“I miss him every day,” says 68-year-old Ong Bee Yan (better known as Yan Ong), her voice tinged with a mixture of sorrow and fondness. Her son, Rong Liang, passed away last September at 38 from pancreatic cancer but he remains a constant presence in her life. “As creatures of habit, we go to places that remind us of him. Even when we visit new cafés or restaurants, we imagine what he would order and how he would critique the food. Some days, I still wonder if all this was real,” she muses.
You may recognise Yan as the sexagenarian model (@grey_evolution) in commercials and editorials. Going against fashion and beauty norms, the grandmother of three embraces her silver tresses—now lavender as a result of purple shampoo and blue pea flower water—and lives passionately by her motto, “It’s never too late to try something new”. She fell into modelling by accident at the age of 63 after retirement, and went on to grace the pages of fashion magazines and become the inspirational poster girl who defied stereotypes about ageing.
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PAYING IT FORWARD
In 2023, she founded Fashion for Cancer (FFC), a charity fashion show aimed at raising funds to support cancer patients in Singapore. The annual event, now in its second edition, germinated from a simple idea to create an event that would give her son one day of happiness. “We took a family trip to Kyoto to celebrate my birthday, and when I saw Rong strut along the streets, I had a lightbulb moment: What if I could organise a fashion show that he could be part of? And what if this event could benefit the larger community of cancer survivors?” shares Yan.
She rallied local fashion industry players like In Good Company, Charles & Keith and Moss & Lupine, as well as noted fashion choreographer Daniel Boey, who all came together to support her vision, volunteering their time and skills for free. “It only took us about five and a half months from the initial idea to the event. It was a collective effort from people who believed in the cause.”
This experience has convinced Yan that Singapore is capable of being a very generous and gracious society. “The video production crew consisted of 40 of Rong’s ex-colleagues. It’s very hard for freelancers like them, as well as the hair and make-up artists, to do this, because every day that they work for us is a day’s wage they’ve lost. But none of them complained. It’s really wonderful to see how giving people are.”
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Organising FFC last year was no small feat for Yan, especially while caring for her son during his sickest days. Despite being on a liquid diet and struggling with severe symptoms, he managed to walk the runway at the inaugural event with remarkable fortitude. “It was mind over matter. He felt he had to be there for me and not let cancer decide his fate,” remembers Yan. “Even when the odds were against him, he fought right up to the end.” Rong Liang passed away one month after the show.
DREAMING BIG
Last year, FFC successfully raised $139,891 (surpassing their target of $100,000), and all nett proceeds were donated to National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Cancer Fund. The money is intended to help those who are struggling with the cost of cancer treatments, particularly low-income families. This year, local fashion label GRAYE joins the event to further help Yan’s goal of raising $200,000.
Slated to take place on 31 August at The Westin Singapore, FFC2024 will showcase 25 cancer survivors from all walks of life, whose ages range from four to 63. There will also be a charity screening of Rong Liang’s short film—it was one of his bucket-list wishes to direct a film supported by Income Insurance.
In the past year, FFC’s partners have also come on board with their own fringe events to raise funds for the cause. Yan shares: “The Boob Sisters sold specially-crafted jewellery on social media; Glamorous Giving raised $60,000 through pop-ups; the Mighty Ong charity run, organised by a family of close-knit cousins, raised over $30,000. We also worked with local upcycling company Re-store to created the RongX Bag sold for a day at Design Orchard. It’s all these efforts that make a difference.”
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LONG-TERM GOALS
Yan’s vision for FFC extends beyond the annual event. She says: “I hope it will grow to be a nationwide event that creates greater awareness and support for cancer research and survivors, much like the Purple Parade movement that advocates inclusion for people with disabilities. I also dream of a future where cancer treatments are more affordable and a cure is found.”
Reflecting on her journey, Yan says that losing her son remains a profound part of her life. “It’s very hard because this loss is so personal. But seeing the happiness and empowerment that Fashion for Cancer brings to survivors and their families helps me heal. It’s a reminder to me to enjoy and live life to its fullest,” she shares.
As the second edition of FFC approaches, her determination to support the cancer community remains as strong as ever. Her story is one of resilience and the enduring power of a mother’s love, making this event not just a fashion show but a celebration of life and hope.
Purchase your tickets to Fashion for Cancer held on 31 August, 4pm, at The Westin Singapore here. Make a donation here.
MEET THE MODELS
Julianne Danielle Lim, 42
Breast cancer survivor—in remission for three years.
"Working in finance, success to me was ambition, climbing the corporate ladder, and getting bonuses. But these days, success for me is about setting boundaries with my time, being more present with the people I love, and how happy I feel when I'm around them."
Christopher Lek, 40
Acute promyelocytic leukaemia survivor—in remission for one year.
"I only discovered my condition after a routine health screening. I could have been dead but I was given a second chance, and I feel it's my duty to give back. My dream growing up was to be a model, and the fact that I get to walk the runway on my 40th birthday, is the best present I'm giving myself."
Deborah Roques, 38
Stage 4 breast cancer survivor—living with treatment.
"After surviving cancer twice, you start to put everything into perspective, and focus more on what's really important and what makes you happy. I want to show people that we can live with cancer and still have a good life, do beautiful things, and be part of amazing projects like this."
Josiah Lee, 4
Nueroblastoma survivor—in remission for three years.
"Since Josiah's diagnosis, we cherish family time even more. With him joining this event, we hope to create a fun experience while spreading cheer to those facing tough times. We want to remind people that even in difficult situations, there's always hope and support." — YI MON HTUN, 37, JOSIAH’S MUM
Melissa Tan, 36
Lymphoma survivor—in remission for six years.
"Listening to the stories of other cancer survivors really helped me with my recovery. Participating in a show like this tells people that cancer is not the end of the world and it's not scary—we can overcome. My motto in life is to really live life in the moment and not to have regrets later."
Photographer JAYA KHIDIR
Stylist JEFFREY YAN
Make-up Artist WEE MING using DIOR BEAUTY
Hairstylist YING CUI/AASTRAL BEAUTY using DUNGUD SINGAPORE
Photographer’s Assistants NOWO KASTURI; SYED ABDULLAH