Singaporean actress Zoen Tay’s story is one of reinvention and versatility. With a background in medicine and a passion for both business and the arts, she has gracefully transitioned from medical school to first entrepreneurship with the founding of Zyu Skincare, and now, to acting. Known for her captivating presence in the award-winning short film The Moon & Me or {The Unbearable Weight of Existence}, Zoen is set on making her mark in Singapore’s entertainment scene.
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ON ZYU SKINCARE
Inspired by her family’s decades-long expertise in the beauty industry, the University of New South Wales alumna launched Zyu Skincare. “Growing up, running around my parents’ store, I absorbed so much knowledge about beauty,” Zoen shares. Zyu’s ethos is simple: Effective skincare without gimmicks. From its global ingredient sourcing to its commitment to being free of harmful additives, the brand reflects Zoen’s meticulous attention to quality.
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ON ACTING
Zoen discovered her love for acting during her school days in drama club, but it wasn’t until her first short film that she considered it professionally. “It made me want to try different roles,” she says. With the guidance of her husband and fellow actor, Joshua Tan, she honed her craft through thoughtful analysis. “There’s something to learn on every set,” she says, embracing the diversity of her projects, which range from short films to feature-length productions. Looking ahead, Zoen is excited for her work to premiere in early 2025 (this includes a Chinese drama and two feature films). “I often joke that my friends won’t recognise me on screen—it’s so different from the Zoen they know,” she shares.
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ON FASHION
Raised by stylish parents, she developed her unique aesthetic by exploring unconventional pieces. “My mum didn’t always approve, but that’s how I found my eye for fashion,” she says. Today, Zoen admires designers like Ottolinger, Coperni, and Versace for their boundary-pushing creativity. For Zoen, whether through skincare, acting, or fashion, authenticity and creativity remain at the heart of everything she does.
Photographer JAYA KHIDIR
Stylist NAVIN PILLAY
Hairstylist & Make-up Artist WEE MING using DIOR BEAUTY and KEVIN MURPHY
Photographer's Assistants NOWO KASTURI; TAWFIQ ISMAIL
ELLE Bestie is a community-building editorial initiative by ELLE Singapore to spotlight and celebrate movers and shakers in Singapore and the region with a 360° approach—across print and digital.