MaryGrace Jane Penserga is a rising star who grew up in a musically-inclined family, with her late father’s passion for music serving as her greatest inspiration. Despite facing financial and personal hardships, MaryGrace never wavered in her dreams. In an interview with Top 10 of Malaysia, MaryGrace shares her journey from small-town beginnings to competing in national singing competitions, the challenges she overcame, and her aspirations to make a lasting mark in the music industry while continuing her father’s legacy.
Born and raised in Keningau, Sabah, MaryGrace Jane Penserga comes from a small but close-knit family. “I graduated from Cyberjaya College Kota Kinabalu with a diploma in nursing and have gained experience working and interning at multiple hospitals across Sabah. During the day, I work as a nurse and at night, I perform as a live band singer at various hotels, resorts, and special events such as weddings and ceremonies,” says MaryGrace, who is also multilingual and fluent in Mandarin, Filipino (Tagalog), Malay and English.
“I grew up in a small town where my family had a deep love for music, especially my late dad, who was a singer and keyboardist. His passion inspired me to become who I am today,” says MaryGrace. “My mum worked multiple jobs to provide for me and my younger sister. Despite hardships, my family always supported me, especially in singing. They were always there with endless encouragement. Being the eldest sister and head of the family has been tough, but these experiences only fueled my determination to pursue my dream of becoming a successful artist one day.”
A turning point in her career happened when she joined the Malaysian Championship of Performing Arts, organised by AJ Productions. “AJ saw the talent in me and believed that I had the potential to go far. Ibu Asmi and Sir Jasni not only gave me valuable advice but also supported me immensely throughout the major competitions I participated in,” she says gratefully.
“The biggest challenge I faced was joining Calpis Soda One in a Million and being away from my family for four months. My family, friends and supporters mean a lot to me, and it was difficult for them to travel to Kuala Lumpur every week because of their own responsibilities. However, their unwavering support gave me the strength to overcome the challenges I faced throughout the competition,” says MaryGrace cheerfully.
Every morning, MaryGrace practices self-meditation with positivity. “I listen to my favourite songs, especially those by Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey, which inspire me. I also enjoy listening to podcasts and make daily prayer a part of my routine.”
“Determination is one of my core values. I am always determined to delivering great results, no matter how big or small the task is. This drive for determination is complemented by my principle of continuous success. In my work, I strive to make decisions that positively impact both the environment and society,” she says.
MaryGrace views success as a combination of personal fulfillment and achieving milestones in her career. “Whether it’s releasing an album I’m proud of, performing at a venue I’ve always dreamed of or collaborating with artists I admire, each achievement contributes to my sense of success. Ultimately, it’s about finding joy in the process and creating music that resonates with both me and my listeners.”
“Being in Calpis Soda One in a Million taught me a lot. I learned vocal techniques from Cikgu Sarah Ismail, dance from Cikgu Boojae Fadzil and experienced a variety of music arrangements created by AG Coco. It was a bittersweet yet beautiful experience, especially the bond we formed as contestants, each with our own unique stories. The challenges were tough and the limited time for song practice and rest, due to packed schedules from day to night, made the journey even more intense. It was an experience I will never forget,” reminisces MaryGrace.
MaryGrace strives for stability in her career, to keep creating more music and to build her own business. “I want to inspire people to believe in their dreams and never give up. Most importantly, I hope to continue my dad’s legacy in music.”
“Never giving up is important, no matter how hard the journey gets. Never neglect your family, as their support is invaluable. Stay true to yourself and be prepared for a journey filled with both ups and downs,” she advises.
