Wilber Pan (Pan Weibo) has always tried to be a master of his craft, even when he was receiving treatment for a knee injury.

Now the Taiwan singer has handed in some "homework": his power-packed new album Master-hand (Gaoshou). The hit single Who is MVP shows his determination to become an MVP (most valuable player) in the pop music world.

"Every person should strive for the best in whatever field he's in, just like a basketball player who aspires to be the 'MVP'," said the 24-year-old Pan.

Pan made a name for himself as a VJ on the Asian entertainment giant Channel V. He got into singing in 2002 and fast became a hot pop icon known for his humorous, relaxed hip hop style.

However, Pan hates to pose as a star. During the promotion of his book Never Teach Me Grammar last year, he was always patient no matter how long the queue was. After the promotion, he drove himself home, surprising the staff that were ready to serve him.

Many told him, "You're not an ordinary man, you're a star!" He answered, "Everyone can be my friend. I don't want to put on airs."

Pan was born in the US but hadn't heard a single word of English until he went to kindergarten at age 3. He couldn't understand what others were talking about. This made him feel like he was in prison.

One day, he tried more than 30 times to escape. At last, his teacher lost her temper and shouted at him, "Wilber, sit down!" Though he couldn't understand, he knew she was angry.

Later that day, his mother asked him, "What have you learned today?" He shouted, "Wilber, sit down!"

Pan did gradually learn to speak English and soon became a chatter-box. Because of this, his primary school teacher asked him to sit alone, three meters away from his classmates.

"It was so shameful," he recalled. "But I might make the best of this trait. I believe I'd make a successful PR manager if I weren't a singer."

(21stcentury.com.cn August 2, 2005)