If the success of recent Singaporean drama series, Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story is any indication, Jeanette Aw’s star power remains as strong as ever—even after an impressive 26 years in the entertainment industry. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished local artistes, with a remarkable tally of awards to her name, Aw has led numerous productions that have played a pivotal role in reflecting and shaping Singapore’s cultural identity. As of late—beyond reprising her role as Yue Niang in Emerald Hill—she also plays the leading lady in new Channel 8 drama, Highway to Somewhere.

⁠What drives you as a changemaker?

I’m driven by the idea that change can be quiet yet powerful. It’s not always about grand gestures, but about intentional steps forward. Pushing beyond my comfort zone fuels my growth and keeps me open to new challenges and possibilities.

You recently reprised your role as Yue Niang in Emerald Hill. What was it like returning to such an iconic character and did you approach your preparation any differently this time compared to before?

I think what was most amazing for me was the overwhelming response from audiences who still love and remember The Little Nyonya. When Yue Niang made her first appearance in Emerald Hill, the number of posts and tags on social media was beyond anything I imagined. After 17 years, to see that kind of love still there—it feels incredibly warm and comforting, and I’m deeply grateful. Getting back into Yue Niang felt very much like reconnecting with an old friend. I feel like I’ve grown alongside her and that has allowed me to bring more nuance to the character while still staying true to her essence.

In a fast-paced and ever-changing industry, how do you block out the noise and continue to challenge yourself creatively?

I focus on my goals and block out the noise. It’s about knowing what fuels you versus what distracts you. No one can push you harder than you can push yourself.

Congratulations on reopening your patisserie, Once Upon A Time. What inspired you to move into the culinary space and would you say there are parallels in the way you approach acting and baking?

Thank you! I’ve always found that the joy when people love my bakes is very pure and immediate. With food, there are no pretences. People either love it or they don’t, and I appreciate that honesty. In many ways, my approach is the same across everything I do. Whether it’s acting, directing my short film, creating content for my YouTube channel JA Unscripted, or running my patisserie, my standards remain high. If something doesn’t meet my expectations, it simply won’t leave my kitchen. That mindset carries into acting as well. I make sure all the groundwork is done before filming begins, so that when I step onto set, I can be fully present and give my best to the role.

⁠⁠⁠Looking forward, what change are you most excited to see in your industry?

I believe real growth and change can only happen when the industry moves forward together. I would love to see stronger support for local talent, alongside a shared commitment to continually improve and grow in both knowledge and skills. At the end of the day, it’s a cycle. If we don’t support local, we can’t expect others to do the same. That collective mindset is what will move the industry forward.