Tan Kheng Hua & Lim Yu-Beng’s Daughter, Lim Shi-An, Works Multiple Jobs To Maintain Freedom To Choose Her Acting Roles

Being a second-generation star comes with its own set of challenges, but local actress Lim Shi-An — the daughter of Singaporean thespians Tan Kheng Hua and Lim Yu-Beng — is clearly comfortable going at her own pace.

In a recent interview with Zaobao.sg, the 27-year-old opened up about her parents' profound influence on her acting journey, which has seen her starring in sci-fi movie The House on the Moon, coming-of-age film Amoeba and an upcoming musical Secondary: The Musical.

“I ask for their opinions on almost every project,” said Shi-An, adding that they are the audience she trusts the most.

“I always let them watch my work, their feedback is very important to me.”

Shi-An, however, emphasised that what her parents provide are perspectives, not constraints.

“What they taught me isn’t a specific style, but that there’s no absolute right or wrong in acting,” she said.

Compared to her showbiz peers who actively seek exposure, the actress describes herself as a "slow burner" who doesn’t see fame as her goal.

“I would rather take on challenging roles that stimulate thought and help me grow, instead of projects that only bring exposure."

To maintain the freedom to choose, she also works in graphic design and tutoring, using multiple income streams to support herself: “Getting roles that fulfil me matters more than pay or visibility.”

For Shi-An, her career path is guided by two factors: “pursuing what brings [her] joy” and “doing things really well.”

It's why she's drawn to characters with nuance and complexity. “Those roles who are still searching for themselves and haven't fully made peace with the world are very appealing to me,” she said.

Looking back on her upbringing, she describes herself as a “quiet observer", someone used to self-reflection and introspection.

She also admits that she still unconsciously engages in self-censorship, something that she's been doing since her student days.

"I’m still learning how to express my opinions", said Shi-An. “I’m actually my own harshest critic."

Now that her work is gradually being released, she hopes more local viewers will get to know her. Still, Shi-An continues to progress on her own terms.

"I’m not in a rush to be seen, I just want to become a better actor," averred the actress.

Shi-An also has a career goal she hopes to achieve someday: To star in a local Chinese drama.

In fact, she has been steadily improving her Mandarin skills to ensure she’s ready when the opportunity comes.

“That goal has always been there, I’m just waiting for the right project," said Shi-An.