There are many ways to step into the spotlight, but for Denise Camillia Tan, 32, it began with pageants. Crowned Miss Astro Chinese International 2012 and first runner-up at the 2013 Miss Chinese International Pageant in Hong Kong, she proved she had the charm and drive to go further. Naturally sporty as a child, Denise excelled at squash and led her school’s taekwondo club. Her training would later come in handy when she took on one of her most physically demanding roles as a killer in the 2016 Hong Kong TVB spy thriller series The Hiddens. That experience led to more acting opportunities in Singapore for the Selangor-born beauty queen. In 2019, she took on her first leading role in the supernatural web series I See You, followed by her second in the 2021 TV drama Key Witness. Her trajectory has been on the rise since—in July 2025, she won her second Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes award at the Star Awards, a testament to both her talent and connection with fans. Beyond the screen, Denise has used her platform for good, serving since 2022 as an ambassador for Club Rainbow, which supports children with chronic illnesses.
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ON BEING AN ACTOR
“Acting constantly challenges me; no two roles are ever the same. What I love most is when audiences connect with my work—when they laugh, cry, or root for my characters. Right now, I’m filming a new microdrama. I’ll also be playing the white snake spirit, Bai Suzhen, in a musical presented by LOVE 972FM that is a modern take on the classic Chinese folktale. The role lets me sing, dance and act all at once. It’s such a thrilling experience.”
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ON FASHION
“Back in my fashion school days, I was obsessed with Avril Lavigne and Avenged Sevenfold. I wore fishnets, skulls and studs. Now, I gravitate toward minimal, elegant looks that make me feel confident and feminine. Dior is my favourite for classics, while Longchamp is my go-to for everyday bags.”
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ON TRAVEL
“Australia is my favourite destination. The coffee culture, food, and vineyards make it a foodie and lifestyle paradise. I always come back feeling inspired.”
Stylist NAVIN PILLAY
Photographer SHERMAN SEE‑THO
Make-up Artist RINA SIM
Hairstylist GREGO
Stylist’s Assistant EVA NATASHA; EVREEN KAUR TEJI