The 25th anniversary of Mediacorp’s Star Awards, held last night, was filled with tears and poignant speeches. Especially with Zoe Tay and Chen Hanwei taking home Best Actress and Actor trophies, and an emotional photo montage and performance tribute to late actor Aloysius Pang, who passed away in January this year after sustaining injuries from carrying out repair works inside an artillery vehicle while on reservice in New Zealand.
But one highlight of the night was veteran actor Chew Chor Meng, respected and well-liked for his dedication to his craft despite the curveballs that life has thrown at him. Receiving a special Achievement Award presented by Education Minister Ong Ye Kung, Chew delivered a sincere, heartfelt, and moving speech that brought tears to audiences’ eyes, whether seated at the show or at home.
The popular actor, whose career kicked off after he won talent competition Star Search in 1990, was honored with a montage of notable characters he embodied since he burst on to the scene. A regular on the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes list at the Star Awards show, Chew was diagnosed in 2008 with Kennedy’s disease, a muscular dystrophy illness that resulted in cardiac problems and diabetes as well. But in no way did the diagnosis stop him from doing what he loved best.
“My health hasn’t been good these past 10 years, but I’m very thankful that I can still act,” he said, tearing up as he thanked his Father in heaven and his colleagues for their support. “I will keep persevering on because I love acting. Even if I’m paralyzed, I will continue to act my best, because I’m an actor and that’s my responsibility.”
As his speech went viral online, netizens came forward to show their support for him, respecting the inspiring way he lives his life.
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