Actress Joe Chen goes for surgery soon after appendicitis diagnosis
Actress Joe Chen goes for surgery soon after appendicitis diagnosis
Taiwanese actress Joe Chen was thinking about her work even when she was unwell.
The 46-year-old disclosed on Instagram Stories on May 28 that she had been suffering from diarrhoea and stomachache in the previous few days and was diagnosed with appendicitis after a health screening.
Chen, who is married to Malaysian artist Alan Chen, decided to go for an operation on the same day she learnt about her condition, so that her upcoming work commitments will not be affected.
'The doctor told me not to worry, as it was only a minimally invasive surgery,' she wrote in Chinese on Instagram Stories.
Joe Chen said she stayed in the hospital for only one night after the operation and was recovering well.
The actress, who is known for starring in Taiwanese idol dramas such as The Prince Who Turns Into A Frog (2005) and Fated To Love You (2008), tagged Johor Bahru's Kempas Medical Centre in her post.
'Thank you to the doctors and nurses for their care, and thank you for preparing a fruit basket for me,' she wrote. 'I can be discharged from the hospital today, and the doctor said that I can eat whatever I want to eat.'
The actress also shared a hilarious text conversation between her and her mother.
Sharing a photo of her appendix after the surgery, Chen explained to her mother that the minimally invasive surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, was done with three small incisions in her abdomen.
Her mother replied that the actress' appendix looked like chicken and duck intestines.
Chen was in Singapore last week to attend American singer Lady Gaga's concert at the National Stadium.
She shared on Instagram on May 20 videos and photos of herself at the event, including one of her pretending to be a monster, in reference to 'Little Monsters', as Lady Gaga's fans are affectionately called.
Chen was also recently featured in the June issue of the Chinese edition of the Harper's Bazaar magazine.
She previously disclosed on social media in January 2023 that she suffered from sleep apnoea and went for an operation to fix her condition. Her agency has so far not said if it will make any changes to her post-operation work schedule .
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Straits Times
17 hours ago
- Straits Times
Chinese actress Zhao Lusi accuses agency of wage theft, threats
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Zhao Lusi claimed her agency made an unauthorised withdrawal of $367,000 from her personal studio's account. Popular Chinese actress Zhao Lusi has engaged in a war of words with her management agency Galaxy Cool Entertainment on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The 26-year-old, who shot to fame with period dramas such as The Romance Of Tiger And Rose (2020) and Love Like The Galaxy (2022), accused Galaxy Cool Entertainment of an unauthorised withdrawal of 2.05 million yuan (S$367,000) from her personal studio's account. She alleged the agency left her to shoulder financial burdens alone despite agreeing to take responsibility for cancelled endorsements, during the period in 2024 when she was seeking treatment for several health issues and depression. The 1.61m-tall actress' physical and mental condition took a toll due to overwork and, once, she weighed just 36kg. Photos of her in a wheelchair were also circulated on social media in December 2024. Zhao lost her ability to speak at one point. She also suffered from frequent episodes of nausea and dizziness, and joint pains. Her lengthy posts in Chinese also alleged disputes over control and unsuccessful termination negotiations. She claimed she was warned against speaking out, with threats that she could be blacklisted from the entertainment industry if she pursued legal action. 'You don't need to blacklist me, I quit,' Zhao wrote, urging her followers to report to the police should they face similar situations. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore LTA, Singapore bus operators reviewing Malaysia's request to start services from JB at 4am Singapore Despite bag checks and warnings, young partygoers continue to vape in clubs in Singapore Singapore President Tharman meets migrant workers who saved driver of car that fell into sinkhole World Trump is winning his trade war, but Americans will pay the price Opinion The charm – and drawbacks – of living in a time warp in Singapore Singapore Ong Beng Seng to plead guilty on Aug 4, more than 2 years after trip to Qatar with Iswaran Singapore Now flying solo, Acres CEO Kalaivanan Balakrishnan presses ahead with wildlife rescue efforts Life KPop Demon Hunters to get sequels, expanded universe to include musical, live-action remake Galaxy Cool Entertainment issued its response on Weibo on Aug 3, expressing its 'shock' at Zhao's accusations. The agency denied any illegal or contractual breach, and emphasised it is prioritising Zhao's 'wishes and well-being' following her illness. It also urged the actress to avoid posting ambiguous content online that could lead to public misunderstanding. Zhao subsequently reposted the statement on her Weibo, refuting the agency's claims, and calling it out for leaving her alone when she was sick.

Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Straits Times
Actress Christy Chung's daughter celebrates 17th birthday, wows netizens with striking looks
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox (From left) Christy Chung with her daughters Jaden, 17, and Cayla, 15. Canadian actress Christy Chung, 54, recently marked her daughter Jaden's 17th birthday with a party. On July 28, the actress posted on Instagram several photos from the celebration, featuring herself and her two younger daughters Jaden and Cayla, 15, from her previous marriage to Taiwanese music producer Jon Yen. Chung has another daughter, Yasmine, 27, with her ex-husband, British businessman Glen Ross. Accompanying the post was a caption that read: 'Happy birthday to my beautiful Jaden… Always remember that on your journey ahead, I will always be here for you. Have a blast.' In the photos, Jaden looked effortlessly gorgeous in a blue sundress, while Cayla dazzled in an all-white ensemble. Many netizens were quick to shower the girls with compliments, pointing out how both have inherited their mother's beauty and now stand as tall as her. Others also praised Chung, who is of mixed Chinese and Vietnamese parentage, for maintaining her youthful appearance, with some commenting that the trio looked more like sisters than a mother with her daughters. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore LTA, Singapore bus operators reviewing Malaysia's request to start services from JB at 4am Singapore Despite bag checks and warnings, young partygoers continue to vape in clubs in Singapore Singapore President Tharman meets migrant workers who saved driver of car that fell into sinkhole Singapore Now flying solo, Acres CEO Kalaivanan Balakrishnan presses ahead with wildlife rescue efforts Opinion The charm – and drawbacks – of living in a time warp in Singapore Singapore Ong Beng Seng to plead guilty on Aug 4, more than 2 years after trip to Qatar with Iswaran Business Decoupling to save on tax? You may lose right to property if ties go awry Singapore NDP 2025: Veteran Red Lion says each leap 'feels like 5km run' 'I'm so happy for you. Your girls have grown up,' one fan commented. 'Sister Chung looks so young. You all look like sisters,' another wrote. In another update, Chung posted about her recent holiday in Sabah. The actress uploaded to Instagram on July 27 several photos of her stay at a five-star hotel in Kota Kinabalu, saying: 'I'm loving and enjoying our last day in Malaysia. Looking forward to coming back again soon.' THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Straits Times
Fun With Kids: Peranakan-inspired workshops, $4 cable car rides for two, new Monopoly S'pore edition
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Until Aug 31, local residents can enjoy a round-trip cable car ride for two people at $4 on the Sentosa Line, where the cabins are adorned with Peranankan-inspired designs. SINGAPORE – Make family time all the more special with these ideas and activities. Peranakan-inspired workshops; $2 cable car ride Learn to make ang ku kueh, ondeh-ondeh and kuih dadar – using polymer clay, that is. Join artist Nur Rashidah Khalid, known for her miniature food crafts on Instagram account Sherry's Minis, for the Tiny Traditions workshop. You and your children will create non-edible miniature clay kueh to take home as a magnet or brooch. Rashidah's two sessions on Aug 30 are part of a Peranakan-inspired workshop series curated by Mount Faber Leisure Group to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Singapore Cable Car's Sentosa Line. Held at the Siloso Point Cable Car Station, each hands-on class is 90 minutes and costs $40.50 a person, which includes a round trip on the Sentosa Line. Kids must be at least six years old and accompanied by a paying adult. Learn to create non-edible miniature clay kueh from artist Nur Rashidah Khalid. PHOTO: SHERRY'S MINIS The Gunong Sayang Association, which promotes Peranakan culture, will also lead two different classes on Aug 31. At its Manek Magic workshop, you will learn the time-honoured art of embellishing the kasut manek (beaded slippers). Alternatively, engage your senses in Scents Of Sayang, a session focused on crafting bunga rampay. This potpourri of flowers, pandan leaves and herbs is a traditional gift at Peranakan and Malay weddings. Artisans of Gunong Sayang Association will guide you and your kids on the traditional art of Peranakan beading. PHOTO: GUNONG SAYANG ASSOCIATION To mark its 10th anniversary, cable car cabins on the Sentosa Line are adorned with Peranakan-inspired designs, featuring colourful motifs reminiscent of Koon Seng Road's iconic shophouses. Until Aug 31, Singapore citizens and local residents can enjoy promotions on the Sentosa Line: a round-trip ride for two people costs $4 (usual price: $17 an adult) and one-day unlimited rides for two are at $14 (usual price: $27 an adult). Sentosa island admission is not included. Go to for details. New Monopoly Singapore edition Landmarks such as Jewel Changi Airport and Bird Paradise have made their way onto the revamped Monopoly Singapore edition board game. PHOTO: HASBRO The Monopoly Singapore edition gets a reboot, aligning with the nation's progress. This latest version of the classic board game introduces new landmarks such as Jewel Changi Airport and Bird Paradise, and updated MRT stations such as Marine Parade on the Thomson-East Coast Line. Pity that while S.E.A. Aquarium is included, it has not yet been updated with its new name Singapore Oceanarium, which opened on July 24. The Monopoly Singapore edition was released in 2006, followed by a second update in 2016. Globally, Monopoly has also unveiled a fresh look for its board game as it celebrates its 90th anniversary. The new Singapore edition, like others, features larger tokens, houses and hotels, making them easier for players to handle and move around the board. The packaging has also been redesigned into a more compact square box, saving space compared with the previous rectangular version. In addition to the visual revamp, the company has introduced three new expansion packs, injecting new life into the gameplay. For instance, the Free Parking Jackpot expansion pack transforms the existing 'free parking' space into a jackpot, allowing players to draw bonus cards and acquire free properties. The new Monopoly Singapore edition retails for $49.90 at major retailers and online stores. Expansion packs can be purchased separately for $16.90 each.