Model Ong Bee Yan organises fashion show to raise funds for cancer research

With her poise, silver locks and refined features, senior fashion model Ong Bee Yan has made quite the splash in recent years. Also known as Yan Ong, the sexagenarian graced the cover of fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar in 2021, and has also appeared in numerous marketing campaigns.

Using her clout for good, Ong recently launched Fashion for Cancer (FFC) a fashion fundraiser for cancer research and patient support. The project aims to raise $100,000, primarily from a fashion show taking place on Aug 25.

Only 100 tickets are available for the FFC 2023 Charity Fashion Show, which will see 16 cancer-survivor models, including MediaCorp star Pan Ling Ling, taking to the runway. The presentation will showcase the latest styles from local brands In Good Company, Moss & Lupine and Charles & Keith. Further enlivening the event, there will be rousing performances by award-winning beatboxer Dharni Ng and singer-songwriter Haven.

Having witnessed several friends and family members battling cancer over the years, Ong was motivated to create this initiative. Her son, Chia Rong Liang — who will also be part of the FFC show — was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021. She hopes that FFC can bring hope and positivity to those struggling with the disease. Ong says, “For many of these survivors, walking the runway is a dream they’d never thought possible while fighting the disease that ravaged their body. This is an opportunity for them to celebrate their lives, to showcase their strength and resilience, and to shine on a stage that will bring hope and inspiration to those who are suffering from cancer.”

Tickets for the FFC 2023 Charity Fashion show are priced at $200 each, and can be bought here. Donations to the FFC and its cause can be made here.