Singapore’s got talent in droves and this brilliant new wave of creatives prove it. Meet the artists, actresses, designers, bakers, and social media stars that are fearlessly carving out a path of their own—even with everyone else watching. Trust us when we say they’re the ones to have on your radar right now. First up, Xenia Tan. Transitioning from presenting to acting, the internet personality, friend of Bvlgari, and lead in the upcoming movie Wonderland has stretched her abilities with roles in productions from the long-running television series Sunny Side Up to the Yeo Siew Hua–directed thriller Stranger Eyes.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Xenia Tan (XT): Cheeky, empathetic and resilient.
How did you find your niche?
XT: I found my niche by always trying to be different. I learned from the beginning of my career in social media that having a unique selling point—in a product, in a company’s branding or being an online personality—is the most important thing. I would say my niche now is producing unconventional comedic skits. I love coming up with ideas that have an unexpected plot twist; it almost feels like I’m giving my audience a reward for watching my videos till the end. Asking myself “How else can I do this?” might not always be the safest option, but it has always led me to ideas that stand out.
Do you respond to trends or do your own thing?
XT: Trends are fun! I do respond to trends that I like because it’s easy to relate to, but I try to do them slightly differently so that I still get a chance to express my own creativity and for people to know me a little more. I prefer doing my own thing, even if it means fewer views, because there isn’t a reference I have to follow, there isn’t “it has to be this way because that’s the trend” kind of constraint, and it’s usually something I want to try, to sharpen my skills as a digital creator.
What is your idea of cool?
XT: My idea of cool has always been something I am not and that I wish I can be. When I was in school, being cool felt like a loud energy or presence that I wish I had. Now that I’m in the entertainment industry, being cool feels like quiet confidence: a calm and composed nature that is unfazed by anything and everything. That can be felt in a person’s aura, a piece of clothing, or even jewellery.
How do you stay creative and keep evolving?
XT: I know crediting travelling seems basic, but I’ve seen how putting myself in unfamiliar environments sparks my creativity and motivates me to do better. It’s easy to be consumed by what you are exposed to, but that limits the way you think and the way you are. I don’t want my whole world or my identity to be formed by what I am comfortable with, because then I might even be bored of myself!
How do you deal with competition?
XT: This is probably the trait that I love most about my personality. I love competition. I need competition. I’m highly competitive, and I love and admire good competitors. Of course, there are times where I feel beaten up by my own flaws, where I’m nowhere near the standard of others but my response to that will always be “I know I’m not there yet but give me some time I’ll get there”.
I think playing competitive sports since secondary school has trained my brain to love competition. There’s always something to learn when I lose and something to celebrate when I win. How fun! This mindset has taught me to not be complacent in my work as an actor, a digital creator and a human. It has also taught me to believe in myself, because no competition is fun if you think you’re going to lose from the get-go. The biggest competitor that I fear is truly only myself.
Does being publicly visible motivate you or scare you? How do you handle criticism?
XT: Unfortunately, it scares me a little more. I know I need to be bold in experimentation and fail to learn but being publicly visible feels like it’s failing with an amplified consequence. You know for sure that people will be judging you. These are not friends who have known you for years, these are people who might be watching you for the first time and that could really solidify their impression of you.
Honestly, I think handling criticism is easy: put down your ego, take the constructive ones, and leave the rest behind. I think dealing with regret on your own performance or conduct when you receive criticism is tougher. I make sure I give my 100 per cent for every job that I take and every video that I put out, so that I know that was the best I could give at that point in time. Hiding your emotions may feel like you’re alone and the world is hating on you. I’ve also learned to confide in my friends and family, because they know me better than anyone else and I trust that they’ll give me the most valuable criticism I need.
What are some new things that you’ve been trying out?
XT: I’ve been trying out different styles in fashion, makeup and hair. It has been really fun, I’m learning how to take certain looks that I never thought I could pull off and adapt them to my facial features and body type. It also feels like a way of accepting things I used to not like about myself.
What excites you?
XT: Opportunities that challenge me. I love surprising myself and others, and trying things that I don’t always know if it’ll be a successful outcome. The adrenaline of trying something new is like going on a roller coaster, and I love roller coasters!
What is a motto that you live by?
XT: Dream high, stay grounded.
This story first appeared in the August 2024 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
Photography HANS GOH