What kind of phone do you own?
Right now I’m using a Samsung SGH-L760 and the latest SGH-i450.
You seem to be a Samsung fan.
I feel that their designs are attractive and the phones are usually easy-to-use.
Are there any other phones you are dying to get?
Recently I saw the Samsung Armani and I would love to have one when it’s selling in Malaysia. I would also like to get another smartphone but haven’t decided on one yet.
What is the worst thing you did to your phone?
When I got my very first mobile phone, I took it everywhere I went, including the bathroom. One time, it fell into the toilet bowl and when I tried to find someone to help me get it out; another person went in and flushed. So that was the end of my phone (laughs). Now each time I go to the toilet I leave the phone with someone or it is in my bag.
What features do you use the most?
Of course I use basic functions such as call and SMS. I also use its music, camera, Bluetooth and organizer functions a lot.
Do you have any other gadgets you cannot do without?
Let’s see. I have an MP3 player, a notebook and a Sony PSP.
Are you into mobile games?
I think I prefer playing games on the PSP, usually classic games from Nintendo such as Mario Brothers. I also like The Sims.
How would you decorate your phone?
Since I have a smartphone, I only personalise it with some bling-bling tassels. I’m afraid other accessories might scratch the display surface.
How far do your fans go to get your mobile number?
Often, I avoided passing on my number to my fans because they can reach me through Friendster. But there was one time some fans, through whatever resources got my number. I told them nicely that they can get in touch with me through my websites.
How many contacts do you have in your phone?
I think it’s a bit more than 200 contacts only. These are mostly family and close friends. Business contacts are usually with my management.
Being far from your family and friends, how do you keep in touch with them?
It’s hard when my family is in Labuan and my friends are scattered everywhere. We often SMS and communicate through video calls. However I find the audio part of video calling is not so clear.
How were you discovered?
There was a singing contest in my university and I decided to sing a Malay song. It was really surprising for the judges and the audience. One of the judges invited me for a proper audition and I managed to pull it off.
Why did you cut a Malay album?
I think the Chinese music market in Malaysia is small and I don’t want just a single race listening to me. I want to reach out to different races as well. Besides it is unusual for a Chinese girl to have her debut album in Malay.
You manage to garner three Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) awards. What have you got to say?
I feel that I manage to overcome many hurdles as a newcomer and it is a reward for my past efforts. It is really lucky for me to score so many nominations when I’m so new to the industry.
You were featured in Time magazine before. What was that about?
Friendster created a fan profile for me and I got massive support. I think I have about 200K fans on my Friendster. People can read my profile and listen to my music when they come in and it was good exposure. Plus I blog there as well.
What do you blog about?
It is a personal blog where I write about my emotions and private feelings. I don’t want my blog to just talk about my work, where I’ve been and promo tours. I want my fans to see the other side of me.
Besides Friendster, what other social networking sites did you join?
Recently I joined Facebook and less than a week ago I have 200 friends already. It is really addictive!
Do you think new artistes should take advantage of the Internet?
Sure! It is a really good platform and a powerful tool to reach out to your audience.
Any future plans?
My second album, Showtime is being repackaged with a couple of new songs thrown in. I also want to try acting. I made a guest appearance on Impian Ilyana, portraying myself. I had so much fun.
What do you do in your free time?
I cook! Sometimes I will read, exercise, go online and also reply emails.
A charming and petite songstress, who started out singing in talent contests and singing competitions, is now a performing veteran who just finished a whirlwind of 50 promo tours nationwide. But don’t be mistaken, Karen is definitely not a diva as we find out soon enough.
