Hanli Hoefer - The Girl In The Mirror

Having established a name for herself as a model, MTV Asia VJ and radio host, Hanli Hoefer isn’t content to rest on her laurels. She’s clinched a leading role on television, adding to her multifaceted career.

- Dawn Wong

The statuesque model waltzes into the studio, and everyone immediately gravitates towards her.

She isn’t expected for at least another 30 minutes.

“Oh, you’re early,” says Her World’s creative director Windy Aulia. The candid conversation he then has with the model-MTV Asia VJ negates any impression one may have had of Hanli Hoefer as inscrutably aloof off-screen.

She warms up with a fresh spark of energy in a one-to-one dialogue with doe-eyed shyness on the one hand, and unabashed determination on the other. She’s articulate, and a quality of earthiness comes through in her expressive eyes and smile.

“I was two hours late for my first photo shoot with Her World eight years ago,” Hanli recalls sheepishly. “I was mortified, and at that time I wished the ground would just swallow me whole.”

“I made up for it this time,” she laughs bashfully.

At 27, the gorgeous Singapore model, who stands at 1.78m tall, has found equal success in different areas – modelling, commercial work as a host and VJ at MTV Asia (a job she has held since 2013), and hosting her own radio show for the past 1½ years. Hanging out with Hanli airs on Power 98 FM every Sunday, 10am-2pm.

And acting is also on the cards for her: She recently clinched a leading role in a new psychological thriller that will be screened on Toggle at the end of this year.

“I used to put on impromptu plays for my parents,” she chuckles, adding that she wants to explore more acting opportunities in the future.

Despite her growing popularity, the Eurasian model remains unaffected by the constant glare of public attention and, sometimes, judgment.

“I’m like any other girl, just that I might have a little more experience with being misunderstood. But I get a kick out of proving people wrong,” she adds in jest.