Ms Jessica Tan, 29, Miss Universe Singapore 2007

Current job titles: Model-artiste with Hong Kong artiste management agency, Starz People; and marketing director of Maldives Cruiser, a scuba-diving tour operator.

What have you been focusing on since the pageant?

I am a full-time artiste and model based in Hong Kong, and am signed on to Starz People, which manages artistes such as American-born actress Maggie Q and Hong Kong singer Miki Yeung.

Together with Mr Jimmy Ooi, the president of the Singapore Rotary Club, I am also fronting charity projects organised by Bridging Borders, a social enterprise set up in collaboration with a Cambodian humanitarian organisation.

The most recent one is Project Light, a solar energy project that aims to offer a sustainable method of providing light and electricity to villagers in Cambodia.

The project is slated to kick off in May or June and we hope to garner enough sponsorship from the public and corporate sectors to light up at least 300 households in Kachangkoy.

I am also the marketing director of Maldives Cruiser, a scuba diving tour operator based in Maldives. My friends and I started the local franchise in early 2011.

How has winning the pageant helped you?

The pageant has definitely been a great platform for me to pursue and explore different interests. For example, I was with MediaCorp between 2008 and 2010 and discovered my interest for acting and hosting.

Giving back to society has always been my belief, and having a pageant title such as Miss Universe Singapore has allowed me to do that.

One endeavour I'm involved in is to raise awareness here about the culling of sharks for their fins. We seek to educate society and hope to get more people to boycott such a barbaric practice.

What is one common misconception people have of beauty queens?

People generally think that a beauty queen is just a pretty face. And being in the entertainment industry opens you to both compliments and, more often than not, criticisms.

I've had people question my abilities because of my title, but I think there will always be supporters and critics in life.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I'd like to be remembered as a filial daughter, a supportive mother to my future children and a good friend.

What do you fear most about ageing?

I'm afraid of losing my health and the physical constraints that come with ageing.

As a beauty queen, what is the best beauty tip you have to offer?

I believe in being hard-working when keeping your skin and body youthful and healthy. Once you feel good about yourself, you will naturally exude confidence.

For skincare, I apply moisturiser and eye cream every night and use serum, toner, lip balm, hand cream, sunblock and body lotion daily.

Also, you should always dress for the occasion and wear the right amount of make-up - light make-up in the day and heavier make-up for formal events and dinners. Applying make-up is a form of respect to yourself and your hosts.

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(Photos: Jessica Tan, ST, TNP)