The Lighter Side of Life: An Interview With Ms Koh Chieng Mun, Actress & Cancer Survivor

T: It is rare for a local celebrity to talk openly about such an illness and we really appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to do this interview. You are perhaps most remembered as the lovable Dolly from the popular sitcom Under One Roof. What is it like working in front of a live audience?

KCM: I get a great "buzz" when the audience is right in front of me because I can see what is in their eyes. It is the immediate response that is so rewarding if I manage to communicate the emotion properly. In comedy, of course, it is the punch line -the "funny" that is important. If that works, then it is heaven for the artist working in front of a live audience.

T: Was it easy for you to act in a sitcom?

KCM: Sitcom combines the screen and a live situation as there is a studio audience during taping. I have experience in both, so the setup was not daunting to me even in the beginning.

T: This issue of the newsletter is about Humour and laughter is said to be the best medicine. Do you believe that laughter does have healing power?

KCM: Yes, laughter is the best medicine. When you laugh, you are looking at things from a lighter side. Once you learn how to laugh at yourself, your problems seem less burdensome, you will feel happier too. I found that life seems a lot better when I am working in a comedy show than in a tragedy. The only thing that is not funny is the weight gain when you are filming comedy. You are so relaxed emotionally that your appetite is great.

T: When you were going through treatment, what did you do to keep your spirits up when you were not feeling your best?

KCM: After the initial treatment, every patient will know when there is an upswing in his or her energy that comes after the tiredness. I always look forward to those "upbeat" days. Prayers help a lot too.

T: In the book Cancer Warriors by Stella Thng, your Under One Roof co-star Moses Lim said that you always look on the bright side. What advice would you give to newly diagnosed patients and cancer survivors to stay positive when times are tough?

KCM: You have to believe that you will get well; that must be topmost on your mind when you wake up each morning after being diagnosed with cancer. You have to love yourself and do all you can to help yourself get well because no one else can do it better than YOU. Trust your doctors -they are doing their best for you. Trust in God -He will hold your hand in your walk with cancer.

T: We know you have a passion for food and perhaps have enough personal recipes to publish a cookbook on healthy meals. Do you have a favourite recipe to share with our readers?

KCM: I have not published a cookbook yet though I have developed a lot of recipes for healthy lifestyle programmes for FairPrice and AVA (Agri-Food and Veterinary Authorities). My favourite recipe is a basic one – Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic Sauce which can be used for Spaghetti, Rice, Soup and Stews. This sauce is full of goodness as cooked tomatoes have a very high level of Lycopene, a great anti-oxidant which is beneficial to everyone's well being.

Please find Ms Koh Chieng Mun’s yummy Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic Sauce recipe in this newsletter.