They Should Be On Singapore Social Season 2
I’m sure they’re already in production
I watched the whole show in one sitting. For what it is—a Crazy Rich Asians meets Terrace House look at some of Singapore’s darlings—it captured my attention with its sort-of drama story lines (Mae Tan alludes to watching “bad TV” growing up in her Esquire Singapore feature with the cast) and backdrop of socialite Singapore.
I say some of Singapore’s darlings because, as much as I was happily surprised to see cameos by Singaporean prides like musicians Yung Raja and Fariz Jabba, filmmaker Jasper Tan and stylist Randolph Tan, I craved for so many more characters to show up and show how powerful the Singapore media scene is.
Here’s who I’m hoping shows up in Season 2 of Singapore Social (the reception from Season 1 alone should warrant it). Suggestions are all in fun!
Xia Xue
I’m honestly shocked the producers did not think of Xia Xue when brainstorming characters for a Singaporean reality show! From blasting Greta Thunberg to running for NMP (what happened to that, by the way?), Xia Xue is OG in Singapore’s blogging community (before “influencer” was a thing) who has made her name from loud-mouthing her divisive opinions.
I’d love to watch how she behaves with industry friends and in life beyond her pink hair, big eyes and sharp nose.
Jamie Chua
Speaking of OG, Jamie Chua is a must-include in Singaporean lists of those who live lavishly. While she is probably most famously known for her collection of Hermès Kelly and Birkin bags which she stores in a to-die-for walk-in wardrobe, her recent commitment to YouTube videos has revealed a funnier and more personable side to the elite socialite most people know her to be.
In her videos, Jamie vibes off well with her family too: most frequently boyfriend Terrence Koh and daughter Calista Cuaca.
Kenneth Goh
Kenneth Goh was my editor-in-chief when I interned at Harper’s BAZAAR as a fashion assistant. In our brief interactions, he came off as an extremely polite and down-to-earth presence, always welcoming me when I would approach him. On social media, he’s often spotted in something designer-chic: Roger Vivier Sandals, Phoebe Céline trousers, Dries Van Noten something; and enjoying pastries with global fashion celebs Irene Kim, Christelle Lim, Nicole Warne, among others.
Come on: Singapore Social!
Island Boys Collective
I recently interviewed Izzraimy from Island Boys Collective. Since, I’ve become even more enamoured by their progress, which has been heavily documented on their socials. The production-first creative team shoot mostly music acts on upcoming albums and onstage during live performances. They were also featured on Men’s Folio, where they shared where their jetsetting careers have taken them.
Next stop, Netflix? 😬
Preetipls
Preetipls and her brother Subhas made Singapore’s top song of 2019. I also spoke to her about her ambassadorship for Pink Dot, where she was very outspoken about LGBTQ activism, racism, beauty, censorship and influencer culture in Singapore.
She’s a unicorn when it comes to online personalities: she’s somehow managed to upset the top opinion-sayers in Singapore—Xia Xue, Hirzi and Dee Kosh—that they ganged up against her in a 5-part YouTube clapback series. So if anything she’s relevant AF.
Watch her rejected audition for Singapore Social.
Jack, Jumius and Friends
I still can’t get over how iconic the lineup of this Calvin Klein Jeans (by Raf Simons) campaign was. Of it are Jack Wang and Jumius Wong, who now head up T Singapore (The New York Times Style Magazine) as group creative director and group editorial director respectively. They previously graduated from Heart Media Group, where they splurged on fashion spreads for titles like L’Officiel Singapore and Men’s Folio.
Kim Lim, Yoyo Cao and Arissa Choo are among of Singapore’s most glamorous It girls. I once worked with Kim Lim on-set a YSL Beaute lipstick shoot, which lasted till one in the morning, and I still pinch myself that I put on her shoes for her and carried her phone and bag while she was shooting. I’ve also met Yoyo at the Chanel Coco Game Center; she’s so cute and tiny.
Mei Yue
Blogging has opened me to making unlikely friends, including models. As such, I’ve exchanged mutual screams of “Hi!” with Mei Yue at recent media events. I doubt she knows who the heck I am, though; why should she?
As one of the top names in Singapore fashion media, Mei Yue has walked for big fashion shows like Dior and been featured on stamp-of-approval titles like i-D Japan. She has one of those faces that makes it if I had it I’d be taking selfies all days trying to find bad angles, and failing—just see her try. I’m sure her bubbly personality would transcend well on-screen.
Becca D Bus
I spoke to Becca D Bus a few years ago about Section 377A. Over coffee in Starbucks ION Orchard, I was fascinated by her dominant presence and contrarian look on life. If I’m remembering this correctly she brought up the idea of free marriage—“love” in a marriage definable as the one between siblings, among friends, etc.
And if just to be seen, Becca is a spectacle. She must be at least 2m tall, and is always draped in the most fabulous found fabrics. She headlines Riot!, a drag show of comedy, dance and song (well, lip-syncing). She’s a showman.
Pat Law
Pat Law’s social media agency, Good Stuph, has won many Singaporean media awards for consecutive years. She also used to update her medium account with bitingly astute opinions about her life and culture. I too aspire to be a tough lesbian when I grow up. Plus, her apartment is gorgeous. If you think Singaporean media is oversaturated with banality and needs a refresh, pick her.
Honourable mention: Esther Quek
We’ve all giggled (in good fun) at Esther Quek’s “Where the Crazy Rich Asians of Singapore Hang Out” YouTube video. The former editor-in-chief of Buro Singapore is now apparently working on her own creative projects. I’d love to see her wardrobe (and hoop earrings collection), and hear her recommend where I can get a manicure while sipping on a Manhattan… in Marina Bay Sands!
