Besides her work on TV, Paula also presented several radio programs in Malaysia, and she has also acted on stage. One of the highlights of her career was her being featured in a special episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show that went around the world and profiled successful women who were 30. We had a little chat with her amid her busy schedule.
What is your current state of mind?
I’m feeling extremely excited, optimistic and chaotically peaceful at this new stage of my career at ESPN STAR Sports.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a cheese maker, seriously.
What is your biggest achievement?
If I had to choose, it would definitely be getting my former job at Channel [V] and now landing a job with STAR Sports.
What inspires you?
It really inspires me to see hardworking, passionate individuals living their dreams successfully.
What personal trait do you appreciate the most in others?
Definitely punctuality and honesty.
Do you have a cause or do you support one?
I’m still trying to find the one that I can seriously commit to. But I like causes for children and am hoping to find one that will truly allow me to contribute as much as I can.
Which living person do you admire most and would like to invite for dinner?
I have a lot of respect for the Sultan of Brunei (His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah). I think he has done great things keeping Malaysia safe and would like to find out what his plans are for Brunei.
What are you reading?
A Time To Dance, No Time To Weep by Rumer Godden.
How do you spend your Sunday mornings?
I usually jog for an hour. My Sunday morning is also filled with the guilty pleasures of TV.
What is your idea of hell?
A karaoke bar.
What is your guilty pleasure?
That’s easy: Reality TV.
How do you recharge?
I recharge by not seeing anyone and watching a DVD box set.
What’s playing in your iPod/MP3/CD player?
Lionel Richie, Corinne Bailey Rae and Wham!.
What do you collect?
Bills and rings.
Where would you like to live?
In an igloo. In Singapore.
What is your favorite item of clothing?
My pajamas.
What accessory sets you apart?
My rings.
What about you that scares others?
My bluntness.
If you had to play a character in a movie, which movie and which character?
Scarlett O’ Hara in Gone with the Wind.
What did you believe in at 18 that you wish you still believed now?
Father Christmas.
