Joi Chua
Joi Chua (Chinese: 蔡淳佳; born 3 August 1978) is a Singaporean Mandopop singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur.[1] 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.[2] Her career encompasses music releases, film roles, and entrepreneurial pursuits in the optometry field.[3] Chua was educated in optometry at Singapore Polytechnic, completing her studies before pursuing music full-time.[3] 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.[3] Her self-titled debut album in 2000 underperformed commercially, prompting a three-year hiatus during which she worked as an optometrist in a hospital.[3] 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.[3] 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.[3] 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.[3][4][5] Beyond music, Chua ventured into acting with a role in Royston Tan's 2015 film 3688[6] and has appeared as a guest on television programs like Perfect Singer Season 2 in 2025.[1] Notably, she performed at Jackie Chan's 60th birthday concert in 2014, highlighting her international appeal.[3]Early life and education
Early life
Joi Chua was born on 3 August 1978 in Singapore to a family of Hokkien heritage. Her father worked in a bank, while her mother was a Chinese tuition teacher who instilled a love for learning and music in the household.[3] Chua has two brothers: an older brother who is an engineer 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.[3] 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.[3] Weekends were filled with family karaoke sessions alongside relatives, fostering a vibrant musical environment that shaped her childhood experiences and early affinity for performance.[3] As a teenager in secondary school, 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.[3] This momentum carried into her late teens; after placing in the finals of a tertiary-level singing 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.[3] Chua's early life was also marked by profound family tragedies, including the death of her mother from breast cancer when she was 19, an event that deeply affected her and later influenced her personal motivations and advocacy interests related to health awareness.[3]Education
Chua completed her secondary education at Clementi Town Secondary School. She later enrolled at Singapore Polytechnic, where she earned a diploma in optometry. 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 career faced setbacks, enabling her to secure employment as an optometrist at an optical firm following an unsuccessful debut in Taiwan in 2000. Over the subsequent years, this background informed her commitment to eye health, fostering a patient-centered practice that prioritizes awareness and comprehensive care beyond mere vision correction. With more than 25 years of experience 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 Singapore.[7] This opportunity came shortly after she reached the finals of a tertiary singing competition while studying optometry, despite battling sinusitis.[3] Following her selection, Chua signed with Ocean Butterflies as a trainee singer, marking the beginning of her professional journey in Mandopop.[7] She began building her skills through regular performances at local venues, including gigs at The Ark music café in Singapore, where her vocal talent started to attract attention from audiences and industry scouts.[3] These early shows helped establish her presence in the Singaporean music scene, fostering a modest but dedicated local fanbase. After completing her optometry diploma, 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 Mandopop style, though it did not achieve significant commercial success in Taiwan. Following the underwhelming reception of her debut, Chua briefly pursued her optometry training by working in a hospital from 2001 to 2003, while continuing occasional performances to maintain her local visibility.[7] 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 Mandopop landscape. This release helped elevate her recognition in Singapore, where she became known for her heartfelt ballads and consistent live appearances at local events.[3]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 Singapore and the region, solidifying her status as a prominent local female vocalist during this period.[8] 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 Singapore's National Day Parade, contributing to the event's celebration of national identity.[9] 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.[10] In 2012, Chua served as the anchor performer at the Chingay Parade, 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.[11] Additionally, she appeared at China's CCTV Mid-Autumn Festival Gala in 2007 and 2008, performing for millions and expanding her visibility in the Mandarin music market.[12] Between 2005 and 2012, Chua released a series of studio albums that built on her success, blending heartfelt lyrics with contemporary Mandopop 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 Singapore 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.[13][14] During this period, Chua began planning her first solo concert while undertaking regional tours across Asia to promote her albums and connect with fans in countries like Malaysia, Taiwan, and China, further establishing her as a key figure in the Mandopop scene.[12] 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 "Glass" (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.[15][16] Chua's output continued sporadically, culminating in the 2017 EP Wo Shi Wo (我是我), a five-track collection that reflected personal introspection and empowerment, 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.[17][18] In 2019, she celebrated two decades in the industry with her first solo concert, Joi ChuaActing career
Television roles
Chua began her television presence in Singapore 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.[7] In 2005, she contributed musically to the MediaCorp 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.[23] 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).[24][25] 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 Singapore. 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.[26] 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.[27][28]Film roles
Chua made her feature film debut in the 2015 Singaporean musical comedy 3688, directed by Royston Tan.[6] In the film, 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.[29] The story follows Xia Fei Fei's journey as she navigates personal aspirations and family dynamics in a vibrant, music-filled narrative set against Singapore's urban landscape.[7] Chua's performance marked a significant transition from her established music career, showcasing her ability to blend acting with musical elements, including renditions of 1970s Mandopop songs that echoed her character's idol.[29] Critics praised her vivacious portrayal, noting how she infused the role with heartfelt energy and vocal prowess, contributing to the film's lighthearted tone despite its modest production scale.[7] 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.[6] No other feature film 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 Holland Village, Singapore, investing a six-figure sum to establish the boutique as a personal fulfillment of her long-standing interest in optometry.[3] As a qualified optometrist with a Diploma in Optometry from Singapore Polytechnic and full registration with the Optometrists & Opticians Board of Singapore, Chua integrated her professional expertise directly into the business operations, personally conducting eye examinations, specialty contact lens fittings, and consultations to ensure high-quality, personalized care.[30] This venture allowed her to apply over two decades of optometry experience alongside her entertainment pursuits, providing a stable foundation that complemented the uncertainties of her music career.[30] The practice faced initial challenges, including building a customer base from scratch and Chua's need to renew her optometry license after a period focused on singing, yet it grew steadily as she remained hands-on, serving clients and fostering community connections that enriched her songwriting by keeping her attuned to everyday life.[3] In 2019, Eyecare People relocated from Holland Village to Royal Square Medical Centre in Novena to accommodate expansion and better serve its clientele, reopening by late that year despite the timing just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily quieted the area but allowed Chua a brief respite to prepare for her concert commitments.[31] 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.[7]Philanthropic activities
Joi Chua has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives in Singapore, leveraging her public profile as a singer to promote social causes. In 2004, she served as an ambassador for the Speak Mandarin Campaign, organized by the Singapore government to promote the Mandarin language.[32] Chua has supported humanitarian organizations through ambassadorships and performances. She was appointed a goodwill ambassador for World Vision Singapore in 2018, participating in fundraising efforts to aid underprivileged communities.[33] Similarly, she acted as ambassador for Mercy Relief's Aid Concert in 2013, performing at public events to raise funds for disaster relief and humanitarian aid in Asia.[34] Her advocacy extends to health awareness, particularly influenced by personal family tragedies involving breast cancer. Chua's mother passed away from the disease around 1998, motivating her involvement in breast cancer prevention campaigns; in 2015, she joined the Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness initiative in Singapore, appearing at the Sentosa Merlion Plaza event to promote early detection and support for survivors.[3][35] Beyond these roles, Chua has participated in community-driven social campaigns, such as online charity concerts for orphanages and nursing 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.[36] In 2021, she contributed to the PAP Women's Wing charity show, which collected over S$250,000 for nursing homes aiding elderly residents.[37] 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.[38][39] Following their marriage, Chua and Chan have navigated family life amid busy professional schedules, with Chan initially employed at a multinational corporation involving frequent overseas travel.[40] They maintain close connection through daily phone calls and FaceTime, adapting to periods of separation due to Chua's commitments in the entertainment industry across Singapore and China.[40] Chua's husband has provided steadfast support for her dual pursuits in music and acting, demonstrating understanding of the demands that require her extended absences from home.[31] In their shared optometry field, Chan serves as manager and optometrist at Eyecare People, the practice founded by Chua in 2011, allowing them to collaborate professionally while balancing personal life.[41] Chua has publicly celebrated their enduring partnership, including a heartfelt social media post marking their 13th anniversary in 2022, highlighting ongoing joy in their relationship.[42]Health and personal challenges
Joi Chua's life was profoundly shaped by the loss of her mother to breast cancer 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.[3] One of her aunts also died from breast cancer, 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 breast cancer awareness efforts, such as performing at the 2015 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in Sentosa, reflects her commitment to advocacy, though detailed philanthropic activities are covered elsewhere.[43] To manage the demands of her dual careers as a singer and full-time optometrist, Chua maintains a balanced routine that prioritizes stability and self-care, 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 Mandopop 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. Her discography emphasizes emotional ballads and covers of Asian pop songs, achieving commercial success in Singapore and Taiwan, with her 2004 release Sunrise becoming one of the best-selling Singaporean albums of the year.[44] Subsequent works blended original compositions with selections from her earlier hits, solidifying her status as one of Singapore'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:| Year | Album Title (English/Chinese) | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Joi / 蔡淳佳 | Ocean Butterflies |
| 2004 | Sunrise / 日出 | Play Music |
| 2005 | One Day I Will / 有一天我会 | Universal Music |
| 2005 | Love Is... or Sorry, I Love You / 对不起，我爱你 | Universal Music |
| 2006 | Waiting for a Sunny Day / 等一个晴天 | Universal Music |
| 2007 | Blessed Joi / 庆幸拥有蔡淳佳 | Universal Music |
| 2009 | Back to Basics / 回到最初 | Universal Music |
| 2010 | Joi Best of Drama / 淳剧佳曲 | Universal Music |
| 2010 | Time / 时间 | Universal Music |
| 2012 | Perspectives / 视角观 (EP) | Joi Music |
| 2016 | Joi + / 淳+ (EP) | Joi Music |
| 2017 | I Am Me / 我是我 | Joi Music |
Filmography
Joi Chua made her feature film debut in the 2015 Singaporean drama 3688, directed by Royston Tan, where she portrayed the lead role of Xia Feifei, a parking attendant harboring dreams of becoming a singer.[6][50] The film, which pays homage to the Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng through its title referencing her song "Tian Tian Ye Ye," explores themes of aspiration and everyday struggles in modern Singapore, with Chua's performance marking a significant transition from her music career to acting.[7]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3688 | Xia Feifei | Lead role; debut feature film[6][50] |