SHE wowed Malaysians during her concert at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil in March. This time, she’s back to support World Vision Malaysia as the 30-Hour Famine 2009 ambassador.

Back from her trip to India, A-Mei asserts that all life is precious. Unfortunately, not all receive equal care. What touches her most are the children. “I learnt a lot from this trip, especially from the children. Despite the hardships they are going through, traces of smiles and positive outlook towards life are not lost.”

One of these children was Narfisa, with whom A-Mei had spent some time getting to know.

Not a stranger to the cause, A-Mei previously visited Sudan in 2005 with World Vision Taiwan. She is also currently sponsoring three children from Pakistan and Cambodia. Not only does A-Mei reign in the singing arena with her powerful vocals, she apparently excels at hosting as well.

She was recommended by acclaimed Taiwanese host Matilda Tao to host the Golden Melody Awards — Taiwan’s equivalent to the Grammys. This was due to her widely praised short hosting stint on the popular singing reality competition One Million Star, while Matilda was on maternity leave.

A-Mei was forced to turn down the opportunity to host the Golden Melody Awards due to her busy schedule. “I’m sorry to have given up the opportunity. If the chance arises again, I would definitely be glad to take up the job.” Those who have not got enough of her voice need not wait any longer as her latest album will be launched at the end of this month.

A career spanning 20 years has not stopped her from being fresh. This album is said to bring an astonishing side of her vocals. Is this an attempt to revamp herself as she has hit a bump on her musical road? “Not really," she says. "I always aim to bring something fresh and new to my fans, as well as myself. It may be different, but it’s still me.”

ARE YOU GAME FOR 30-hour FAST FOR CHARITY

IT won’t kill you to go without any solid food for 30 hours. But it’s worse if you’re one of the millions of poor children around the world who don’t even know when they will get their next meal. Making people realise the extent of this global problem is the aim of the 30-Hour Famine, organised by an international humanitarian group World Vision. In Malaysia, this awareness building programme has already taken off and will culminate on Aug 23 at the Putra Indoor Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Participants sign up with individual camp leaders and raise funds by pledging to go without solid food for 30 hours.

The joint fast will see participants undertake various activities aimed at deepening their understanding of the global food crisis. “In a world where 3.5 million children under the age of five die annually from under-nutrition, rising food prices can only mean that the numbers will continue to increase,” said World Vision Malaysia chief executive officer Liew Tong Ngan.

“It is our hope that Malaysians participating in this year’s 30-Hour Famine will be challenged to do something — regardless of age, stature, race or gender; to look beyond self, not only during the event, but long after as well.” This year, there are already 194 planned camps, exceeding the expected 100. World Vision hopes to raise RM1 million for this year’s event to help counter the food crisis. Joining in this event is 30-Hour Famine ambassador A-Mei, a Taiwanese singer. She has just returned from India on World Vision’s development programme in the country to meet with some of the families affected by the food crisis.

Local 30-Hour Famine advocates include Gary Yap and Belinda Chee from 8TV, Roshan from MixFm and Nicholas Ong from MyFm. To learn more about the camp, log on to www.worldvision.com.my.