He can't wait to see monkeys at TNP Courts Big Walk
Ex-DJ Tan Yan Wei puts aside hosting gigs to join Big Walk
Singaporeans may remember hearing his voice on the radio and may have recently seen him on television and in movies, too.
Ex-DJ Tan Yan Wei left the radio industry in late August after working with Singapore Press Holdings' UFM 100.3 and Mediacorp's Yes 93.3.
The 30-year old told The New Paper on Tuesday: "After being in the industry for five years, it can get quite stagnant. I don't want to restrict myself to one form and I'm at an age where I can still try new things.
"Now, I would like to host and act."
Tan has been freelancing since early October, hosting television shows such as Island Escapade on Channel 8 and Shoot It on Channel U.
Funny how he had imagined himself lazing around after quitting his DJ job.
"I was a little doubtful when I left - no one could tell how it would pan out," he said.
"But I met my current manager while working as a DJ and she encouraged me to do something else. She believed in me and I placed my faith in her, so I took a gamble.
"Now, I'm at a good place and I'm very happy about it."
Tan signed on with Ms Lim Soo Ann, who manages talent agency Ahundred Ants Productions.
He has a few projects lined up, mainly minor roles in local television dramas and movies.
But come Nov 26, Tan will be joining other participants at The New Paper Courts Big Walk.
FUN
He said: "I think it will be fun. The Big Walk has been around for so many years and this year's venue is so enticing.
"I love the scenery at the Singapore Zoo - it's great for the family, especially when the kids get to see the pandas."
Tan said he couldn't wait to see the monkeys, whose enclosure is near the zoo's entrance.
"My friends always say that I look like a monkey because of my ears," he said.
"I had a Cheburashka, a Russian toy monkey, which I took to army camp as it was my favourite. Sadly, someone threw it away while I wasn't around. My army mates saw that I was down, so they bought a new one for me. I've kept it for 10 years now, it's sitting in my room.
"For me, it's the participants who make a huge difference to the Big Walk atmosphere as they make it vibrant and interesting. It's great when you put yourself there and feel the energy."
When asked about what he loved about being a radio DJ, he said: "There's something very charming about radio and I still have a passion for it. It's about having the freedom to create interesting content and the special connection between me and the listeners.
"It is like having a normal conversation with a person - separated by a radio console."
He mentioned Night Owl Cinematics, a local YouTube channel, which he hopes to use in a bid to hone his creative skills and to have a bigger online presence.
"I'm also in contact with other YouTube channels to appear on as I feel that the digital world is very important right now," said Tan.
"By creating interesting content, it will test my skills and limits as a performer.
"I believe I'll go back to the being a radio DJ in the future, when the time is right. I'll give myself about one to two years."
The New Paper Courts Big Walk @ Singapore Zoo
WHEN
Saturday, Nov 26, 2pm
WHERE
Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
HOW
Register online at www.tnpbigwalk.sg
ON-SITE SIGN-UP
Nov 18 (Fri) to Nov 20 (Sun), noon to 8pm
Register and collect your goodie bag at:
Courts Orchard
228, Orchard Road, S238853
Courts Megastore
50, Tampines North Drive 2, S528766
REGISTRATION FEE
$35
BONUS
Discounted tickets to the River Safari at $8 each with every registration (maximum of four tickets per participant)
WIN
- A Harley-Davidson Street 750 bike worth $17,000
- A total of $28,000 worth of lucky draw prize
MORE
Courts Megastore 10th Anniversary logos will be planted along the route of The New Paper Courts Big Walk.
Count the total number of logos you spot, go to Courts Megastore and answer the question correctly to redeem a FREE goodie bag.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
