The doctor and business woman reveals a side of herself that few know about.
Elaine Kim
31, doctor and co-owner of Trinity Bridal HK, Trinity Gallery Singapore and Atelier Solitaire Fine Jewellery, married to John Kim with two sons aged 2½ and one
What’s your secret obsession?
I have many passions - travel, interior design, God... but most people don’t know about my passion for acting and theatre.
Why are you obsessed about it?
Throughout my school years, I acted in plays and musicals. I loved being a part of productions, bringing characters to life on stage, and the exhilaration and excitement of performing. I also treasure the close friendships that inevitably develop amongst cast and crew members when they work together on a production.
How did it start and how long did it last?
As a child I was part of the Interact Club (an extracurricular activity that encourages volunteer work) and I regularly volunteered with Rainbow Centre, a home for children with special needs. We put up a play which brought a lot of joy and laughter to the children. That was my first big role and it sparked my interest in acting.
Later, when I was studying at Raffles Girls’ School, I was in the Literary Drama and Debate Society and was fortunate to have had the experience of playing the protagonist in a number of plays. I went on to act in Raffles Players in junior college. I really enjoyed the characters I played as part of large musical productions such as House of Wong by RJC alumni and Operation Theatre by the NUS medical school.
Outside school, I won the role of the female lead in the movie Perth opposite Lim Kay Tong, but eventually chose not to take it up as I had to play a Vietnamese prostitute, not the most suitable for a doctor-to-be's first movie appearance!
A day without it is like … This passion has taken a backseat since becoming a doctor, and more recently a mother. In between juggling my medical work, business and charity involvements, my priority now is to spend time with my family, especially with my two sons. Plus, I have newfound passions such as travelling and writing. However, if the opportunity arises I would love to return to the stage one day.
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