Singer Stephy Tang Lai-yan
Once part of the Cantopop ensemble groups Cookies and Mini-Cookies, Stephy Tang Lai-yan has transformed herself into one of the best-known singers in town—despite a few hitches when she was caught singing off-tune. She’s also the latest starlet to release a book, a graphic novel that debuted at the recent book fair. She talks to June Ng about sex appeal, vegetarianism, and the power of confidence.
I was a lazy student. I always viewed myself as quite smart, which was a perfect excuse not to study.
As you get older, you realize there are a lot of things the curriculum isn’t going to teach you. Growing up, I preferred to read extra-curricular books anyway.
My mom never worried about me. She gave me independence and supported whatever I decided to do.
My first job was as a singer. It was pretty hard for me, as a teenage girl, to adapt to working life in the first place, let alone a singing career. I’d do things that might not necessarily be wrong, but were certainly inappropriate.
Gossip surrounds me. How many boys I’ve been involved with, etc. People can write whatever they want. It’s a byproduct from me being famous.
When it’s time to let go, just let go. Don’t be stubborn through life. Don’t keep thinking about something you have to let go or it will crush your spirit.