SINGAPORE - She left Singapore when she was a teen, then became a singing sensation with her bossa nova tunes. She later made a switch to Chinese pop, and has been touring the globe, mesmerising people with her angelic and sweet voice. And now, having resided in Japan and Taiwan for the past 10 years, Olivia Ong is finally back home, to “slow down and build her friendships” here.

“I’ve been away since I was 18 years old,” she said. “I think it’s time to come back. Even though technology has helped in communication when I was overseas, nothing beats having a one-on-one personal time with my family.”

(And for those wondering whether one of those “relationships” she wants to build involves getting herself a cat - after she posted a picture of a kitten on WeiBo.com - don’t hold your breath. “I do not feel ready for that responsibility,” she said.)

But fans would be pleased to know that plans for her new album next year are underway. “The first thing I am going to do is research the kind of sound I want for my album,” said Ong, who has sung in English, Chinese, Cantonese and Japanese, and experimented with soul, R&B, pop and electronica on her previous albums.

She has also performed reinterpretations of songs by Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Sam Cooke and Chris Isaak live. “It really depends on what I listen to. I have been listening to a lot of folk and electronic. I think it’s important for me to explore before I decide,” she added.

In the meantime, Ong is taking on the role as campaign ambassador for the singing competition, The Right Note, organised by Strepsils. The aim of the competition is to recognise the importance of having a healthy voice and to encourage young singers. The finalists will get to perform with Olivia Ong, while the winner will also get a chance to record a single composed by renowned songwriter/producer Lee Wei Song and his team, as well as winning prizes worth up to S$25,000.

Did Ong have any tips for these potential contestants? “The trick is to drink hot honey lemon water as it protects my throat. Vocal exercises are important too,” she said, adding that singers need to be committed as well. “I need to relax my body. It takes muscle control and that requires practice.”

And just what song can the winner hope to sing with Ong? Well, she did tell us her favourite song to sing in the shower is, I Believe I Can Fly. Just so you know.

Contestants will have to record and upload their entries to www.strepsils.com.sg/therightnote. Registration ends on May 16.