This October, Vogue Singapore marks its fifth anniversary with an issue centred on kinship. The theme speaks to the way connections shape us—across cultures, backgrounds, origins and borders—and how those ties continue to hold meaning in a rapidly changing world.
Singapore, as a multicultural nation at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, has always been a place where diversity creates dialogue. That same spirit runs through Vogue Singapore: a commitment to stay close to our neighbours, to give space to voices across the region and to remind ourselves of the strength that comes from lifting one another up, no matter where we come from.
For this anniversary cover, that ethos comes alive in the gathering of five models from across the region, each bringing their own story yet standing together in a portrait that reflects both individuality and shared belonging.
On set, the idea of kinship revealed itself in the simplest of ways—through conversations that flowed easily, small gestures that built familiarity and different journeys finding common ground in the same space. At its heart was the realisation of what it means to be part of something larger than yourself. The images are a reflection of that atmosphere—a canvas for unity, where diversity does not divide but instead creates a larger, richer whole.
As we mark our fifth year, kinship becomes a reminder of what matters most. It underscores Vogue Singapore’s role as a cultural bridge, one that continues to honour the stories of the region while imagining the possibilities that lie ahead.
This cover, and this issue, stand as a celebration of togetherness in all its forms—and a reflection of how kinship continues to shape the way we see ourselves and one another. Below, meet our cover stars and lean into their stories of identity, belonging, resilience and community.
Laras Sekar
Born in Balikpapan, Laras Sekar often returns to the grounding memories of her hometown, even as her career has taken her onto international runways. Marking a decade in modelling, she calls this cover “a dream come true”, describing it as a moment that feels like a culmination and renewal. During the shoot, the vast fields transported her back to her childhood and she remembers the setting “felt like a warm hug from home, as if the location understood me in a way that brought back fond memories”. For Laras, kinship transcends borders and she describes it as “a celebration of our unique bond as neighbours, united by our rich cultural heritage and stunning diversity”. Her career began when she was scouted on Instagram by her agent in Paris, leading to her first Paris Fashion Week walk for Saint Laurent. Along the way she has faced setbacks and self-doubt, but she has learnt to accept these as experiences that shape her. “Rejection is part of the journey and it’s crucial not to take it personally,” she says. Now she is focused on balance, deepening her yoga practice and embracing sustainability while keeping sight of the bigger picture. “Life is precious and I believe following our hearts is the key to a meaningful existence,” she reflects.
Arun Rosiah
At 61, Arun Rosiah refuses to let age or illness define his boundaries. A stage three colorectal cancer survivor, entrepreneur, educator, grandfather and now model, he sees every setback as a push towards resilience, explaining that he has “learnt to fail forward and turn challenges into opportunities”. Through his project Cancer Warrior Fitness, he organises corporate sports events, most recently hosting over 500 participants, proving that reinvention can arrive at any stage of life. The October cover shoot became a vivid expression of kinship for him as he told his fellow models that their ages mirrored those of his three children and made him feel as though he was among family, “It was like an old dad having a great outdoor reunion picnic with his four adopted kids,” he shares. From being Manhunt Singapore 2021’s first runner-up to appearing in major campaigns, Arun has lived a career of reinvention, yet the highlight remains the purpose his story inspires. “My cancer support group members told me my story gave them reasons to fight cancer and live positively,” he reflects. Still dreaming of walking Paris, Milan, New York and London’s Fashion Weeks, he continues to chase boyhood visions with this reminder: “Never underestimate your talent.”
Ryan Alexander
For Singaporean American-Chinese model Ryan Alexander, 2025 has been “a whirlwind of growth and self-discovery”, and just a year and a half into his career, he has already learnt the importance of staying grounded. “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” he reflects. Recalling a milestone he will never forget, he says: “Being featured in Vogue Singapore’s June issue was a pinch-me moment.” On set for this cover, he remembers how the energy shifted throughout the day, beginning before dawn yet filled with positivity, and ending with laughter and jokes exchanged “like old friends”, he shares. For Alexander, kinship is best described as belonging, the comfort of being accepted for who you are, and he treasures the smaller in-between moments, “sharing stories, laughing, feeling like we’re all in it together”. With Bangkok as his base until December, he is already planning for the wider world stage, confident in the decision that set his path in motion. “Modelling is without doubt the best decision I’ve made,” he reflects.
Kaigin Yong
To Kaigin Yong, modelling has been “a rewarding journey of self-discovery, hard work and transformations”. With a background in biology and business management, the Singaporean model has taken an unexpected path, but eight years on she has walked for Balmain, Dries Van Noten, Giorgio Armani, Lemaire and Yohji Yamamoto, while remaining grounded in her roots. “All roads lead to home and to be recognised by Vogue Singapore with this milestone fifth-anniversary cover is both an honour and a full-circle moment,” she says. The shoot deepened her belief in kinship, which she defines as “a special bond nurtured over time, an unwavering support system that transcends differences and distance”. She reflects on the connections she discovered on set, from sharing an agent in Paris with Laras to having once scouted Daniel at an open casting, all of which underscored her sense of community. Among her proudest memories are opening Singapore Fashion Week in 2017 for the late Laichan, appearing in Dior Beauty campaigns during the pandemic and walking at Vogue World 2022 in New York. “Perseverance and making the best of challenging times have shaped me,” she reflects, anchoring her vision of modelling as both craft and community.
Zach Daniel
Modelling has always been a form of self-expression for Zach Daniel and, after four years, every opportunity still feels like renewal. “Every job I do has felt like a new chapter for me. I’m beyond grateful to be able to express myself in different ways, especially through fashion,” they say. This cover marks a milestone in that journey, defined by both excitement and affirmation, and they remember how “the energy from the team was fun and energetic, I completely felt in my element. It reminded me how truly blessed I am to do what I love.” Kinship, to Daniel, means honesty and encouragement, the kind of connection where “people see and support the truest version of you, and you offer the same support back”. Their path began with a leap of faith, moving from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore for Now Model Management’s open casting, where they were selected on the spot, and today they remain guided by one principle. “The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is the importance of authenticity, to be true to yourself.” Looking ahead, they are eager to continue exploring projects that “allow me to express my passion in fashion and tell stories through campaigns and shows”.
Photography Zantz Han
Styling Nicholas See
Hair Junz Loke/35A
Make-up Kat Zhang/The Suburbs Studio using Dior Beauty
Manicure Ann Lim
Producer David Bay
Hair assistant Novi/35A
Stylist’s assistants Lance Aeron, Gladys Ng and Efy Dean
Make-up assistants Nicole Ang and Sveta Klyn/The Suburbs Studio
Models Kaigin Yong/Now Model Management, Laras Sekar/Balitar Models, Ryan Alexander/Now Model Management, Zach Daniel/Now Model Management, and Arun Rosiah.
The October issue of Vogue Singapore—themed ‘Kinship’—is available to pre-order online and on newsstands from 10 October.
