Where are you from, and what are you currently studying, or have you studied, and at which institution?
I was born and raised in Hong Kong. In January 2016 I moved to Adelaide. I’m looking forward to celebrating 10 years in Adelaide next year. I then completed Year 11 and 12 at Norwood International High School. In early 2018 I started my Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Performing Arts and Screen Studies, at UniSA where I graduated in 2020.
What has your timeline in Adelaide looked like?
During my time at Norwood International High School, I served as the International Student Representative on the Student Representative Council. The experience sparked my interest in social justice and intercultural practice. I was predominantly a STEM student but I also got my first exposure to journalism and digital media production there. After graduating with an ATAR of 99.40 and two SACE merits, I secured the International Merit Scholarship from UniSA.
My first “job” was being a Student Ambassador for StudyAdelaide in 2018. I was then connected with Senuelo Advertising which led me to my first official job as an Assistant Content Producer. From 2018 to 2022, I worked as a Physics and Maths tutor for high school kids. I was not ready to let go of the knowledge. In the second year of my degree, I started seeking opportunities to perform in community theatres. It was a great experience to meet people and upskill my experience.
How did you select your course and institution, and what resources or support services did you find most helpful at your institution?
I selected UniSA as I was fortunate to receive an International Merit Scholarship.
Throughout my studies, my tutors who I still remain in contact with were so helpful. They were and still are extremely supportive and emailed me opportunities and volunteered to write letters of endorsement. Another useful thing about being a UniSA graduate is that I’m eligible to apply for funding and opportunities from Helpmann Academy to help kick-start my career.
Where do you currently work, and what are your future aspirations?
My main job is working for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. I bring joy to sick children at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and digitally. From singing lullabies to playing video games, from making crafts to producing livestreams, it allows me to do what I love in the most rewarding way. This job has brought me to Alice Springs, Sydney, and Melbourne. I’ll be doing a secondment in Canberra in May as well. I cannot stress how wholesome it is.
My childhood dream job was to become a full-time music theatre performer. It is definitely still my top goal. But I feel extremely blessed with the opportunities I have stumbled upon along the way. I did not think I would become a published reviewer and that my current job would lead me to meet the coolest kids in the hospital and across the country. I did think I would perform in Festival Theatre this year. But as long as I can keep creating and have my two cats with me, I’m happy.
I also have just started my PR application as well, which I'm hoping to have next year.
Below is a list of my creative highlights throughout my career so far:
Adelaide Fringe:
- 2023 - Signal: A Theatrical Mixtape which I developed during the 2022 Adelaide Fringe MakeSpace Residency supported by ActNow Theatre.
- 2024 - A retro bilingual cabaret Leslie & Anita: Fallen Stars of Hong Kong after receiving the Helpmann Creative Development Grant to develop it and receiving a Fringe Grant to produce it.
OzAsia:
- 2021 & 2022 - Undertake the Artist Lab, led by Contemporary Asian Australian Performance
- 2022 - Cultural Consultant for State Theatre Company of SA’s Single Asian Female
- 2023 - My lantern design ‘Jade Rabbit’ debuted in the Moon Lantern Trail
- 2024 - Cultural Consultant for Australian Dance Theatre’s development of Two Blood which will debut in 2025. I also, performed as a soloist in the Lucky Dumpling Market.
Adelaide Festival
- 2025 - Performed as an actor in Innocence with international creatives, State Opera SA, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Adelaide Chamber Singers
Reviewer:
- 2023 - Selected to partake ArtsHub’s Amplify Collective - an initiative to employ diverse writers
- 2023 - Awarded Helpmann Academy InReview Mentorship, in which I got to work alongside experienced journalist Samela Harris
I have published reviews on shows in the Adelaide Fringe, OzAsia Festival, Illuminate Adelaide, and Feast Festival.
Music:
- 2023 - Nexus Arts’ Interplay Development Program which I received support to develop and perform original music.