All The Right Notes

Singapore’s biggest Mandopop star to date, JJ LIN reflects on his two-decade career before embarking on the final leg of his world tour.

- ROHAIZATUL AZHAR

The lights on set are warm, casting an intimate glow over the white studio where JJ Lin is in a mid-outfit change. Somewhere between tweaking the accessories and setting the perfect frame, our fashion director is in a conundrum: The necklace we’d selected for the look is a tad too short for the neckline.

With a flash of inspiration, he pulls a matching bracelet from the same collection, clasping it deftly onto the chain for added length. It works, giving the piece a fresh, layered dimension. JJ, observing the quick fix, quips with a grin, “Oh, you should have told me to bring mine along.” This playful moment sets the tone for the rest of our conversation and reflects JJ’s approach to style—thoughtful, effortless, and ever-evolving. “I used to love bling and flashy colours,” he admits later in our sitdown interview. “Now I lean more toward minimalism. More oversized silhouettes, clean lines, and with a little touch of something special.”

As he settles into the interview, it becomes clear that his charm is rooted in his deep reflections on life, music, and what lies ahead. With his “JJ20 World Tour” heading into its highlyanticipated final lap, JJ pauses to take stock of what the past twenty years have meant to him, including his most recent stop in Chongqing.

“Chongqing has always been one of my favourite cities in China,” he shares. “It’s unique, geographically interesting, and massive. To be honest, it’s really a city you don’t just visit but also experience.”