HONG KONG—Veteran performer Ng Man-yan (also known as Emme Ng) has transformed her intense three-year battle with cancer into the poignant bedrock of her musical debut, launching her first single, “Rebirth.” Speaking on the CRHK program The Pear Assembly hosted by Pear Yam, Ng detailed how a life-threatening health crisis served as the critical catalyst to pursue her long-deferred aspirations, using music to share a message of resilience and immediate action.
Ng revealed that her ordeal began three years prior when an unusual mass was detected during a lymph drainage session, eventually leading to a cancer diagnosis. Initially undergoing a partial tumor resection, her condition relapsed significantly last year. The situation escalated dramatically this February when she was hospitalized with severe fluid retention, reaching a critical juncture where doctors considered withdrawing life support.
This near-death experience, however, became the defining moment for Ng. She shared that a doctor’s candid assessment functioned as a vital turning point, forcing her to abandon procrastination and immediately prioritize her artistic ambitions. Despite struggling physically—she admitted even routine walking was difficult—the long-held dream of singing, coupled with emotional inspiration drawn from singer Sammi Cheng’s recent award speech, ignited an urgent creative drive. Ng reflected on the sudden motivation, envisioning herself, at 51, receiving a New Artist award, an aspiration that provided immense psychological energy.
Facing existential challenges, Ng found profound solace in her faith. A lifelong Catholic who explored various beliefs during her entertainment career, she explained that returning to Catholicism during her illness provided deep spiritual calm, lending her the conviction that her journey was unfolding as intended. She acknowledged the “angels”—unconditional helpers who supported the production of her debut single.
Ng’s two daughters, aged 11 and 8.5, remain her primary motivation. When she disclosed the severity of her illness last year, their casual, accepting response surprisingly helped her adopt a more positive attitude toward treatment. Looking ahead, Ng plans a collaborative project with her children: an English-language song titled “Bald Mommy Bold Mommy,” which will chronicle their shared experiences during her chemotherapy regimen.
Ng used her platform to offer a powerful encouragement to anyone grappling with health difficulties, stressing the profound power of mindset. She cautioned against fatalistic thinking, asserting that one’s internal narrative directly influences outward reality.
Pursuing Dreams Amidst Adversity
The singer emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and leveraging spiritual strength when needed. Her experience underscores a universal truth: the imperative to seize the day and act on one’s dreams before opportunity dissipates.
Ng’s journey offers a tangible example of embracing vulnerability and finding creative strength following a traumatic health event. Her shift from patient to performing artist sends a clear signal that profound life changes—even diagnoses—can serve as powerful motivation to achieve long-term goals. Her message remains resolute: believe in positive outcomes, utilize available support systems, and prioritize the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
