Tan Kheng Hua & Lim Shi-an

The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree—or so the saying goes. In the case of mother and daughter pair Tan Kheng Hua and Lim Shi-An, though, the effect is mutual.

As stage and screen actors, both relish the joys of being immersed in their craft. But look deeper, and you’ll see
how each has influenced the other, whether it’s Shi-An’s perspective on building a purposeful relationship with
social media, or Kheng Hua’s thoughts on wellness—in both mind and body.

We speak with the duo to find out more about their approach to acting, their personal styles, and what collaboration means to them.

[start:#808080]WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF PERFORMING FOR AN AUDIENCE?[end:#808080]

[start:#808080]Kheng Hua:[end:#808080] I believe I did some folk dancing for an event when I was in primary school, but quite frankly, I never performed much during my schooling years. I was always involved in sports. But in university in the US, I took Acting 101 as an elective and was pretty much hooked from then.

[start:#808080]Shi-An:[end:#808080] When I was in kindergarten, I was cast as Pocahontas in our graduation show and I had the best time ever. I remember feeling very happy and confident on that stage.

[start:#808080]PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS BECOMING AN ACTOR. WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT THIS WAS SOMETHING YOU WANTED TO PURSUE?[end:#808080]

[start:#808080]Kheng Hua:[end:#808080] I had been working full-time for close to 10 years in PR and public affairs in Singapore after I graduated from university. I actually really loved my job and whenever I wasn’t at my job, I’d be rehearsing for a play! But then I turned 30, got married, got my first flat, and thought to myself that if I didn’t find out now what it was like to be a full-time actor, I’d probably be at this corporate job forever and still be pretty happy. So I took the leap and quit, thinking I’d be back after two years. But I never went back.

[start:#808080]Shi-An:[end:#808080] I always knew that I wanted to do something creative but after university, I was at a crossroads between pursuing a more corporate role and trying my hand at acting (which I wasn’t sure was a wise choice). My journey towards pursuing acting full-time is an ongoing one — I’ve only just started and I’m still finding my footing! But I’ve been so lucky to have been a part of some wonderful projects these last two years, and I think this is just the start.

[start:#808080]IS THERE SOMETHING YOU'VE LEARNT FROM EACH OTHER THAT HAS CHANGED THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT ACTING?[end:#808080]

[start:#808080]Kheng Hua:[end:#808080] I learn something new from Shi-An every day. The latest thing I learnt from her is that you can balance a purposeful relationship with social media to enhance your brand as an actor, in a way that is enjoyable, comfortable, relaxed, honest and joyful!

[start:#808080]Shi-An:[end:#808080] A lot of my approach to acting stems from what I observe in my mum. She’s such a versatile and generous actor who isn’t afraid to bare her soul for the camera or the stage. I am still learning how to be vulnerable like that.

[start:#808080]DO YOU THINK THE WORK YOU'VE DONE OUTSIDE OF ACTING — PRODUCING FOR KHENG HUA AND GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR SHI-AN — HAVE SHAPED THE WAY YOU APPROACH ACTING? HOW SO?[end:#808080]

[start:#808080]Kheng Hua:[end:#808080] Absolutely. Acting can be very selfish. Actors always begin their sentences with “I need...”. Producers begin their sentences with “What do you need?”. Producers make sure everyone is ok. Actors spend loads of time on themselves, and don’t get me wrong, it’s necessary to do that for the most part.

I believe your time management skills are enhanced when you produce. You have to make sure everyone, including yourself, has enough time to do what they do well, and in an enjoyable manner. Producing is very humbling. And humility is a very important thing to learn as an actor. You’ll have greater longevity and well-being
as a humble actor.

[start:#808080]Shi-An:[end:#808080] I agree with mummy. Acting can be a very self-centred experience and having my design jobs is a necessary contrast to remind me how to be a part of a team and to put the needs of everyone before mine. Design is also an introverted activity which balances out my acting life well. Acting is cathartic, but design is therapeutic and it helps me centre my emotions before diving back into an acting gig.

[start:#808080]AS AN ACTOR, YOUR BODY IS YOUR INSTRUMENT. ARE THERE ANY RITUALS OR PRACTICES YOU'VE ADOPTED TO KEEP BOTH MIND AND BODY HAPPY?[end:#808080]

[start:#808080]Kheng Hua:[end:#808080] My rituals [are important] not just because I am an actor, but because these rituals really keep me happy! There’s no big mystery: Sleep. Eat moderately. Exercise in ways you enjoy. Keep good relationships. Don’t be negative.

[start:#808080]Shi-An:[end:#808080] I supplement my working life with lots of social activities with friends and family. That keeps me sane. Like mummy, I also place great emphasis on a healthy lifestyle. My favourite form of exercise is rhythm cycling because it energises but also relaxes me. I also try to spend time outdoors. Being in the sun is my happy place.

[start:#808080]ACTING IS VERY MUCH A COLLABORATIVE JOURNEY. WHAT, TO YOU, MAKES A COLLABORATION MEANINGFUL?[end:#808080]

[start:#808080]Kheng Hua:[end:#808080] Three words: Honesty, trust and enjoyment. When you have these three elements in a collaboration, you can be sure you’re on the road to a good collaboration.

[start:#808080]Shi-An:[end:#808080] Collaboration is all about connection and I strive to be able to connect with a diverse range of personalities and characters. I think that being able to understand someone is key in a meaningful collaboration.