Cover Nina Huang
Nina Huang
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Born in Taiwan, raised in Singapore, and now based in New York, Nina and Nick Huang share their hopes and dreams—and what they miss about the Lion City
When we first met Nina Huang at a high jewellery exhibition last year, we were immediately smitten by the manner in which she carries herself. Blessed with a timeless grace that she seems to have inherited from her mother and close Tatler friend Carol Shieh, the 21-year-old effortlessly illuminates every room she enters. Possessing both beauty and grace, Nina is warm and also deceptively chatty.
For her Tatler debut, the ingénue is swathed in laser-cut Italian leather, which clings to her petite frame like a second skin. She poses with her mother’s stunning Tiffany & Co emerald and diamond high jewellery necklace, instantly exuding an air of sophistication that is impossible to ignore.
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Born in Taiwan, and raised in Singapore for 11 years, Nina then moved to the Big Apple in 2020 to study at New York University, where she majors in politics and journalism. She’s now back in Singapore, where her family is based, for the summer holidays. “Singapore is home to me. While Taiwan is where my extended family lives, I feel the strongest sense of belonging with Singapore because it is where I experienced the most of my academic, social and personal growth,” she says.
Above Stills from Nina’s shoot with Tatler Singapore
Stills from Nina’s shoot with Tatler Singapore
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Her only gripe about living in Manhattan? The Singaporean food which she misses—terribly. “Oh, it’s got to be hawker food! I have the best memories of going to the hawker centre across the street from my school in Dover and just sharing meals with my classmates, whether it was during lunchtime or after school,” shares Nina, who attended United World College in Singapore. “There’s really nothing quite like it. You can’t mimic the hawker experience elsewhere.”
And while her family background may afford Nina certain privileges, her heart is firmly set on a career in public service. “I’ve interned at numerous law-related agencies where I had the chance to draw out narratives for many vulnerable people with real-life injustices, and those opportunities really solidified my desire to become a lawyer,” she says. “The world is really divided, and I’ve realised that the compassion that comes with understanding the law is a very powerful tool.”
Nick Huang
Above Nick Huang
Nick Huang
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Tall and well-built, it is easy to dismiss Nick Huang as a mere jock. But behind his striking good looks is a man dedicated to being the best in whatever he does, from academic pursuits to passion projects.
The eldest of Carol Shieh’s three children, the 26-year-old Boston University graduate is currently pursuing his PhD in neuroscience at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
“I see myself venturing into biotechnology or venture capital investments,” Nick shares. “Both fields resonate with me because I am excited to explore new technologies. There is great potential in these domains to significantly improve the lives of people.”
Above Stills from Nick’s shoot with Tatler Singapore
Stills from Nick’s shoot with Tatler Singapore
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For all that he’s blessed with, Nick carries himself with humility and warmth. “I hope to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community, and to be recognised as a loyal and sincere friend,” he divulges. His consideration and compassion for the plight of others is an admirable trait. Nick is also determined to give back to society, and make a positive impact on the world, much like his mother dedicating her life to her children.
“My mother relocated my siblings and me to Singapore in 2010 for [the sake of] a better education, even though she didn’t speak a word of English,” Nick adds. “Witnessing her dedication has been deeply inspiring. Her determination and independence, despite the language barrier, have profoundly influenced my personal growth.”
Although currently based in New York, Nick has left his heart in the Lion City. “I miss my mother the most. Home is where your family is, really. I aim to be a supportive son to my parents and be there whenever they might need me.”
The perfect embodiment of beauty and heart, we can’t wait to see what good work Nick and Nina Huang get up to next.
Credits
Content Direction: Adriel Chun
Photography: Zantz Han
Styling: Adriel Chun
Hair: Marc Teng
Make-Up: Cheryl Ow
Photography Assistant: Michelle Yap
Photography Assistant: Sin Yean
Stylist's Assistant: Hei Kiu Au
Outfit: Bottega Veneta
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