A CLASS ACT - KIT CHAN

It's undeniable that Kit Chan is a well-loved household name in Singapore. As the performer celebrates 30 years on stage, we take stock of the little things that have made her who she is today.

- Karishma Tulsidas

Thirty years in the entertainment industry is a massive milestone, and one typically marked by celebrations named "Big Bash" and the like. Not for Kit Chan. As Singapore's queen of Mandopop celebrates her own big milestone this year, she's named her concert Little Things.

"When people found out I was celebrating with a concert, they all said 'wow'. This got me thinking: Maybe it is a huge milestone. But I couldn't think of any [huge milestones]... All I could think of was that it wasn't about these big things. Instead, it's the little things that have helped me through these 30 years," muses Kit.

"My favourite memories include late night suppers with the team after shooting a 26-hour music video or concert. You're tired, but happy. Also, laughing together, and the relationships [we have forged]. It extends to life as well. I think when you're on your deathbed, you're not going to be like, bring me that award that I won, but you'll want to see the people you love."

This wisdom comes with age - Kit turned 50 last year - but it's also clearly the result of deep introspection, and learning from the experiences that life has thrown at her.

Throughout her 30-year career, Kit's gone through her fair share of challenges and transformations.

When she first started out, she received plenty of backlash from people around her, including her own parents, who didn't think that the life of a performer would be profitable.