
Serendipity in the Backyard
- One sunny afternoon, Charlie’s family found a dead bird inside their home.
- Rather than shrug it off, they used the moment as a teaching opportunity.
- “We told the kids the bird had passed on and that we could say a quick prayer for it,” she explains.
Why Talk About Death?
Charlie thinks kids have an intuitive sense of loss. If adults keep it a secret, the children could be left guessing—and that’s risky.
“Kids might think death is a big, scary mystery,” she says. “But if we walk them through it, we give them a safe space to understand what comes next.”
The Takeaway
- Open conversations help kids build resilience.
- It’s all about leading them with empathy, not fear.
- That’s the kind of lesson creators have been echoing through the film’s storyline.
So next time you spot a bird that’s crossed the rainbow bridge, maybe you’ll seize the chance to chat—just like Charlie does.
