A Trick of flight
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore|September 2024
Being in the limelight might not be second nature for everyone, but for Shawn Thia, the privilege of having an audience was the key to uncovering the many vivid colours he never knew he could have.
Charmaine Tan
A Trick of flight

When someone is being compared to a ray of light, the intention is often to highlight a sense of liveliness and brightness. There is sometimes the association of hope and then a fair share of innocence or endearing sprightliness. But light is more than meets the eye; just as light is the natural agent for visibility, it is in itself a complex composition of many colours - a phenomenon in constant motion, glowing just as much as it illuminates the world it is borne into.

Shawn Thia homegrown actor, content creator, Friend of Bvlgari and the unofficial double of Singapore's current Prime Minister - is both that approachable friend of a friend and a sizzling firecracker waiting to fire up the dead of the night. At least to the public, he has two crystal clear personas: the golden retriever husband-to-be with a sense of humour, and a budding thespian who has only just begun to roll up his sleeves. But the rare alignment of stars has allowed Men's Folio to meet the 29-year-old over a written interview, two photoshoots and a phone call.

Here is a record of our prismatic encounter with Shawn Thia, the fullest spectrum of this ray of light in a slightly more nuanced moment of glory - in his own words.

HOW ARE YOU WITH MEETING NEW PEOPLE?

Well, it depends if it’s someone I can see as a potential new friend or an “important person” I need to be more proper with. But in general, I think the words some have used to describe me when meeting strangers are “nonchalant” or “aloof”.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN?

Maybe a better description is lighthearted or easygoing. For instance, if someone approaches me and says, “Hey, Lawrence Wong,” I won’t run and hide. I’ll probably be like, “Good day, good day, GST voucher for you!” I want to make the people around me feel comfortable. I hate awkward silences.

This story is from the September 2024 edition of MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2024 edition of MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MEN 'S FOLIO SINGAPOREView All
Performance Meets Sophistication
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore

Performance Meets Sophistication

Meet the dynamic duo of Porsche 911 and 718 that prove jaw-dropping power can harmoniously coexist with sleek sophistication.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
The Expanse of Water
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore

The Expanse of Water

On the banks of the Thames River, the Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa proposes itself a contemporary oasis, and as a sanctuary where respite arrives in a suite approach to hospitality.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Infinite Layers of Flavour
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore

Infinite Layers of Flavour

Suntory Global Spirits Global Ambassador of Scotch & Irish Teddy Joseph shares there is more than meets the eye with Bowmore.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Spirit of Oak
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore

Spirit of Oak

The Macallan unveils the fourth instalment of its Harmony collection headlined by The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
A Platinum Jubilee
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore

A Platinum Jubilee

Men's Folio spoke to Franck Muller Genève CEO Nicholas Rudaz about the special Sincere Fine Watches' 70th anniversary edition and Franck Muller's relationship with the luxury watch retailer.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Timeless Icon
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore

Timeless Icon

Jake Gyllenhaal emanates spirit, style, and ambition, the enduring qualities of the Cartier Santos.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
A Daring Spirit
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore

A Daring Spirit

The Tudor Black Bay exemplifies Tudor's Born to Dare spirit and is crafted for life's boldest adventures.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Square Root
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore

Square Root

It has been 25 years since Patek Philippe unveiled a new collection. The protracted wait is over with the Cubitus joining the Genevan manufacture’s lineup.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Poised To Remember
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore

Poised To Remember

The first-ever re-release of a Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance - A Piece of Me (APOM) as a gender-neutral creation prompts a candid conversation with the master creative of the namesake perfume house. In an exclusive interview, Francis Kurkdjian talks to Men's Folio about what fragrance means to him, what inspires him, and what the horizon of the fragrance industry looks like in the years to come.

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2024
SOS
MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore

SOS

What can one turn to in the times of distress? When it comes to the skin, there's no better option than to sit back and let a select few hero products do the work. Soothing, gentle and reliable, these skin-saving failsafes have got the back of even the most sensitive and reactive of skins.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024