VIDEO

48 Singaporean Seconds: Happiness is not something money can buy, says mime artist

Professional entertainer Alan Lim, 35, also known as Alan Extreme, in the photo studio for National Day 48 Singaporean Seconds project. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
Professional entertainer Alan Lim, 35, also known as Alan Extreme, in the photo studio for National Day 48 Singaporean Seconds project. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN

Singapore celebrates its 48th birthday on Aug 9, and to tie in with this, The Straits Times Picture Desk has put together 48 Singaporean Seconds, an audio-visual tribute to Singaporeans who have made this little red dot their home.

We are releasing their stories and videos in the next few weeks. In the 15th instalment of our series, we talk to entertainer Alan Lim.

Alan Lim, 35, mime artist and entertainer

When he was five, Mr Alan Lim saw someone pull a rabbit out of a hat and decided he wanted to be a magician one day.

The 35-year-old bachelor is now living his dream.

One of the few mime artists and professional entertainers here, he combines magic, knife-juggling and fire-eating into one riveting live show. No wonder he chose Alan Extreme as his stage name.

His path to being a performer wasn't a straight one.

He initially took up a culinary course at Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Centre (Shatec), but left in 2001 to pursue his love for performing instead.

Mr Lim knows he does not have a typical Singaporean job, but he wouldn't trade his life-long passion for anything else.

"Satisfaction and happiness are things money can't buy," he says.

Photos and videos by The Straits Times Picture Desk

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