Former child star shuns Macao's glitz

Macao is defined by extravagance, but Winni Iong, once recognized as the face of the city, enjoys a life away from the glitz and dazzle.

Iong treasures the sweet memories of performing onstage, but she doesn't care for the spotlight anymore. Instead, she prefers the simple life she leads now, away from public attention.

"I am too introverted for show business," Iong told China Daily.

In 1999, the 9-year-old Iong gained instant fame as a singer performing Song of the Seven Sons in front of a nationwide audience.

"I don't feel it that way though," she said of her young stardom.

Over the years Iong and her family turned down requests for commercials, as well as recording contracts from record labels. Instead, Iong went on with her life and education. Drawing little attention in school, she made it through the University of Macao, and she has lived in the city ever since.

"I stay in Macao because it is where I grew up, and it has everything and everyone I love," Iong said.

Iong says often that she is just an ordinary girl, like others in Macao, and spends her leisure time on shopping, tea parties and occasional movies.

Living in the largest gambling city in the world, people in Macao are aware of outsiders' dreams of instant wealth. But for Iong and many other ordinary Macao residents, hard work is what makes for a satisfying life.

"I am a contented person," Iong said. "I am happy with the status quo. And I simply hope it will stay this way."