My Untold Mediacorp Journey: 40 Wonderful Years

You know what? When I first walked through those Mediacorp doors back in the 80s, I was just a young girl with big dreams and even bigger hair! Looking back at my journey with Singapore’s national broadcaster, it’s been one heck of a ride that’s shaped not just my career, but my entire life.

The Early Days: From Theatre to Television

I still remember my first day at what was then called SBC (Singapore Broadcasting Corporation). My hands were shaking so bad, I nearly dropped my script during the audition. The transition from theatre to TV wasn’t easy – on stage, you can use your whole body to express emotions, but television? Everything had to be subtle, controlled.

Those early drama serials were something else. We’d film from dawn till midnight sometimes, and the sets were so hot under those studio lights. But you know what kept me going? The camaraderie. We were like one big kampung family, supporting each other through long hours and countless retakes.

Breaking Through: The Roles That Changed Everything

My breakthrough came with The Awakening in 1984. Playing a complex character who struggles with mental health issues was challenging but rewarding. People still stop me on the street to talk about that role!

Then came “The Golden Pillow” and oh boy, that was when things really took off. Suddenly, aunties at the market knew my name. It was surreal walking through Chinatown and hearing people whisper “Eh, that’s Chen Liping leh!” I won’t lie – it felt pretty darn good.

The funny thing is, I almost turned down some of my most memorable roles because I thought I wasn’t good enough. Thank goodness my fellow actors talked sense into me. Sometimes we’re our own worst critics, aren’t we?

Awards and Recognition: The Unexpected Journey

Winning my first Star Award was… how to describe it? Like eating your favorite childhood dish after years abroad – familiar yet extraordinary. I’ve been blessed to receive multiple Star Awards over the years, but that first one in 1994 will always hold a special place in my heart.

The All-Time Favourite Artiste award? That one made me cry backstage. To know that viewers have supported me through different phases of my career – from young ingénue to mature actress – is incredibly humbling. These awards aren’t just mine; they belong to every director, scriptwriter, and crew member who believed in me.

Life Lessons from Mediacorp Studios

Working at Mediacorp taught me more than just acting. It taught me resilience. There were roles I didn’t get, criticism that stung, and days when I questioned if I was cut out for this industry.

One particularly tough period was when I was typecast in similar roles. I felt stuck, like I was playing the same character in different costumes. But instead of complaining, I decided to master those roles so well that producers would trust me with different ones. And guess what? It worked.

The entertainment industry can be unpredictable. One day you’re the lead, the next you might be playing someone’s mother (which happened to me earlier than I expected!). But that’s showbiz, and I’ve learned to embrace every opportunity.

Behind the Scenes: What Viewers Don’t See

Let me share something many people don’t know – filming can be incredibly unglamorous. We’ve shot scenes in the rain, under the scorching sun, and in locations that… well, let’s just say weren’t five-star accommodations. I once had to film a crying scene right after lunch, with char kway teow breath and all!

The preparation that goes into each role is intense too. For historical dramas, we’d spend hours learning proper etiquette and mannerisms. I’ve learned everything from traditional tea ceremonies to speaking different Chinese dialects. My Teochew improved so much from all those dialect dramas!

And the friendships formed? Priceless. Some of my closest friends today are people I met on set decades ago. We’ve celebrated each other’s weddings, supported each other through tough times, and still grab kopi whenever we can.

The Evolution of Local Television

Watching Mediacorp evolve from SBC to TCS to its current form has been fascinating. The production quality now compared to my early days? Wah, like heaven and earth! We used to worry about every small mistake because reshoots were expensive. Now, with digital technology, things are smoother.

But you know what hasn’t changed? The passion. Young actors today might have better equipment and resources, but the dedication required remains the same. I always tell newcomers – talent opens doors, but hard work keeps them open.

Moving Forward: What’s Next?

People often ask if I’ll ever retire. Honestly? As long as there are stories to tell and characters to bring to life, I’ll keep going. The day I stop feeling butterflies before a new role is the day I’ll hang up my acting shoes.

These days, I’m excited about mentoring younger talents and exploring different genres. Who says I can’t do action scenes at my age? (Okay, maybe with a really good stunt double lah!)

My journey with Mediacorp has been more than just a career – it’s been my life’s work. To everyone who’s supported me throughout these years, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. And to those dreaming of joining this industry? Come with passion, stay with perseverance, and always remember why you started.

Want to read more about navigating life’s journeys and finding your own path to success? Check out other inspiring stories at my blog where we share real experiences and practical wisdom for life’s adventures.