As she bulks up her resume in the Year of the Pig with new directing credits and greater culinary pursuits, Jeanette Aw is proving she can have her cake and eat it too.
"Look at this, and this,” exclaims Jeanette Aw as she prompts me to look at her hands. She’s showing me her battle scars, wrought from episodes in the kitchen where the actress spent most of her time in 2018, pursuing an Intermediate Patisserie Course at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School in Bangkok, Thailand.
In response to my look of concern at her latest injury – that left her thumb and index finger numb for days – Jeanette quickly moves to lighten the conversation. “I had to do some chocolate work and I accidentally put a knife into the palm of my hand but, luckily, I didn’t sever any nerves. A lot of things happen in the kitchen but that’s part and parcel of being a baker. You’ll get burnt and all that and it gets really hot, but I can take the heat,” she says with a grin.
Girl On Fire
This fiery statement is a refreshing departure for the soft-spoken and saccharine-sweet Jeanette who has had viewers eating out of the palm of her hands ever since she won Route to Glamour, a talent search looking for the next big thing in show business back in 2000. She signed up with Mediacorp shortly after and her career took off with memorable roles in dramas like Holland V and The Little Nyonya.
She got a much deserved acting nod for her role in Dream Makers 2, which saw her finally nab the Best Actress gong at the Star Awards in 2016. It’s what she did after this that mystified Singaporeans and coincidentally caused her popularity to skyrocket. Jeanette left the security of her Channel 8 gig and talent agency Hype Records-Artiste Network to fly solo at what many considered the peak of her career as a leading television actress. Why quit showbiz at the top of one’s career? For Jeanette, the answer was as easy as pie.
This story is from the February 2019 edition of The Singapore Women's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2019 edition of The Singapore Women's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ready To Zoom
Glow up and put your best face forward on video calls
Caramel Eclairs
Choux pastry is a French classic that transforms in the oven into airy puffs with a crisp exterior, ready to be filled and iced. It may seem a little daunting to make, but it’s easy with our step-by-step guide
Clear The Air
The quality of the air you breathe inside your home has a significant impact on your health. Here’s a look at managing indoor pollution
How To Show More Compassion
It’s an unhealthy habit that we often don’t realise we are doing. Ahead, some tips on how to show more compassion
Resolving Conflicts
Living in a digital age means that many of our social interactions are done online. However, reaching out and connecting with those around us is paramount, and even more so, with tough conversations. Ahead, experts share insights to help us navigate
Mood For Mango
Mango makes refreshing and satisfying sweet treats – perfect for relaxed entertaining
Dealing With The Unknown
If you’ve endured a few bumps and detours in the game of life, don’t be disheartened – these events might just make all the difference
Our Different Butterflies
Artist and art educator Saharra discusses the importance of art education as coping strategies for our young ones during these unprecedented times
And Breathe
The simple processes of inhaling and exhaling can aid sleep, beat cravings and reduce stress. A breathing expert explains how
Great Women Of Our Time
Every year, we shine a light on 18 distinguished and powerful women in the Great Women Of Our Time Awards. They are women who are changing their field of work, and doing their best to improve life in Singapore – and the world.
