KUALA LUMPUR: Karen Kong was a Malaysian Idol 1 reject, but sheer hard work and a "great leap of faith" to Hong Kong has paid off handsomely for her.
The Labuan-born artiste said in a news report today that she had "finally struck gold" in the Special Autonomous Region, by developing a strong fan base in Cantonese and Mandarin language music.
"It took me 11 long years to carve a niche for myself in Hong Kong's entertainment scene. However, my loved ones have always advised me that rewards come only to those who persevere in life, and persevere I did," she said.
Kong, 37, admitted that she had to switch jobs several times in order to make ends meet.
"Life is hard in Hong Kong and the cost of living is really high. I rented a small house in the city, but its rent was hefty."
Among the jobs Kong had to take up in order to support her singing career was a managerial one.
"I worked in an office by day and sang after work. That was routine."
Kong, who studied at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar), first found fame in 2007 with her debut single Cinta Hello Kitty.
She is now under a Hong Kong-based record label and has just released two new singles.
Kong recently earned the title Most Improved Artiste Of The Year from a Hong Kong radio station.
"Thank God, things are looking good for me. It is only through sheer hard work that you can achieve your dreams."
Kong is married to Hong Kong entrepreneur Adam Hui, and the couple will soon set up a restaurant that promotes Malaysian cuisine.
"Adam is a hair stylist and our new restaurant is a salon cafe which is his idea."
Kong is back in Malaysia promoting her latest film Nasi Lemak 1.0, the sequel to Nasi Lemak 2.0 which was screened in 2011.
Nasi Lemak 1.0 boasts a star-studded cast and besides Kong, it also stars Saiful Apek, Yassin Yahya, Datuk AC Mizal, Wak Doyok, Delimawati and Namewee, who is also the director.
The film will premiere in cinemas on Thursday.