Jen Su is the Hollywood reporter for 5FM’s morning show with Gareth Cliff as well as SABC3’s Expresso. She is a socialite who is also known for her singing and show stopping hat collection. Jen reveals what makes her tick…

Home is where the heart is

Moving to South Africa has been the greatest life changing decision for me. I’ve had to move many times in my life, but it was always within Asia. Now four years later, I love this country so much. It is full of beautiful warmth, nature, culture and has some of the friendliest people on earth.

Life’s challenges

The death of my father when I was in school has been the most challenging experience of my life. He died suddenly at a medical conference in Utah and was airlifted to hospital in the company of the world’s top doctors. Unfortunately, they could not save my dad and his death has been very devastating for me still.

My life changing moment…

Winning a “Taiwan Idols” style TV singing competition in Taiwan when I was in my teens changed my life. I was in school then and suddenly propelled into the world of showbiz. I went into a career of singing and television and now that’s what I’m still doing! I’m mainly doing TV now, but I still sing occasionally on SABC3 Expresso and I was honoured to sing at the opening of the South Africa Music Awards this year.

What I learnt from Titanic

The movie that changed my life is Titanic. It taught me that in life you must cherish what you have because you may have everything one moment, and nothing the next. Then all of a sudden you’re grasping on for dear life with all those material possessions gone and desperate to find the person who means the most in your life.

My favourite spot in the world

China is the best place I have been to. I filmed a TV show on the Great Wall of China, and sang a Chinese song there with thousands of people watching in awe. The applause was like thunder…incredible!

What it really means to be a mom

When my little son was diagnosed suddenly with viral encephalitis and rotavirus; that was the most painful experience of my life as a woman and mother. He fainted, blacked out, and was rushed to hospital. At the time I was emceeing a corporate event in Hong Kong and I had to rush right back on the plane to Johannesburg after the job. I felt so much pain watching him suffer with all those IV’s in his body. Fortunately he pulled out of it and today he’s completely healthy.

My fashion secret

Nude platform pumps are my best fashion buy ever. I was shopping at Stuttafords in Sandton City when they had suggested a personal shopper help me find a nice pair of shoes to go with my cocktail dress. She recommended that I try nude platform pumps. Up until then, I had always worn black or dark shoes. The flesh colour blended beautifully with my skin and the platform pump added incredible height. My legs suddenly became a foot longer in photos and on TV!

Music to my ears

The greatest song I have ever heard is I Will Always Love You sung by the late great Whitney Houston.  I met her in Thailand many years ago and watched her perform that song live. When she died last year, I was in the States to report on her death for 5FM and SABC3 Expresso.  It was such a tragedy of a magnificent talent gone too soon.

Wise words

I interviewed former American president Bill Clinton once and the advice he gave me in that interview is something I will never forget. He said, “Never be afraid to fail”. He said that every successful person has failed at some time in his or her life. It’s inspired me and helped me to see things more positively.

Article and images courtesy of Divas Inc.
By Molife Kumona