You’ve probably heard her voice on radio and seen her on TV. Now meet the lady behind all that – Serena Choong, as she shares valuable tips on how to be successful as an emcee and her journey from radio DJ to TV.
Hi Serena, thank you very much for your time taken to answer our questions on SimplySxy. Can you share with our readers a little about yourself and where you’re from?
HELLO and it is MY pleasure to be here! Well, I’d been on radio for about 150 years 😉 so you probably would’ve heard my voice here and there.
Ok I’ll be serious now, I will NEVER forget my first job as it’s impossible – I started as a Hitz fm radio DJ at 00:00 January 1, year 2000 (Pretty hard to forget) I was also the ONLY girl on the station for a while. Since then I’d moved onto hitz.tv, did some stints on ntv7, some ASTRO channels, capital tv, and once as judge on Hot Guys Who Cook (on Diva Universal). I was last a breakfast DJ on Mix fm. Radio kickstarted my emceeing career – which is what I do mostly now, so I’m very thankful for my roots.
OH, I was also a club DJ and am still a voice over talent. ALWAYS wanted to be that voice on the train, in the elevator etc. None of that yet but I am the operator voice in some companies automated systems 😉
Photo Credt: Delvin Xian
How will you describe your fashion style?
BORING. I hope not!!! I would say casual chic. I whip out the 6” heels normally only when I’m hosting. Otherwise it’s skate shoes, skinnies, loose shirts, blazers.
Muse for ThirtyFour Metal series
What are some items in your wardrobe you can’t live without?
My go-to skinny jeans in every shade of blue imaginable, black and white; my many many white shirts, my blazer. My many many rings! Love em!
Hosting Star Hill’s culinary Series with Chef Tim Ross-Watson
Do you have any favourite brands or shops you frequent?
I’m every retailers dream! I shop EVERYWHERE! I went through an online shopping phase at one point – stuff from the UK, the States, Korea, you NAME IT! My credit card company was VERY happy with me needless to say!
SuperJunior -M at Hari Belia
What tips can you give for someone who inspires to be a radio or TV host?
I will never forget the first and most precious advise I got from my then immediate boss, now CEO of ASTRO Radio Jake Abdullah – BE YOURSELF. If you put on an accent or try to be anyone else, people can tell in a second and won’t relate to you. Be the best yourself that you can be and you will go far.
Along the way I learnt many lessons – be punctual, be courteous, be accountable, and remember that the CLIENT is ALWAYS right! An emcee and host is hired to reflect the best of whatever the client is trying to portray on a programme or at an event. Do that, and you should be just fine.
Hosting the press con for CZ12 Jackie Chan
Do you think you have a sexy voice?
GOD NO! I don’t know any one who thinks that of themselves! I have a very low voice that I know. Sometimes the frequency’s so low you can hardly pick up on what I’m saying. Some have called my voice “Alphalt”.
Hot guys Who Cook 2 (Diva Universal)
What do you do most when you are bored?
I don’t get much chance to be bored – I have been blessed with a steady stream of hosting and voice over jobs. I’m also in the process of upgrading my site @ccfunfactory (look for us on insta and fb). I started @ccfunfactory cuz of my child #theboss #chloecc. We have a bunch of Ready-to-wear super cool onesies for your precious little ones. With prints like #OOTD, #THEBOSS, #KEEPCALMANDPOOPOO …
Our #custom onesies are also quite popular! We are working on MORE designs! Look out for the updated site SOON!
Of course, keeping up with my 16 month old toddler keeps me BUSY! So – no time for Korean series!
Otherwise, you pretty much know what I’m doing on a daily basis thru FB and Insta.
@ccserenacc
Receiving award for emcee of the year 2012
It’s been a great pleasure to feature you on SimplySxy, Serena. One question before we end, how do you define “sexy”?
Confident, fearless, personable.
Follow the talented Serena C on:
Facebook: Facebook.com/ccserenacc
Instagram: Instagram.com/ccserenacc
Twitter: Twitter.com/ccserenacc
Images courtesy of Serena C
Like to be featured on SimplySxy? Drop us an email at editorial@SimplySxy.com