The Star PropertyBy Willy Wilson | Apr 23, 2010

Wong Chui Ling – Hong Kong girl, Malaysian taste

For many Malaysian celebrities,Hong Kong is the place to be.But just when you thought thateveryone in the entertainmentindustry wants to be on the busyisland, a Hong Kong nativeWong Chui Ling found a place tocall home in Kuala Lumpur.35-year-old Chui Ling made her debut as a singer at age 22, andsubsequently dabbled in acting.After filming several episodeswith TVB Hong Kong, she wassigned on to act in a MalaysianTV drama in year 1996. But itwas not until year 2000 when she hosted weekly variety infotainment show, On The Beat, that Chui Lingfound stardom.Following her success as a host, Chui Ling has been staying busy as a radio DJ and as an emcee for corporate events. She has even published several books. After 12 years in Malaysia, Chui Ling has not onlybuilt a solid career here, but also a colourful life and a home.Located at Desa ParkCity, Chui Ling confesses that the 1,540sq ft home is where her heart is. The GeneticEngineering graduate from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology invited StarProperty.my to her newly renovated home.

Tell us about your home.How big is it and howmany rooms are there?

I live in a double-storey,three-bedroom residencein Desa ParkCity. Thebuilt-up area is 1,540sq ft.Kitchen, dining area andliving room are located onthe ground floor, while allthe bedrooms are on thesecond floor. There is anencased Japanese gardenthat separates the diningfrom the living, whichallows natural lighting intothe house.

At ease:

Wong Chui Ling strikes a pose in her living room

Spacious effect:

A glass-encased Japanese garden separates the living roomfrom the dining

How would you describe your home?

Modern contemporary, with minimalist furniture. The house is a reflection of myself and my lifestyle - simple,classic and practical. See, I am not a girly girl and I favour the more classic approach when it comes to homedesign and decor, which explains the warm colour palette as opposed to pink, turquoise or other femininecolours.

Do you consider Malaysia your home?

I certainly do. There are things that you can pack with you as you travel, but there are also crucial, albeitintangible, things such as credibility, audiences and trust, which I have earned in Malaysia.

You have lived in Malaysia for 12 years. Do you ever miss Hong Kong?

I do, but I can only take so much of Hong Kong’s chaos. My family’s house is located at Causeway Bay, andwe all know how jam-packed that area is. And I know it may sound strange coming from a real Hongkie, but Ican’t stand busy pedestrian walkways!

Is that why you chose to live away from Kuala Lumpur city too?

That’s right. I live in Desa ParkCity, which is relatively near the city, given the highways and all, but at thesame time, it is away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.I bought this house four years ago, when the surrounding environment was literally rocks and bushes. I wasquite reluctant to buy this house at first, until I noticed the precise craftsmanship that was put into house. Ithink I have made the right decision by investing in Desa ParkCity, as the value of my house has appreciatedover 100 percent since I bought it.

That is one good investment! We heard that you recently renovated this house.

Yes I did. The folks at iN Publishers and Fix Interior proposed an idea to renovate my house two years ago,but we only started doing it late last year. Their collaborative efforts include getting sponsors for my houseand conceptualising design according to my preference.

L-R: Warm and bright:

The show-stopper bedroom in red. Simple and cosy, perfect for relaxation.