Kit Chan: “New people I meet are either intimidated by my forthrightness or they really dig it”

Kit Chan is currently a live performer, theatre actress, and TV personality. In 2025, she sang the National Day Parade theme ‘Here We Are’ with Charlie Lim. She runs her record label Banshee Empire, serves as an ambassador for the Christian relief organisation ‘World Vision’, and continues to act, produce music and videos, write, and explore creative projects across Singapore and beyond.

Despite facing initial parental disapproval and societal pressures to pursue a “stable” career, singer Kit Chan possessed unwavering determination to succeed as a performer.

Early in her career, she was labelled “aloof” due to her introverted nature, a stark contrast to her vibrant personality today. Her career trajectory then took an unexpected turn when she began to receive recognition.

Kit was appointed Youth Ambassador for two consecutive years, 1999 and 2000 by the National Youth Council. In this role, she dedicated herself to inspiring and motivating young people to actively engage in society and pursue their dreams.

With a particular focus on women’s issues and environmental concerns, Kit championed causes like Earth-Fest and the Association of Women for Action and Research’s “Walk n Roll” concert. She also actively participated in fundraising events, leveraging her influence to make a positive impact.

Her appointment as Youth Ambassador can be attributed to her youthful energy, genuine personality, and commitment to social causes. While her “squeaky-clean” image contributed to her appeal, Kit was quick to dispel the notion of perfection. “I think much of the “image” is the make-up and the designer clothes.

Sometimes, too, it’s the soft-focus effect in my music videos, which makes a lot of people think I’m an oh-so-sweet dreamy romantic—until of course, they talk to me! I’ve always tried to be honest on and off stage. I feel totally different once I take off my make-up and stage clothes—very liberated and down-to-earth, but also less magical and theatrical,” she lets on. 

Born to be a star

Kit’s passion for the performing arts was evident from a young age. She discovered her love for the stage during her secondary school days at Raffles Girls’ School, actively participating in various creative endeavours. Her determination to pursue a career in singing led her to choose theatre studies at Lasalle-SIA College of the Arts over a traditional university path.

“I’d always thought I’d go to university, get a job, marry, have kids… But by the time I was in Raffles Junior College, I was really into singing and had even begun to make a small living from commercial recording. I realised that it was possible to turn my passion into a career.

“I had also convinced myself that a nine-to-five job, marriage, office politics i.e. the conventional life, was not for me. I guess everyone goes through that phase, and I’m glad I did too or I might never have had the courage to choose a singing career,” she shares.

Inspired by poets like Thom Gunn and the concept of Existentialism, Kit found the courage to follow her dreams. She believed in the power of individual action to create meaning in life and was determined to shape her own destiny.

Despite facing societal expectations of a conventional career path, Kit’s parents were supportive of her decision, recognising her unwavering determination.

Kit’s parents instilled in her the values of honesty, perseverance, humility, and kindness. These qualities have guided her throughout her career, allowing her to navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry with grace and integrity.

Recognising the importance of self-care, Kit takes measures to preserve her vocal health, including avoiding late nights, alcohol, and smoking, and ensuring adequate rest.

“Unfortunately, vocal chords do get overworked, and can just shut down. I try not to keep the late nights (extremely difficult), refrain from alcohol and smoking, drink lots of water, get enough rest—gosh, do I sound like a nun? I do take a short break after each major project. Besides the body, the spirit has to take a rest too!” Kit says.

Words in motion

Beyond her music career, Kit finds solace and inspiration in nature. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring the New Age way of life. Her love for literature extends to both fiction and non-fiction, with a particular interest in poetry.  

While her public persona may often be associated with a certain image, Kit’s true self shines through in her poetry. She uses her words to express her thoughts, feelings, and experiences without the constraints of public perception. This authenticity has endeared her to many fans and has helped her connect with people on a deeper level.

“I think poetry is a beautiful way to express yourself. My collection, Cork Out of My Head, went into its second print in Taiwan a week after it was released. It made me wildly happy. The book has just been released here, and I’m told it’s doing well, something I didn’t expect. I mean, who buys poetry? Poetry appreciation is truly a dying art, and poets, definitely an endangered species,” she beams.

Who is the real Kit Chan?

While Kit’s public image often portrays her as a sweet and dreamy romantic, she is quick to dispel this notion. She embraces her authenticity, acknowledging the challenges and rewards of being a public figure. Kit’s honesty and forthrightness may intimidate some, but it also attracts those who appreciate her genuine nature. 

She reflects back on her childhood days, acknowledging it was a time when she was discovering herself: “I got the most caning as a kid, because I simply couldn’t stop arguing and speaking my mind. New people I meet are either intimidated by my forthrightness, or they really dig it. But being a public figure has taught me to keep the lid on, somewhat.”

As Kit looks towards the future, she remains optimistic and eager to explore new opportunities. She envisions herself continuing to be a youthful and energetic force in the entertainment industry, while also pursuing personal interests and finding love.

Kit’s career highs

• Lead vocalist for "Count on Me, Singapore" in the Sing Singapore ’90 CD compilation
• First local artiste to score a hit song, "Heartache", on Taiwan’s pop charts in 1994\
• Female lead for Asia’s first ever Cantonese musical, Snow, Wolf, Lake, performing for 50 shows staged in both Hong Kong and Singapore in 1997
• Appointed by the Ministry of Information and the Arts as spokesperson for the Speak Mandarin Campaign 1997-98
• Led the nation to sing Home at the 1998 National Day celebrations
• Was the inspiration for the comic character Kit in Kitsuff, the local comic book launched last year by the creators of Mr Kiasu (Comix Factory)
• First foreign female artiste to receive the award for World Best Chinese Female Artiste at the 8th Gold Hit Awards in Taiwan in 1997
• Best Local Artiste, Singapore Hit Awards, 1999
• Appointed by National Youth Council as Youth Ambassador in 1999 and again in 2000