Could this be a new career? You could live off digital
media and social media — it’s totally viable these days.
There are still a lot of things I want to do! I still want to
make my films! It’s just that there are a lot of things I’m
doing at the same time. Everything is just moving together.
What would you say your personal style is? Do you like
putting outfits together?
Actually, I’m still very, very casual. At the end of the day,
comfort is still number one. There are times I dress up
a little more, and I have opportunities when I do photos
shoots and appear on red carpets and at press cons, but
my own style is very casual. I just want to relax, while still
looking presentable. There’s no [agonising over outfits
daily]. I can open my wardrobe and just pull out a dress. If
all else fails, it’s a white tee and jeans.
You seem to be really enjoying this new creative outlet.
Yes, but as we monetise, we want to set up something
and then give back. I have plans to set up something
like a foundation. I haven’t decided what to name it. It’s
something I’ve always felt very strongly about, to give back
and do charity. Education and children — these are things
I’ve always been trying to help with and promote.
With all this growth and change, do you almost feel like
a brand new person?
Yes, yes. I would say that in a way, I am starting from
scratch, with things behind the scenes and starting a
business. I don’t want to think, oh I have a head start, and
I know this and that. I don’t want to abuse that privilege. I
want to prove myself slowly.
How do you feel like a new person?
In the sense that I’m learning something new. Even
though it’s still within the industry, the job scope and
things I’m doing are completely different from just being
an actor. People ask me, why put yourself out there and
ask for money [for your projects]? But I don’t see that
as something beneath me. In fact, I like doing it. It’s a
learning process.
How has this professional move affected you personally?
I’m more excited about what the future brings. When
you’re doing the same thing over and over again, you ask
yourself whether you’re still enjoying yourself as much.
This creative control over things gives me a renewed
passion.
Tell us one thing the new Jeanette would do that the old
Jeanette would not.
I don’t know... (Laughs) I don’t think the change has
impacted me so much that I would do anything different.
It’s not a life-changing event, not in that sense. I think I’m
still quite the same. My priorities are still the same, but in
terms of career, the direction has changed.
What’s the next project for you? You’re still going to act
in Mediacorp dramas, right?
Yeah, if they’re looking for me, then sure! They’ve asked
for a meet-up but we haven’t met yet. I have a TV drama
but it’s not with Mediacorp, and things are not
confirmed yet.You’re the new face of ClearSK, an aesthetics chain.
Yes. Basically, the brand and I feel the same way about
beauty. Like, less is more. At this stage, I’m not going
for invasive surgery. So they do the facials for me and
the laser treatments. I mean, I’m not young anymore,
right? Maintenance is really important. What we want is
to let people know you can get good skin without having
injections. They have lasers treatments that promote
collagen growth and it’s really gentle. I’ve done some laser
treatments where immediately, my skin is glowing after.
The best part is there’s no downtime. What we wanted
was bare faced beauty. With great skin, you can go out
without make-up and with my laidback style, this is great.
What beauty tips do you have?
For me, cleansing away the dirt and make-up on your face
is important. And I believe in minimal make-up. For all my
roles, I do my own make-up. It’s usually just concealer and
loose powder. With thick foundations, when you perspire
or when you have crying scenes — oh my god, you look so
terrible. Of all things, I don’t want make-up to distract me
from my scenes. Also, the fact that I use minimal make-up
has helped to keep my skin in pretty good condition, in the
long run.
Time to be a bit kaypoh. At 38, everyone must be asking
when you’re gonna settle down. Are you still with your
boyfriend?
Yes, but no plans to settle down at the moment! (Laughs)
But you love kids so much...
Yes, I do love kids, but when the time comes, it’ll come.
But the time may be going...
(Laughs) Yes, yes, I know what you mean. But no, no plans
at the moment. (Laughs) It’s more about how we feel, and
we are at a very comfortable stage in our relationship.
Does your boyfriend take any pics of you? Is he a good
Instagram boyfriend?
No, Pauline does all the work!
Are there any photos your boyfriend has taken of you
that have appeared on your IG feed?
No, no. Most of the time, I’m at work, and Pauline is the
one taking the photos. He hates photos being taken
of him. In a sense, whatever is on social media is not
personal. I’m a very private person, and as much as I
share my likes and dislikes and my thoughts, my life is
private. Things like my family and my friends, those stay
private.
Do people take photos of you and your loved ones
secretly?
Yes! I was having dinner with my family and the people at
the next table were taking photos of us. I stood up and
said, “Stop taking photos.” If people want to take photos
of me, I can’t stop them, but for my family, as much as
possible, I’d like to protect them. They are shy and don’t
need to be subject to this.
So, no photos of your family or boyfriend have surfaced
online?
Not yet! (Laughs)38
8 DAYS