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Joi Chua
Joi Chua
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Joi Chua Choon Kah (born 3 August 1978) is a Singaporean singer, songwriter, actress and entrepreneur.[1] She is known for the hits "Waiting for a Sunny Day" (等一个晴天), "One Day I Will" (有一天我會), and "Watching the Sunrise With Me" (陪我看日出), a Mandarin cover of "Nada Soso".

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Chua attended Raffles Girls' Primary School and Clementi Town Secondary School. She graduated from Singapore Polytechnic, majoring in optometry. Originally majoring in business administration, she shifted her major to optometry 3 months later into the course.[2] She was influenced by her elder brother to pick up singing from a young age.[3] She joined and led the choir in her secondary school and later joined budding singers in The Ark, a café with live performances, which molded the most important part of Chua's singing career. Her mother died when she was 19.[4] Both her mother and one of her aunts died from breast cancer.[4]

Career

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Chua debuted as a commercial singer in 1996 in "Extraordinary Singers Course" organized by Ocean Butterflies Production Company, where she was chosen from over 2,000 candidates at its premiere audition to join the label as a trainee singer.[5][6] Her first album under the same name, was however only launched in 2000 as she decided to complete her education before embarking on her singing career. The album did not receive its desired response, and Chua returned to the hospital to work as an optometrist between 2001 and 2003 after her short stint.[6]

Chua released her second album Sunrise (日出) with Play Music in 2003. This album helped her pick up the merit award under the cultural achievement category for The Outstanding Young Person Award for 2006. Play Music was later acquired by Warner Music and Chua came under the wings of the global music label till 2010 before switching to her own management.

Chua was later commissioned by Mediacorp to sing many Channel 8 NKF Drama Series theme songs and the sub-theme songs like There is Hope for Life (梦在手里),[7] and she also performed at the Singapore National Day Parade in 2005 and 2008.[8] She also led the music Craze Concert in 2005, 2006 and was the anchor performer for Chingay Parade 2012.

Chua started her own music label "Joi Music" and produced her latest EP, Perspectives in 2012.

In China, Chua sang at the CCTV big annual show Mid-Autumn Festival Gala Evening (中秋晚会) in 2007[9][10] 2008[9] and 2014.

She starred in Royston Tan's 3688 in 2015.[11]

On 29 November 2019, Chua held her first solo concert in Singapore, titled Joi Chua Flow Concert, at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre.[12]

Business venture

[edit]

Trained as an optometrist, Chua started her own optical practice Eyecare People in Holland Village in 2011, which later moved to Royal Square Medical Centre in Novena in 2019.[13][14]

Social causes

[edit]

Chua was appointed the ambassador for the Singapore Speak Mandarin Campaign 2005 which involved her in concerts held in 12 primary and secondary schools to promote the campaign. She performed the Chinese theme song of Uniquely You (非常特别的你), as part of Singapore Tourism Board's campaign to promote Singapore as a choice destination for both locals and foreign travellers. Chua was also appointed an ambassador for World Vision and Mercy Relief.[citation needed]

Personal life

[edit]

In December 2009, Chua married her boyfriend of 10 years.[15][16][17]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Released Chinese title English title Label Notes
2000 蔡淳佳 Joi Joi Tsai Sony Music Taiwan
September 2004 日出 Sunrise
August 2005 有一天我会 One Day I will UST
December 2005 对不起,我爱你 Love is... or Sorry, I love you Featuring Eric Chen (陈冠宇).
September 2006 等一个晴天 Waiting for a Sunny Day Warner Music
November 2006 淳佳精选17首 The Best of Joi Warner Music Only released in Taiwan
December 2007 慶幸擁有蔡淳佳 Blessed Joi Warner Music
September 2009 回到最初 Back to Basics Warner Music
January 2010 淳剧佳曲 Joi Best of Drama Warner Music
June 2010 時間的禮盒 The Gift of Time Warner Music
July 2012 视界观 Perspectives Songs were embedded in a promoting USB disk whose pattern was designed by Chua.[13]

Singles

[edit]
Released Chinese title English title Label Notes
April 2014 玻璃 "Glass"
November 2014 一传一 "Be the One" Released in English and Mandarin versions
November 2014 信约 (feat. Kelvin Tan) '"The Journey" The Journey: Tumultuous Times theme song

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2015 3688 Xia Feifei

Awards and nominations

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In 2008, Chua was nominated for Best Female Mandarin Singer in Mandopop industry's most prestigious Golden Melody Awards for the album Joi Blessed (庆幸拥有蔡淳佳).[18] She later went on to win Best Asia-Pacific Vocalist in the Original Chinese Music Awards held in China in 2010 with her album Back to Basics (回到最初). Her co-written work "Darkness" (不透光) from this EP, with prolific composer-producer Jim Lim won her, her first "Best Melody Composition" award in Singapore e-Award in 2012.

Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2005 Star Awards 2005 Best Theme Song Destiny Nominated
2006 Star Awards 2006 Best Theme Song Rhapsody in Blue Nominated
2015 Star Awards 2015 Best Theme Song The Journey: Tumultuous Times Won

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Joi Chua (Chinese: 蔡淳佳; born 3 August 1978) is a Singaporean singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. She is best known for her emotive ballads and breakthrough hits in the mid-2000s that established her as one of Singapore's top-selling artists. Her career encompasses releases, roles, and entrepreneurial pursuits in the field. Chua was educated in optometry at Singapore Polytechnic, completing her studies before pursuing music full-time. She debuted in 1996 after being discovered through a tertiary singing competition organized by Ocean Butterflies Music, where she beat out over 2,000 applicants, leading to her signing with the label. Her self-titled debut album in 2000 underperformed commercially, prompting a three-year hiatus during which she worked as an optometrist in a hospital. Chua staged a major comeback in 2004 with her album Sunrise, featuring the hit single "Watching the Sunrise with Me" (陪我看日出), which propelled her to widespread popularity in Singapore and beyond. Subsequent successes included songs like "Waiting for a Sunny Day" (等一個晴天) from her 2006 compilation New Song + Greatest Hits, solidifying her status in the Mandopop scene. In 2011, she opened her own optometry clinic, Eye Care People, in Holland Village, blending her professional background with her artistic life. She founded her independent label, Joi Music, in 2012, releasing EPs such as Perspectives (2012), Joi + (2016), and I Am Me (2017), the 2023 EP Three Days to See, and the 2025 single "Scent of Jasmine", while also performing frequently in China. Beyond music, Chua ventured into acting with a role in Royston Tan's 2015 film 3688 and has appeared as a guest on television programs like Perfect Singer Season 2 in 2025. Notably, she performed at Jackie Chan's 60th birthday concert in 2014, highlighting her international appeal.

Early life and education

Early life

Joi Chua was born on 3 August 1978 in to a family of heritage. Her father worked in a bank, while her mother was a Chinese tuition who instilled a love for learning and music in the household. Chua has two brothers: an older brother who is an and a gifted songwriter and singer, and a younger brother who is a businessman; the family's musical inclinations were largely sparked by the elder brother's talents and passion for performing. From a young age, Chua was influenced by her brother's big voice and songwriting skills, which encouraged her to explore singing herself. Her earliest memory of performing dates to around age 7 or 8, when she would sing children's songs enthusiastically in the back of her mother's car during drives to tuition classes, often harmonizing with her brother. Weekends were filled with family sessions alongside relatives, fostering a vibrant musical environment that shaped her childhood experiences and early affinity for performance. As a teenager in , Chua entered a singing competition during her third year, performing an original song penned by her brother and securing second place, which further solidified her interest in music. This momentum carried into her late teens; after placing in the finals of a tertiary-level contest in 1996 at age 18, she landed a regular gig performing at The Ark, a popular music café known for live acts, where she honed her skills among emerging artists. Chua's early life was also marked by profound family tragedies, including the death of her mother from when she was 19, an event that deeply affected her and later influenced her personal motivations and advocacy interests related to health awareness.

Education

Chua completed her at Clementi Town Secondary School. She later enrolled at , where she earned a in . This qualification equipped her with the professional skills necessary for a career in eye care, serving as a reliable foundation amid the uncertainties of her burgeoning music endeavors. Her optometry training proved instrumental when her early music faced setbacks, her to secure employment as an at an optical firm following an unsuccessful debut in in 2000. Over the subsequent years, this background informed her commitment to eye health, fostering a patient-centered practice that prioritizes and comprehensive care beyond mere vision correction. With more than 25 years of in the field, Chua's expertise has directly shaped her approach to optometry, allowing her to maintain a parallel professional path in eye care alongside her artistic pursuits.

Music career

Debut and early success (1996–2004)

Joi Chua entered the music industry in 1996 after being selected from over 2,000 candidates in the "Extraordinary Singers Course," a training program organized by Ocean Butterflies Production Company in . This opportunity came shortly after she reached the finals of a tertiary singing competition while studying , despite battling . Following her selection, Chua signed with Ocean Butterflies as a trainee singer, marking the beginning of her professional journey in . She began building her skills through regular performances at local venues, including gigs at The Ark music café in , where her vocal talent started to attract attention from audiences and industry scouts. These early shows helped establish her presence in the Singaporean music scene, fostering a modest but dedicated local fanbase. After completing her , Chua released her self-titled debut album Joi (also known as 蔡淳佳) in December 2000 under Ocean Butterflies in collaboration with Sony Music Taiwan. The album featured 12 tracks, including singles like "Ai Ru Chao Shui" (Love Like Tide Water) and "Tan Xin" (Intimate Talk), showcasing her smooth, emotive vocals in the style, though it did not achieve significant commercial success in . Following the underwhelming reception of her debut, Chua briefly pursued her training by working in a hospital from 2001 to 2003, while continuing occasional performances to maintain her local visibility. In 2003, she signed with Play Music and released her second album Sunrise (日出) in 2004, which included hits like "Watching the Sunrise with Me" (陪我看日出) and marked a step forward in her career by gaining stronger traction among Singaporean listeners and solidifying her foothold in the regional landscape. This release helped elevate her recognition in , where she became known for her heartfelt ballads and consistent live appearances at local events.

Rise to prominence (2005–2012)

Joi Chua achieved her breakthrough with the release of her third studio album, One Day I Will, in 2005 under UST, which resonated with audiences in and the region, solidifying her status as a prominent local female vocalist during this period. Chua's rising profile led to high-profile performances that showcased her vocal prowess on national and international stages. In 2005, she performed the song "Uniquely You" alongside Wendi Koh at 's National Day Parade, contributing to the event's celebration of national identity. She returned for the 2008 National Day Parade, singing the Mandarin version of the theme song "Shine for Singapore" (晴空万里) with Hady Mirza, a performance that highlighted her bilingual appeal and drew widespread acclaim. In 2012, Chua served as the anchor performer at the , leading the crowd in the finale song "Love Will Make You See" during the waterway-based event, which emphasized themes of unity and cultural diversity. Additionally, she appeared at China's CCTV Gala in 2007 and 2008, performing for millions and expanding her visibility in the Mandarin music market. Between 2005 and 2012, Chua released a series of studio albums that built on her success, blending heartfelt lyrics with contemporary arrangements. Notable releases included Waiting for a Sunny Day (2006), Blessed Joi (2007), Back to Basics (2009), The Gift of Time (2010), and Perspectives (2012), each achieving strong sales in and regional markets. Among her standout hits from this era was "Waiting for a Sunny Day" (等一个晴天) from the 2006 compilation Chun Jia New Song + Greatest Hits, a poignant track about longing and hope that became one of her signature songs and topped local charts. During this period, Chua began planning her first solo concert while undertaking regional tours across to promote her and connect with fans in countries like , , and , further establishing her as a key figure in the scene. These efforts underscored her transition from rising talent to a commercially dominant artist, with consistent chart performance and live engagements that captivated audiences.

Later career and recent releases (2013–present)

Following her period of prominence in the mid-2000s, Joi Chua adopted a more selective approach to music releases, focusing on quality over quantity while exploring diverse styles. In 2014, she issued the single "" (玻璃), a poignant Mandarin track that served as the theme song for an upcoming film and highlighted her emotive vocal delivery. Later that year, she released "Be the One" (一传一), available in both English and Mandarin versions, which emphasized themes of connection and perseverance through its upbeat arrangement. These singles marked her transition to independent production under her own label, Joi Music, allowing greater creative control. Chua's output continued sporadically, culminating in the 2017 EP Wo Shi Wo (我是我), a five-track collection that reflected personal and , with the title track becoming a fan favorite for its raw honesty. This release underscored her evolution toward self-produced work, blending pop with introspective lyrics. She followed with the 2016 single Joi + (淳+), further showcasing her independent style. In 2019, she celebrated two decades in the industry with her first solo concert, Joi Chua Concert in , held on November 29 at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre; the event featured a mix of hits and new material, drawing thousands and reaffirming her enduring appeal in the scene. In 2023, she released the EP Three Days To See (假如给我三天光明), exploring themes of warmth and resilience inspired by Helen Keller's essay. Into the 2020s, Chua balanced her music pursuits with and endeavors, resulting in fewer but impactful performances and recordings. She performed at the United Tampines Concert on August 9, 2024, collaborating with Stringzanza in a community event that blended orchestral elements with her signature vocals. In January 2025, she contributed to a refreshed rendition of the classic "Xi Shui Chang Liu" (细水长流, Friendship Forever) alongside Leelian Chua for a government-led video, evoking nostalgia and themes of enduring bonds. Most recently, on November 11, 2025, Chua released the single "Whispered Vows," a Guofeng-style track incorporating traditional Chinese instrumentation with modern pop sensibilities, signaling her continued innovation in the genre.

Acting career

Television roles

Chua began her television presence in with her debut appearance through a singing competition organized by Ocean Butterflies Production Company in 1996, where she was selected from over 2,000 participants to launch her singing career. In 2005, she contributed musically to the Channel 8 series Love Concierge (爱的掌门人) by performing the insert song "I Do (All Along)", enhancing the romantic themes of the wedding planner drama. That same year, Chua sang the opening theme "Destiny" (梦在手里) for the National Kidney Foundation (NKF)-themed drama series Destiny (梦在手里), a poignant track that underscored the show's focus on hope and perseverance amid health challenges; she also provided the sub-theme "Unknown Future" (未知的以后). Chua continued her involvement in television soundtracks with the 2009 MediaCorp Channel 8 production Together (当我们同在一起), where she performed the sub-theme "He and She" (他和她), complementing the series' narrative of familial bonds and historical events in post-independence . Throughout her career, Chua has made guest appearances on local variety and music programs, including a feature on the infotainment series Love Singapore (极爱·极短篇) in 2009, where she shared insights into her life and music. She was also commissioned by MediaCorp to sing multiple theme songs for Channel 8 NKF dramas, promoting awareness for kidney health through her emotive vocals. In 2025, she appeared as a regular member in episodes 1, 3, and 5 of the Chinese music competition Perfect Singer Season 2 and as a guest in episode 5 of Hit 2025 on Jiangsu TV.

Film roles

Chua made her debut in the 2015 Singaporean musical comedy 3688, directed by . In the , she portrayed the lead character Xia Fei Fei, a 38-year-old parking attendant nicknamed "summon auntie" who harbors dreams of becoming a singer inspired by her idol, the late Taiwanese diva Feng Fei Fei. The story follows Xia Fei Fei's journey as she navigates personal aspirations and family dynamics in a vibrant, music-filled set against Singapore's urban landscape. Chua's performance marked a significant transition from her established music career, showcasing her ability to blend acting with musical elements, including renditions of songs that echoed her character's idol. Critics praised her vivacious portrayal, noting how she infused the role with heartfelt energy and vocal prowess, contributing to the 's lighthearted tone despite its modest production scale. Released on September 17, 2015, 3688 highlighted Chua's versatility in Singaporean cinema, earning her recognition for authentically capturing the aspirations of an everyday dreamer. No other roles or cameos for Chua have been documented in her entertainment career to date.

Business and philanthropy

Business ventures

In 2011, Joi Chua founded the optical practice Eyecare People in , investing a six-figure sum to establish the boutique as a personal fulfillment of her long-standing interest in . As a qualified optometrist with a Diploma in from and full registration with the Optometrists & Opticians Board of , Chua integrated her professional expertise directly into the business operations, personally conducting eye examinations, specialty fittings, and consultations to ensure high-quality, personalized care. This venture allowed her to apply over two decades of experience alongside her pursuits, providing a stable foundation that complemented the uncertainties of her music career. The practice faced initial challenges, including building a customer base from scratch and Chua's need to renew her license after a period focused on , yet it grew steadily as she remained hands-on, serving clients and fostering community connections that enriched her songwriting by keeping her attuned to . In , Eyecare People relocated from Holland Village to Royal Square Medical Centre in to accommodate expansion and better serve its clientele, reopening by late that year despite the timing just before the , which temporarily quieted the area but allowed Chua a brief respite to prepare for her concert commitments. This move underscored the business's resilience and parallel trajectory to her rising prominence in music, where both endeavors demanded her entrepreneurial balance and adaptability.

Philanthropic activities

Joi Chua has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives in , leveraging her public profile as a singer to promote social causes. In 2004, she served as an ambassador for the , organized by the Singapore government to promote the Mandarin language. Chua has supported humanitarian organizations through ambassadorships and performances. She was appointed a for World Vision Singapore in 2018, participating in fundraising efforts to aid underprivileged communities. Similarly, she acted as ambassador for Mercy Relief's Aid Concert in 2013, performing at public events to raise funds for disaster relief and in . Her advocacy extends to health awareness, particularly influenced by personal family tragedies involving . Chua's mother passed away from the disease around 1998, motivating her involvement in breast cancer prevention campaigns; in 2015, she joined ' initiative in , appearing at the Sentosa Merlion Plaza event to promote early detection and support for survivors. Beyond these roles, Chua has participated in community-driven social campaigns, such as online charity concerts for orphanages and homes. For instance, in 2020, she performed at the "Rock With Us" virtual event to raise funds for Darul Ihsan Orphanage, supporting education and care for underprivileged children. In 2021, she contributed to the PAP Women's Wing charity show, which collected over S$250,000 for homes aiding elderly residents. These efforts underscore her dedication to fostering community welfare through her artistic platform.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Joi Chua married her boyfriend of ten years, optometrist Jack Chan, in a private ceremony on December 13, 2009. Following their , Chua and Chan have navigated life amid busy professional schedules, with Chan initially employed at a involving frequent overseas travel. They maintain close connection through daily phone calls and , adapting to periods of separation due to Chua's commitments in the industry across and . Chua's husband has provided steadfast support for her dual pursuits in music and , demonstrating understanding of the demands that require her extended absences from home. In their shared field, Chan serves as manager and optometrist at Eyecare , the practice founded by Chua in 2011, allowing them to collaborate professionally while balancing . Chua has publicly celebrated their enduring , including a heartfelt post marking their 13th anniversary in 2022, highlighting ongoing joy in their relationship.

Health and personal challenges

Joi Chua's life was profoundly shaped by the loss of her mother to when she was 19 years old, an event that occurred around 1998 and left her deeply affected by the illness's toll. The experience of witnessing her mother's painful decline motivated Chua to embrace her singing career with renewed determination, viewing it as a rare opportunity not to be squandered in the face of life's fragility. One of her aunts also died from , reinforcing her awareness of the disease's impact on her family and altering her outlook on health and mortality. Chua has openly discussed these losses in interviews, emphasizing how they instilled a sense of urgency and resilience in her personal approach to challenges. Her involvement in efforts, such as performing at the 2015 Campaign in , reflects her commitment to advocacy, though detailed philanthropic activities are covered elsewhere. To manage the demands of her dual careers as a singer and full-time optometrist, Chua maintains a balanced routine that prioritizes stability and , crediting her optometry work for providing rational grounding amid the uncertainties of the music industry. This equilibrium supports her overall well-being, allowing her to navigate professional pressures without burnout.

Works

Discography

Joi Chua debuted in the scene with her self-titled album in 2000, releasing several albums, compilations, and EPs through 2012, primarily under labels such as Ocean Butterflies, Play Music, and Universal Music. emphasizes emotional ballads and covers of Asian pop songs, achieving commercial success in and , with her 2004 release Sunrise becoming one of the best-selling Singaporean albums of the year. Subsequent works blended original compositions with selections from her earlier hits, solidifying her status as one of 's top-selling female artists. After founding her independent label Joi Music in 2012, she continued releasing EPs and albums, including Joi + (2016) and I Am Me (2017). Her studio albums, compilations, and EPs are listed below, including release years and labels where documented:
YearAlbum Title (English/Chinese)Label
2000Joi / 蔡淳佳Ocean Butterflies
2004Sunrise / 日出Play Music
2005One Day I Will / 有一天我会Universal Music
2005Love Is... or Sorry, I Love You / 对不起,我爱你Universal Music
2006Waiting for a Sunny Day / 等一个晴天Universal Music
2007Blessed Joi / 庆幸拥有蔡淳佳Universal Music
2009Back to Basics / 回到最初Universal Music
2010Joi Best of Drama / 淳剧佳曲Universal Music
2010Time / 时间Universal Music
2012Perspectives / 视角观 (EP)Joi Music
2016Joi + / 淳+ (EP)Joi Music
2017 / 我是我Joi Music
Chua's key singles span her career, with notable releases including "Waiting for a Sunny Day" from her 2006 album, which became one of her signature hits for its uplifting melody and widespread radio play in . In 2014, she issued "Glass" (玻璃), a poignant track reflecting personal vulnerability, followed by "Be the One" (一传一), a motivational tied to charitable initiatives. Most recently, on November 11, 2025, Chua released "Whispered Vows," a guofeng-style single blending traditional Chinese elements with modern pop, marking her return to original music after a hiatus. These singles highlight her evolution from ballad-focused early work to more diverse thematic explorations.

Filmography

Joi Chua made her feature film debut in the 2015 Singaporean drama 3688, directed by , where she portrayed the lead role of Xia Feifei, a attendant harboring dreams of becoming a singer. The film, which pays homage to the Taiwanese singer through its title referencing her song "Tian Tian Ye Ye," explores themes of aspiration and everyday struggles in modern , with Chua's performance marking a significant transition from her music career to .
YearTitleRoleNotes
20153688Xia FeifeiLead role; debut feature film

Awards and nominations

Major wins

In 2006, Chua received the Merit Award in the Cultural Achievement category at The Outstanding Young Person of Singapore Awards for her musical achievements. In 2010, Chua received the Best Asia-Pacific Vocalist award at the Original Chinese Music Awards in China for her album Back to Basics (回到最初), recognizing her vocal prowess and regional influence in Mandopop. Chua's collaboration with on the theme song "The Journey" (信·约) for the drama series The Journey: Tumultuous Times earned her the Best Theme Song award at the 2015 , highlighting the track's emotional resonance and contribution to the series' narrative.

Notable nominations

Her most prestigious nomination came in 2008 for Best Female Mandarin Singer at the 19th , Taiwan's leading honor for artists, in recognition of her album Joi Blessed. This accolade highlighted her emotive delivery and established her as a rising figure among regional singers. The nomination, held on July 5, 2008, in , positioned Chua alongside top contemporaries in the genre, though the award ultimately went to another artist. It reflected the critical acclaim for her evolution from earlier works, where she blended heartfelt lyrics with melodic arrangements to appeal to audiences across , , and beyond. In addition to this high-profile nod, Chua received nominations in Singaporean ceremonies during the same era, including for Best Theme Song at the in 2005 for "Destiny" and in 2006 for "风铃" (Wind Chime) from , tying her style to local television productions.

References

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