I met Davina very briefly during the launch of my first book ‘Silent Cries’ in Borders Bookstore many years back. I was with the late Sabrina Yeap, founder of Furry Friends Farm (May her soul rest in peace) at the launch speaking about the Animal’s Welfare in Malaysia.
At that time, Davina has just finished her dance rehearsals for the
much coveted dance reality show ‘So you
think you can dance?’ where she competed and eventually made it to the Top
20.
At first glance, Davina is a bubbly and highly spirited girl
that is full of passion. I noticed how she listened with empathy at the launch and
clapped with such gusto right after we finished.
She immediately introduced herself to us and eventually we
became friends. Although I didn’t get to hang out with her and experienced her
warmth in person, keeping in touch with her via the social media is enough for
us to be kept updated. To sum up, she’s one of the most genuine, fun loving and
talented person that I’ve ever known.
Fast forward over the years, Davina is now a successful stage
& screen actress, a columnist, an emcee, a dancer, print & TVC model,
voice over talent, a true blue animal lover and a joker. Oh yes, you’ll crack
at her jokes and she’s a natural at it! She’s an avid traveller and philanthropist
in her own rights too. She’s taught underprivileged children during her trip to
Siam Reap with her sister and she’s joined several activist groups in the
country in support of their work.
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| (Above pic) Davina & her sister with the underprivileged children in Siam Reap |
I believe that there is nothing that can slow down Davina. I am
truly in awe and inspired by her spirit to live and experience life. At such a
young age, she has accomplished so much and I believe she will accomplish more.
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| (Above pic) Davina, being her usual bubbly self, goofing around. |
While conducting this interview, Davina is currently based in
China where she learns Martial Arts (Kung Fu). She’s really a fireball of
energy!
The interview:
Me: Hi Davina, could
you please introduce yourself to the readers and what do you do currently?
Davina: Hi peeps, I am
Davina Goh. I'm a self-employed actor / emcee / writer and currently studying
at the Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, China.
Me: How did you
first discover your passion and what makes you want to pursue it? Did you do it
full time?
Davina: The acting bug
bit me in high school. I was a socially awkward kid and used acting as a form
of escapism, to be someone else that people could connect to better. Somewhere
down the line it helped me come out of my shell, and now I use it to develop my
empathy and share good stories. It was an on-the-side thing for the past 13 years,
until I quit my job in April 2013.
Me: Did you make any
money from your passion so far?
Davina: To be frank, no one
starts acting for money. Even as a seasoned actor, jobs are few and far between
for English-speaking roles in Malaysia. Money is made from your versatility as
a performer in general. However, I have
sustained a steady stream of side-income through musicals, dance, writing,
spoken word, voice acting, talent work and emceeing. The perks that I got out
of acting is being able to leave an impact on people - unexpectedly bringing
out thoughts, emotions and memories, and being able to connect with audiences
on an incredibly intimate level.
Me: What is your
advice to those who wants to quit their job & pursue their dream?
Davina: One of the
biggest misconceptions is that one should wait for the best time to do so.
There is no such thing. There is no good or bad time. You either do it or you
don't. But when you do, keep looking ahead and don't have regrets! Work hard at
your dreams, and the rewards will be immeasurable.
Me: What is your
future plan? Where would you like to see yourself 5 years from now?
Davina: If I survive
long enough in my kungfu school, I hope to bring back an additional skill for
my acting career. Where will that take me, who knows? I have made no specific plans,
but as long as I am responsive to change in my life, have good intentions and
keep an open mind and heart, I trust that I will constantly land in worthwhile
places.
Me: If you could
start all over again, what would do you do differently to achieve your dream?
Davina: I would have
definitely started at a younger age, easily 10 years earlier. I had an
emotionally oppressed upbringing, so I held back a lot of my potential due to
fear. But the life I have now has happened for a reason, and I am grateful for
this journey and the lessons it has taught me so far.
Me: Thank you so much Davina and I hope you’ll
have a great time in your Kung Fu school! Keep in touch!
Davina: My pleasure! And
thanks so much for the opportunity.
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| (Above pic) Davina & her Number 1 fan! Her Mom! |
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| (Above pic) Article on her latest stage act Ruby Moon, early this year 2013. |
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| (Above pic) Davina's column in the local paper (The Star), The Gratitudist |
So, the TAKE AWAY from this interview:
1. Never ignore your talents! Capitalise on them.
2. Do not wait for opportunity to come, be a go getter and get it!
3. There is no such thing as good or bad time to start pursuing
your passion.
Its either you do it or not.
4. Work hard on your dreams because the rewards will be
immeasurable.
Note: Follow Davina on her Twitter for her latest updates!
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