By Goh Yee Huay - 30 Sep We pay tribute to the flourishing diversity of women with mixed ethnicities and heritage, who share their stories and experiences. For example, I naturally have a lot of rhythm because of my African side. I have a modelling contract and having an exotic look helps to bring across a different style in high fashion apparel. However, I feel predominantly Chinese as I grew up with a single mum and the rest of my Chinese family.
I have no exposure to African culture, although when I speak to African people, I learn more about the culture, and they are very open to showing me what it is like. I recently learnt about my Melanesian roots after my paternal aunt took a DNA test, but I have no conscious connection to the culture. Being Eurasian helps me connect with more diverse groups as I understand what it means to hold different cultures. They listened to Chinese radio, watched Channel 8 programmes, and spoke to me in Hakka.
So I identify as Chinese. It had an impact on my confidence, knowing I look different. These things no longer make me feel any less myself. I grew up eating Peranakan food and wearing kebayas, and my elders speak Malay. Makciks and pakciks speak to me in Malay and laugh when I struggle to reply. Chinese aunties and uncles are shocked when they hear me order food in my limited Chinese. So much so that the ethos behind Outfyt is based on Scandinavian cultural beliefs, such as our ethical and sustainable approach; Scandinavians have great respect for the environment.
I can speak Swedish and Mandarin. I have the best of both worlds as experiencing two cultures has taught me how to adapt to different situations. I often forget I look different, but the plus side is people easily identify with me.
In China, people thought I was from Xinjiang. In Bali, it was Indonesian-Chinese. And nobody bats an eyelid when I speak Swedish in Sweden. But I know who I am intrinsically, and that is all that matters. The amount of support I got outweighed the negativity though, as it sparked conversations about race and identity. My dad is Malay-Arab-Indian, and my mum is Malay. I lean towards Malay traditions, but I see my looks and mixed heritage as a testament to how racially diverse our country is.
