By Mae Chan | Oct 23, 2009

Soo Wincci Opens Up About Career and Dream Home

Soo Wincci epitomises beauty with brains. The Miss World Malaysia 2008/2009 holds a law degree from the University of Reading, as well as an MBA from the University of Sunshine Coast in Australia. This striking beauty queen turned singer/actress is a definite force to be reckoned with.

The 23-year-old debuted as a singer in August 2009 with a self-titled album that reflects the ‘1Malaysia’ spirit. In the album, Soo sings in several languages – a move that is befitting her role as a Miss World Malaysia.

Soo’s strong background in music coupled with her passion for it drove her to be very hands on during the production of her album. She even composed a song as she knew that that was the only way she would be taken seriously.

A self-professed homebody, Soo invites StarProperty to chat with her at the family home she grew up in. In the comforts of her living room, the gorgeous girl-next-door shares about her career, dream home and thoughts on owning a property.

When you won the Miss World Malaysia 2008/2009, you were already a veteran of beauty pageants. What continually motivated you?
It was initially my mum’s suggestion to help my bad posture, but I enjoyed the experiences very much, especially the talent sections that allowed me to sing.

During the Miss World Malaysia pageant, everyone kept asking me why I was still trying for it. I was even offered a place at a prestigious university in the UK to qualify as a lawyer, but I decided to go for the last push as I had nothing to lose. I just couldn’t give it up, it’s my dream.

What do you think helped you win the crown?
I think it was the confidence and experience, especially during the Q&A session where it’s often tough to perform well under such pressure. That said, experience is not necessarily an advantage as judges sometimes look for fresh faces, so it all depends.

Do you ever regret going into the entertainment industry?
I have no regrets. Looking back, it seemed like there was a force driving me. I think it was the right timing.

It didn’t mean opportunity came immediately…there was no work for a few months after the pageant and I even had to call up people on my own and attend all kinds of auditions, starting from the bottom.

Can you describe the concept for your living room?
We recently renovated it and the theme is modern and simple with black and white décor. I wanted to create space by keeping it minimal and insisted on a lot of lighting to brighten up and emphasise the décor.

I believe in feng shui, so there is the wood element in our living room that we didn’t change when we renovated.

Did you hunt for any bargains?
My mum and dad are excellent in hunting around for bargains and good deals. They enjoy going to stores and comparing prices, but I am not so patient. I would rather just employ an interior designer to decorate for me.

What is your favourite home and lifestyle shop?
Definitely IKEA, as it is convenient and fast. I also pay for the installation service. It is great for impatient people like me – just grab and go.

You mentioned feng shui. Are you very much into that?
A fortune teller predicted that I would enter the entertainment industry.I didn’t think much about that at first, but when it eventually came true, I was quite surprised.

It got me intrigued with feng shui and fortune telling. We have even changed the door we use to enter the house and it has helped better our family relationships and brought better luck.

Do you have plans to buy or rent a place of your own?
I won’t be moving out as my parents still prefer me to stay at home. They’re very traditional. However, I do hope to own a house of my own. It’ll be more of a hang out spot and a personal space for me especially to hold events or birthday parties. I will enjoy decorating it and spending my free time there.

Are you planning to invest in properties?
I will definitely buy properties for investment in the near future. My mum advises me to buy a commercial property such as shop lots, as it would be easier to rent out so I’m keeping an eye on that.

Tell us what your dream home will be like.
I would definitely want a landed property, at least 3-storeys high with an open rooftop. It will have a rooftop swimming pool and BBQ area. I like modern and simple styles, with full technological conveniences such as the CCTV and other advance electrical technology - I’m really into all that.

Sounds like a grand plan.

You did say it’s a dream home.