Cover Elie Saab cape, Isabel Sanchis jumpsuit, both at enVie de Pois
Elie Saab cape, Isabel Sanchis jumpsuit, both at enVie de Pois
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DJ Germaine Leonora Tan shares how she came to rule the airwaves, touching the hearts of her listeners with an air of authenticity
With a voice that is as smooth as the glide of molten butter on warm toast, radio DJ Germaine Leonora Tan is an aural delight both on and off air. In the past decade or so, the 987FM DJ has carved a niche for herself to become one of Singapore’s most celebrated jocks, with close to 42,000 followers on Instagram.
Beyond the airwaves, the Nanyang Technological University alumna’s story is one of intense passion—and perhaps a business acumen inherited from her entrepreneur parents, Vincent Tan and Josephine Teo, who are in the business of retail and electronic manufacturing. Her love of radio was first ignited in 2015, when she placed third in the 987 Radio Star competition organised by Mediacorp. While she did not end up getting a job at Singapore’s number one hit music station, it opened doors for her at Class 95, another radio station under Mediacorp.
“I decided to shoot my shot at 987FM’s sister station and emailed the station director of Class 95,” Tan recalls. “And my dedication paid off because she called me the next day and offered me a job as a producer for its hit Muttons in the Morning programme.”
Now, almost a decade later, Tan is with the radio station that sparked her interest in broadcast journalism in the first place, as the current host of 987FM’s The Down Low. She hopes to become a role model for young women who want to explore a career in radio.
“Whenever I get asked for advice [from those] keen to become a DJ, I always ask them to ask themselves who they want to be. What’s their identity?” shares Tan, who will turn 29 next month. “The answer may shift from time to time, and that’s fine, but they need to know what’s important and of value to them in all areas of their work. Once you know that, it’ll bring authenticity to your work, ensuring it stays fulfilling and continues to feed your soul.”
Stills from Tan’s shoot with Tatler Singapore
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But Tan’s success is not solely a product of her passion; it is also a reflection of the open‑minded approach to how her parents raised her. “My parents have been such a blessing in my life. They never put undue pressure on me to be someone I didn’t want to be, and supported me through all my education and career choices,” says Tan, adding that her parents never once urged her to consider a career in business.
“I think because of that freedom, I was able to explore my genuine passions. I’m also now exploring a little personal project, working with non‑profits and community organisations, which I hope to bring to fruition very soon,” she shares. Sounds like she might just be following in the footsteps of her parents and starting her own business after all.
And as the DJs say in radio, stay tuned.
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Credits
Content Direction: Adriel Chiun
Fashion Direction: Adriel Chiun
Photography: Zantz Han
Photography Assistant: Elias Hassan
Hair: Leong using Kevin Murphy
Make-Up: Grego using Shu Uemura
Stylist's Assistant: Jasmine Melanie Pereira
Outfit: Elie Saab cape, Isabel Sanchis jumpsuit
Adriel Chiun is the Branded Content Editor of Tatler Singapore.
