The next generation of some of Singapore’s most influential families is making its mark on society and fuelling the growth of the luxury economy
We meet this cohort of young global citizens set to become the country’s most powerful tastemakers.
The next generation of some of Singapore’s most influential families is making its mark on society and fuelling the growth of the luxury economy
We meet this cohort of young global citizens set to become the country’s most powerful tastemakers.
Mae has inherited her dad Dave Tan’s passion for well-made luxury: Dad runs Richard Mille Asia, while Mae is the creative manager of multi-label boutique Surrender, which her family owns.
The most important lesson that my parents have taught me
Always do things with your heart. If it feels right, it’s probably the right move to make.
Assumptions about me
That I might be judgmental, because of my family and what life is now. But when I was a child, my family wasn’t wealthy. I grew up in Pasir Ris, hung out with ah bengs at the void decks. I saved up pocket money to buy those flag erasers. I drew dolls on erasers cos I couldn’t afford them, and built my dollhouse from paper.
Favourite item that my mum has passed down to me
My first Richard Mille watch that belonged to my mum. It was her first RM too. It’s a first edition RM 7. The dial is burgundy, and I swapped the brown leather straps out for silver metal ones.
Favourite family tradition
The first day of lunar new year. We have a huge celebration at my place where everyone comes over for lunch and dinner. Mum cooks this amazing bamboo shoot dish that needs to be prepped for two days.
Traits I have inherited from my parents
My mum showed me what unconditional love is. My dad taught me how to be the bigger person, to show empathy and be forgiving.
(Related: Watch: Mae Tan Steps Into A Kenzo World)
The only child of property developer Victor Ow and his wife, Ow Pui Yee, is a director in the family business and shares her dad’s biggest weakness—supercars.
The most important lesson that my parents have taught me
Positivity
Traits I've inherited from my parents
Never say die attitude from my father and my mother’s strength
Last thing I bought
A Dior skirt
My style in three words
Polished, modern, chic
Style icon
Olivia Palermo, because she always looks so stylish and effortless. I love the way she plays with prints and textures.
She is the great-granddaughter of late prominent businessman and philanthropist, Eu Tong Sen, and the only daughter of Richard Eu, who chairs traditional Chinese medicine company, Eu Yan Sang International. Rebecca founded Mei's Own, a social enterprise which supports children and women through education and employment.
The most important lesson that my parents have taught me
There are so many things I wish I could write about. One of the things my dad taught me was to really value my time and constantly change for the better. My father might be known for growing a small family business focused on traditional Chinese medicine, but he wears so many hats that keep him busy and interesting: musician, soccer fan, social butterfly, hustler... The only thing he can’t do is sit still. That eagerness to learn and openness to new experience reminds me that age is just a number and time is the only currency I should care about.
Favourite family tradition
Every Sunday, I get to have brunch with my family at my grandfather's house. I'm so blessed to have them in my life and I hope this tradition will never change. Porridge with my grandpa and everyone around us eating and laughing… I can’t think of anywhere else in the world that can top that.
My style in three words
Sustainable, versatile, relaxed
Favourite item that my mum handed down to me
The black silk gown my mum wore for her engagement party
Last family vacay
Hong Kong for New Year's Eve