Deb Fung

Early life and education

Born and raised in Melbourne, Fung attended Kilvington Grammar School and Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, after which she earned a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws at Monash University. At 23, she pursued a full-time career in music. Previously, she had been signing and playing before audiences from age 8, playing in orchestras, singing in choirs, and performing in musicals throughout her high-school years.

Career

With roots in gospel songwriting, Fung has performed commercially throughout Australasia in festivals, clubs, conferences, and cafes, as well as her international tours throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. She was the winner of the 2003 National Gospel Award for Best New Gospel Artist with her music debuting the public arena in late 2002.

From March 2007, Fung toured extensively throughout Asia, making numerous appearances in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

Songwriting

Fung's lyrics and songs are said to be inspiring and soul-searching. Recognised nationally for her songwriting in 2006 through the Australian Songwriter’s Association, Fung combines honest and thought-provoking lyrics with an acoustic ballad, pop/rock flavour, with both her solo and full band performances captivating and communicating to people at all stages of life. From heart warming songs such as "I Understand You Understand" through to songs of personal struggle such as "Darkest Place", Fung's signature theme in her music is her unquenchable joy and tenacity for life and an inner strength which pervades her music and draws her listeners into moments of reflection, rest and release – a necessary antidote in the midst of our busy 21st century existence.

In her music, Fung writes not only in an effort to encourage and uplift, but also to stretch people in their capacity and their perception. In a number of her new songs she boldly addresses hard realities of our weaknesses and struggles, at the same time engaging the human spirit to inspire and spur us on to betterment. As Fung explains, "The more we grasp and analyse about ourselves, the better we understand who we are and who we are becoming. I think a key to improving the way we treat others and ourselves is being self-aware. Music has a way of stripping through pretence and baring the soul. I am compelled to be honest in my songwriting and while it might be uncomfortable at times and show vulnerability, perhaps that is precisely what people need and want to feel today. It wakes us up."

Personal life

Fung is Christian, with her faith being evinced by her lyrics of her songs, and is a worship leader at North Shore Christian Centre, Chatswood. In addition to this, she also actively participates in many Christian and church events, including RICE Interchurch Evangelism, an annual youth outreach event in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia. She is also a collaborator on the worship album King Above Us All.

After the success of her first album, Fung relocated to Lindfield, New South Wales.

Fung has a brother and a sister. On 22 May 2004, in Sydney, she married Adrian Chen, with whom she has two sons.

Philanthropy

Fung is involved in humanitarian causes and makes annual visits to the People's Republic of China, where she is involved in HIV/AIDS prevention work via the organisation LightAID. Additionally, she has taken part in charities activities with Watoto, a nonprofit organisation that cares for orphan children in Uganda.

Albums