Creative CONVERGENCE

Three talents - Jason Yu, Annette Lee, and Ryan Tan - in the distinct creative fields of music, production, and communications design, get involved in one broad dialogue: How does one inject localism into his or her works? They discuss why it matters too

- SNG LER JUN

In Singapore’s vibrant creative scene, three talents, independent musician Jason Yu, multi-hyphenate performer Annette Lee, and seasoned creative director Ryan Tan, stand out for seamlessly blending modernity with Singaporean customs. Here, the trio discuss how they each meld localism, whether in the form of an observation, an experience, or an emerging need, with creativity.

ANNETTE LEE

A familiar face in Singapore’s media industry, the multihyphenate Annette Rochelle Lee defies easy categorisation. Wearing many hats, she is a film producer, a video personality, a host, and a singer-songwriter — though ironically, netizens and locals know her best not as a creative but as the various captivating characters (Sue-Ann, Asian mother Susan Lee, ‘posh’ influencer Chantelle, gym enthusiast Ethan Shen, to list a few) she portrays in her skits.

On how she would introduce herself to others, the 31-year-old playfully explains: “I’m a filmmaker, a video creator, a musician — it depends on the context. But beyond the labels, it’s about authenticity and the ability to inhabit these roles with passion.”

Growing up, Lee has always found solace in literature, art, and music. From her time as a boisterous child to an introspective teenager, she fell in love with ideating creative works. “I was drawn to the behind-the-scenes parts of creative works,” Lee reflects. “But eventually, my inclination towards performing grew stronger, and I embraced the stage (and the screen) as a canvas for expression.”