Latest news with #EmeraldHill–TheLittleNyonyaStory
Vogue Singapore
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Behold Zoe Tay, the queen of hair transformations
An exclusive acting contract with Mediacorp after she won the inaugural Star Search competition in 1988 first catapulted Zoe Tay to unprecedented heights, and the rest, you can say, is history. From being appointed as a L'Oreal Paris ambassador to winning four Best Actress Star Awards, it's safe to say Vogue Singapore's July/August 'Home' issue cover star isn't just Singapore's 'Queen of Caldecott Hill' — she's a cultural maven whose career has shaped the nation's entertainment landscape for nearly four decades. This year, Singapore's a h jie 's back in full force, taking on the role of a family matriarch in Netflix's highly anticipated series Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story . Beyond the silver screen, Tay is known for being quite the timeless beauty. And with her association with the Singapore Council of Women's Organisation and several other charities, she sure knows how to be a hero off-screen, too, using her platform to champion important causes with the same passion she brings to every role. What makes her so relatable, even now, is that she seems to rise above the pressure to embrace ageing. At 57, Tay is luminous, not because she's trying to look younger, but because she doesn't shy away from her age; she liberally leans into it. The veteran actress proves that confidence doesn't have an expiry date in a society that often places youth on a pedestal. And when it comes to her trusted mane, let's just say Tay knows how to give good hair. In fact, based off her transformations over the years, she has become something of a hair icon. You name it, she's done it; pixie cuts, bobs, fringes, micro fringes, middle partings, side partings, sleek updos, and her signature 'Bobo ' cut. The only question is, what will she think of next? From a sleek bun to a daring pixie, we dipped into the archives to round up Zoe Tay's best hair moments of all time. @zoetay10 1 / 5 Mane muse Tay is well aware that a sleek, polished top knot gains an intriguing edge when textured ends are allowed to peek through. @zoetay10 2 / 5 Pixie power Someone once said, never underestimate the transformative power of a pixie cut—Tay is living proof. With not a hair out of place, she looks ready to take on the world. @zoetay10 3 / 5 Flirty feminine Take a leaf from Tay's book with these windswept, full of movement tousled hair – perfect for a beach vacay. @zoetay10 4 / 5 Fringe affair Scroll through Tay's Instagram account, and you'll note that she's been working a fuller fringe for some time now. This classic statement style is definitely a commitment but with her usual poise Tay is effortlessly owning the look. @zoetay10 5 / 5 Braided goddess With her hair pulled into a sculptural braid, Ah Jie looks like a literal goddess.
Vogue Singapore
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Zoe Tay on her legacy, storytelling and the essence of belonging
There are few names as synonymous with Singapore as Zoe Tay. Fondly known as the Queen of Caldecott Hill, she has firmly cemented her place in local pop culture, renowned for her striking looks, raspy, gravitas-laden voice and undeniable acting chops. Now 57 years old, Tay's journey began in modelling, eventually clinching first prize in the 1988 Star Search, which landed her a three-year contract with Mediacorp and gave her a leg up in acting. Peranakan history is a medley of intricate textures and emblems, one of the most iconic being beadwork. Here, Indonesian fashion designer Adeline Esther reimagines the tradition with a contemporary take. Bee de Chaumet necklace and earrings; Adeline Esther headpiece. Zantz Han 'Modelling is quite different as posing for shots is different from acting,' she reflects. 'My career in acting started after winning Star Search, and honestly, I've been blessed with the opportunities given to me: good stories and scripts over the years. Working with many different actors, including overseas ones, gave me varied perspectives and experiences along the way.' Tay clinched Star Awards as recently as 2019 and 2021 for her roles in A Million Dollar Dream and My Guardian Angels , and launched The Zoe and Liang Show podcast in 2023 to mark her 35th year in the business. Yet it's her most recent role in Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story family saga that has further cemented her iconic status. The gilded peony—a cherished Chinese Peranakan symbol of abundance, prosperity and good fortune—blooms across a tented skirt by Adeline Esther, styled with a sleek, form-fitting black jacket. Bee de Chaumet earrings, brooch and ring; Brunello Cucinelli jacket and top; Adeline Esther skirt; Louis Vuitton shoes. Zantz Han Tay notes that this role marks a departure for her, requiring her to age up to 72 years old and tap into the psyche of someone far less vivacious and active than the characters she has previously portrayed. Set between the '50s and '70s, Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story sees Tay acting alongside a mix of veterans and fresh faces, from Jeanette Aw to Tyler Ten, as she takes on the role of the matriarch of the Peranakan Zhang family in Singapore. Being a pivotal character in one of Singapore's most culturally significant productions comes with the quiet weight of responsibility—not only in representing heritage, but in taking care of oneself throughout the process. Over the years, Tay has found small ways to do this. 'I watch my diet carefully, especially during filming, and drink lots of water. I also exercise, such as going hiking when possible. Basically, I try to have as much me time as I can, while also ensuring I have time for my family.' Here, she talks about the impact of Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story in terms of local storytelling, an ever-changing landscape of entertainment as well as what home has meant to her over the years. Peranakan door frames often feature intricate carvings, their interiors being a celebration of heritage wrapped in fine details, artistry, and nostalgic charm. Zantz Han Hi Zoe, thank you so much for joining us today. What has life looked like for you lately? I've been keeping busy with work, doing some travelling and spending time with family too. There are so many places that I still want to visit! Tell us about your experience on our Vogue Singapore shoot. What was it like for you? It was interesting and exciting. Fashion-wise, there was a fusion of nyonya elements and avant-garde styles, and I can't wait for the cover to be released. You began your career in the late '80s, when Singapore's entertainment scene was developing. How has your experience evolved over the years? When I started, it was always about trying to learn the craft and improve by learning from my seniors. It was hard work. I don't think much has changed over the years in terms of needing to work hard and continuously improve. There is always something new to work on. What's important is to have a passion for your work; this is what drives you forward. A symbol of celebration, this white cymbidium and palm fruit garland encompasses virtue and morality. Tay wears a red qipao by Laichan—a silhouette that rose to prominence in the '20s. Chaumet Joséphine Soir de Fête earrings and Laurier necklace; Laichan dress; Emporio Armani shoes; socks, stylist's own. Zantz Han You began your career in the late '80s, when Singapore's entertainment scene was developing. How has your experience evolved over the years? When I started, it was always about trying to learn the craft and improve by learning from my seniors. It was hard work. I don't think much has changed over the years in terms of needing to work hard and continuously improve. There is always something new to work on. What's important is to have a passion for your work; this is what drives you forward. Many of your early roles, such as in The Unbeatables and Pretty Faces , became instant classics. What drew you to these projects and how did you prepare for them? I was blessed to be offered these roles. It was the different characters that challenged and attracted me—something I think most, if not all, actors look for. Preparing for roles is important to me. I try to research how the characters should be played, styled and made up; I discuss with directors the best approach and even learn some tricks of the trade. For The Unbeatables , for example, I learnt card and dice tricks. I had to practise really hard to perfect some of the moves. It was also when I started to learn how to play mahjong for real. For Pretty Faces , I created my hairstyle with my hairstylist, and the dressing as well. You've seen the industry evolve over the decades. What have been some of the greatest challenges you've faced and what moments have been the most rewarding? Perhaps the biggest change in the industry over the years has been the proliferation of online media, which meant that promotions for shows had to expand to cover these platforms, including, more recently, social media. For me, the greatest challenge has been keeping up with the fast-changing trends on these platforms. As for the most rewarding moments, I would say falling in love with my job. Also, having roles that, even after all these years, people still recognise and remember. Winning awards is, of course, one of the highlights. It is the peony, however, that features most prominently in Chinese Peranakan wedding garments, as seen in this bridal-inspired creation by Adeline Esther. Embroidered flowers and leaves in gold thread are richly worked into pieces. Bee de Chaumet necklace, earrings and ring; Adeline Esther top, skirt and headpiece. Zantz Han The industry can be highly competitive and demanding. What keeps you grounded? When I started, my dad kept reminding me to do my very best and to do things well and his words have stayed with me to this day. The advice I would give to my younger self is to stay grounded and to stay the course. It's not going to be easy, but every challenge is an opportunity. What does a typical day look like when you're filming compared to when you have downtime? When filming, the schedule can be quite intense for a few months and sometimes we only get a few hours of sleep. When I have downtime, I try to grab as much rest as possible, get a beauty treatment and catch up with friends and family. Now, let's talk about Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story , a show that has resonated with audiences. What initially attracted you to the project? What attracted me was the interesting nyonya culture, and I found the role to be compelling and challenging. In this recent role, I play the matriarch of the family who struggles with depression and dementia while trying to keep the family together. This is different from past roles where I typically portrayed stronger and more active characters. Peranakan windows are often adorned with intricate motifs such as floral patterns, a graceful nod to tradition rich with vibrant symbolism. Zantz Han What was the most challenging or memorable moment during the filming of Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story ? I found playing this grandmother role quite challenging. I had to change my body language and tone of speaking to portray the role. It was more difficult than I had thought. This is the second time Mediacorp has produced a show about the nyonya culture, which is unique to Singapore and Malaysia. I think the characters were interesting and memorable; they left an impression on the audience, young and old. How do you hope Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story will influence local storytelling as a whole? I hope that Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story 's success, both locally and internationally, will help showcase Singapore as a whole, and garner interest and enjoyment in watching more Singaporean dramas. I think this show has sparked curiosity in learning more about Singapore's history as well. In Singapore's current media landscape, what opportunities and challenges do you see for up-and-coming local artists? I think there are always opportunities as social media really opens up the playing field—one can be recognised more easily. But at the same time, there's a lot of competition, so one has to stand out and be memorable. You have to continue working hard, hone your craft and always stay positive. A recreation of a traditional wedding garment from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, from the archives of fashion designer and collector Raymond Wong, features bright colours and is adorned with motifs such as flowers, vines and phoenixes. Bee de Chaumet earrings; Raymond Wong bolero, top and skirt; Christian Louboutin shoes; socks, stylist's own. Zantz Han This issue is themed 'Home'. What does home, in the context of Singapore and SG60, mean to you? Home to me is familiarity, family, comfort and love. Singapore has come a long way and while I always look forward to every National Day, every decade we celebrate our nation's birthday feels that much more special to me. One of my favourite memories growing up is watching the National Day parades: hearing the aircraft roaring past my house, watching the shows live on TV and, in certain years, being at the parade itself. On the personal side, memories of family interactions and dinners through the years hold a special place in my heart. And finally, what's next? I'm currently working on a new drama work-wise, and on the personal side, I intend to explore the world a bit more. Photographer Zantz Han Stylists Desmond Lim and Nicholas See Hair stylist Ryan Yap/Passion Hair Salon Make-up artist Peter Khor using Clé de Peau Beauté Manicurist Filicia Takahashi/Nail Bliss Producer David Bay Set design Abegail Loreno Arendayen Florist Fawn World Photographer's assistants Sin Yean Yam, RQ and Michelle Yap Manicurist's assistants Celine Tan and Summer Chong/Nail Bliss Set designer's assistant Clarice Teh Florist's assistant Rachel Ng Stylist's assistants Lance Aeron and Kuan Special thanks to True Blue Cuisine and Peranakan Museum Vogue Singapore's July/August 'Home' issue will be out on newsstands from 13 July and available to preorder online.
Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
‘I have pieces I've worn for years': Zoe Tay helps open iRoo's first eco-conscious outlet store
Veteran local actress Zoe Tay at the launch of Taiwanese fashion label iRoo's first outlet store in IMM as a VIP guest. PHOTO: IROO SINGAPORE – To veteran local actress Zoe Tay, sustainability does not begin and end with recycling bins or buzzwords. It starts in the wardrobe. 'I have pieces I've worn for years,' says the 57-year-old. 'Even if I rewear them, I'll style them differently. If it's well made and timeless, why not?' Among her favourites is a pair of jeans from Coterie – a label by Malaysia-based Singaporean fashion designer Celest Thoi – that she continues to reach for. While Tay says she has a soft spot for bags, she is just as quick to pass them on. 'Some of them, I give to my niece and nephew, in-laws or assistant,' she says. 'There're so many. I used to keep them all hidden in my wardrobe cabinets. But when I finally displayed them, I realised I had a lot of duplicates.' She has also contributed to donation drives, such as one organised by Channel 8 that collected celebrity fashion items to be resold. 'I think the important thing is when you re-give your items and people enjoy them.' The black-clad Mediacorp artiste was speaking to The Straits Times at the opening of Taiwanese fashion brand iRoo's first outlet store at Singapore's largest outlet mall IMM on May 23. iRoo has opened its first outlet store at IMM in Jurong. PHOTO: IROO The womenswear label founded in 1999, with more than 70 branches in Taiwan, is best known for its fast-turning weekly collections. Its fifth and newest 1,600 sq ft boutique in Singapore – which offers pieces from past seasons' collections at prices at least 40 per cent off – marks a more reflective chapter. Not only is it the brand's first outlet store, but it also introduces iRoo's first tentative steps into sustainability through a creative collaboration with Singaporean eco-innovation company Wynist. Under the initiative, Repurposing Waste For A Greener Future, the IMM outlet store showcases fixtures, hangers and even sunglasses made from compressed textile waste and discarded coffee grounds. Each display table, for instance, is made from 25kg of repurposed fabric waste – none of it iRoo's own, but a symbolic start to a wider ambition. Taiwanese fashion label iRoo's first outlet store in IMM spans 1,600 sq ft. PHOTO: IROO 'I'm drawn to a monochromatic palette – black, white, grey. My wardrobe is full of these colours,' says Tay, who was invited to the launch as a VIP guest, gesturing to the tailored blouse and belted skirt she had selected from iRoo's current collection for the occasion. But the actress' latest role – as formidable matriarch Liu Xiuniang in the Mediacorp Peranakan period drama Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story (2025) – did nudge her out of her monochrome comfort zone. She says each character had a distinct palette, thoughtfully assigned by the production team to reflect his or her personality. 'This was my first time dressing up as a Nonya,' adds Tay, who is Teochew and Cantonese. 'My colour was green.' Actresses Zoe Tay (centre, wearing a green kebaya labuh) and Jesseca Liu (right) in Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story. PHOTO: MEDIACORP Of all her on-screen outfits, one in particular stood out. 'The first one I wore – that long coat – it was very hot,' she says, referring to the kebaya labuh, a traditional full-length kebaya often associated with older women. 'But the colour lent so much vibrance to the character and the whole image.' Tay's openness to evolving with time – and staying true to what feels authentic – mirrors iRoo's new direction. Ms Emily Huang, chief operating officer of iRoo International, says: 'Sustainability often clashes with lifestyle. We travel, we shop – and that creates tension with the idea of a carbon-free blueprint. But we wanted to find a balance.' According to her, iRoo's production model has always diverged from traditional fast fashion. 'We don't do mass production,' she says. 'We release only about 20 styles a week – not 1,000 pieces like other brands – and we produce in limited quantities. If consumers respond well, we replenish. So, there's more variety, but also less waste.' Ms Emily Huang (left), chief operating officer of iRoo International, and actress Zoe Tay. PHOTO: IROO 'Singapore is always the first step for our brand to step out of its comfort zone,' adds Ms Huang, adding that iRoo's debut here in 2010 was a strategic move that established the city as a test bed for international growth. 'That's why our headquarters decided to launch this new concept – sustainability – in Singapore first. The next step is to bring it to other South-east Asian markets such as Malaysia and Vietnam.' Her goal? To one day recycle iRoo's leftover fabrics and unsold goods into store fixtures like hangers and tables. Whether this circular ambition becomes reality remains to be seen. In the store's quiet backroom, rows of conventional plastic hangers still line the racks – a quiet reminder that sustainability, like style, is a work in progress. iRoo's outlet store is at 01-112 IMM, 2 Jurong East Street 21. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Forum: TV producers working with mental health experts to ensure responsible storytelling
We thank Dr Charmaine Tang and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for their feedback on the portrayal of schizophrenia in Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story (TV series' portrayal of schizophrenia can affect understanding of condition, May 8). We acknowledge the influence that media representations have on public understanding of mental health conditions, and the social responsibility that comes with this. It was never our intention to generalise or conflate mental illness with moral failing, and we regret that it was not conveyed more clearly in the show that An Na's evil-doings stem from her background and choices, not mental illness. To this, we apologise sincerely that the show unintentionally reinforced harmful stereotypes. We appreciate the concerns raised, and value the opportunity to reflect on how portrayals can be improved. We are currently consulting IMH on several upcoming productions, and remain committed to working with mental health professionals to support responsible storytelling. Loh Woon Woon Executive Producer of Emerald Hill Vice-President, Chinese Drama Productions Mediacorp More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: TV series' portrayal of schizophrenia can affect understanding of condition
The drama series Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story has garnered over 1.35 million viewers across Mediacorp's platforms and ranks among the top shows on Netflix Singapore. Its impressive production, strong cast and tribute to our Peranakan heritage are commendable. However, we are concerned about the inaccurate and stigmatising portrayal of schizophrenia in the final episode. The character Zhang Anna, depicted throughout as a manipulative and villainous figure, is abruptly diagnosed with schizophrenia. Yet, she had not exhibited any symptoms consistent with this condition. Schizophrenia is a complex and serious mental disorder characterised by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, social withdrawal and cognitive difficulties – not cunning, calculated behaviour. The suggestion that schizophrenia serves as an explanation for moral failings or harmful acts conflates a serious medical condition with issues of character. Misrepresenting persons with schizophrenia as threats risks discouraging help-seeking and deepening their social isolation. In our daily work with patients and families, we see how these misconceptions fuel shame, delay treatment and make recovery unnecessarily challenging. When mental illness is used to justify harmful behaviour, it sets back years of public education and anti-stigma efforts. We encourage content creators to consult mental health professionals when portraying psychiatric conditions. Thoughtful and realistic depictions can go a long way in improving awareness, reducing stigma and showing that recovery is possible. Findings from the IMH's Mind Matters: A Study of Mental Health Literacy 2022-2023 show encouraging improvements in public recognition of conditions like depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, awareness and understanding of schizophrenia remain low, and many still report a desire to socially distance themselves from those affected. Popular media plays a powerful role in shaping public attitudes. Let us work together to tell stories that are not just compelling, but also responsible and humane. Charmaine Tang (Dr) Senior Consultant Chief, Department of Psychosis & Early Psychosis Intervention Programme Institute of Mental Health (IMH) More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
