While Paris, London, Milan and New York continue to be strong draws for the actors, models, filmmakers and even fashionistas who are Singaporeans, more and more Singaporeans are seeking creative opportunities beyond the city-state. The trend resurfaced on September 8, 2026 when Singapore actress-model Chen Yixin relocated to Paris, claiming that she was looking to see what life would be like somewhere else. Her shift is part of a larger trend: overseas creative hubs can provide Singapore artists with fresh connections, opportunities for international exposure and artistic reinvention.
Why Chen Yixin Moved to Paris
Now 26, Chen Yixin has already gained experience in various roles such as acting, fashion and content creation in Singapore. She’s also becoming more popular in Europe.
In addition to collaborations for various beauty and fashion brands, her management agency RUA Management also lists appearances with Prada, Max Mara, Brunello Cucinelli, Onitsuka Tiger and Schiaparelli.
She said she had a desire to try a different place, be more comfortable with sharing her life, and reconnect with her creativity, in a video announcing her move. She also admitted that she had no circle of friends in Paris.
Readers following her career can also explore our Chen Yixin profile and career guide and Singapore celebrities at international fashion weeks.
Why Paris Attracts Singapore Celebrities and Creatives
The appeal of Singapore celebrities moving overseas is partly professional.
Paris is one of the world’s key fashion capitals, while London is an important centre for theatre, music and film. Milan offers direct access to luxury fashion, and New York remains influential across entertainment, publishing, modelling and art.
For Singapore talents working in multiple fields, living in these cities can make international opportunities easier to pursue than repeatedly flying in for short projects.
Singapore Talent Already Has a History in Global Fashion
Chen is not starting from an empty template.
Kaci Beh, from Singapore, has gained international recognition with her career in the fashion-week circuit in Milan, Paris and London.
Model Vivien Ong also honed her skills in Paris, Milan and New York, including international runway and campaign photoshoots.
In fact, Singapore designer Andrew Gn has also been working away in Paris for decades and created his fashion empire that ended up being known worldwide, and his designs have been sported by celebrities such as Catherine, Princess of Wales and Beyonce.
As overseas creative capitals are not entirely new, so are these careers.
Moving Abroad Can Expand Creative Identity
For some Singapore creatives overseas, distance from home also changes the work itself.
Edwin Ho, a Singaporean filmmaker residing in Paris after his years of sojourns in New York, told ELLE Singapore that his life outside Singapore gave him more consciousness of being a Singaporean. Through the Paris based production company Fugace Films, he is developing projects related to Singapore.
That’s a significant difference. Going abroad doesn’t have to mean giving up on the Singapore creative scene.
Rather, intersectoral arrangements can be established, such as Singapore productions shot with European partners, Asian stars featuring in global campaigns, or local talent expanding their reach to other markets.
For related stories, see our Singapore creatives making it globally guide.
Why Overseas Creative Capitals Matter More Now
Social media has also changed the economics of relocation.
Singapore fans can no longer miss out on their favourite actors and models when they leave the country. Creators can keep local audiences with access to a larger international audience on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
For instance, Chen has said she will be documenting her new life in Paris online. That makes the move personal, creative and public, with an audience that she can engage in real-time.
Her move to Paris also comes shortly after other Singaporean celebrities who made the move there. Sharon Au, the former actress-host, relocated there in 2018 and she also extended her warm welcome to Chen after the recent announcement.
The official Singapore Global Network has also reported that residents of Singapore living in cities like London or New York can gain wider professional views, while firming up a sense of ‘Singaporean-ness’.
Are More Singapore Stars Likely to Move Abroad?
The evidence indicates that creative careers in Singapore continue to internationalise, albeit not as much as a mass exodus.
Being close to Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week and London Fashion Week can offer fashion personalities some practical benefits. Casters and filmmakers can also take advantage of a broadened casting reach, production groups, and international movie festivals.
Foreign travel also comes with its sacrifices: visas, different languages, added expense, and the challenge of adjusting to a new culture and leaving behind one’s professional and cultural networks and family.
The result is increasingly a hybrid career—global in reach but still connected to Singapore.
FAQs
Which Singapore celebrity recently moved to Paris?
Chen Yixin moved to Paris in September 2026, announcing the decision through social media and a new video series about her life there.
Why are Singapore celebrities moving overseas?
Common reasons include access to international casting, fashion houses, creative collaborators, major industry events and opportunities for personal or artistic growth.
Which creative capitals attract Singapore talent?
Paris, London, Milan and New York are among the most important cities for Singapore models, actors, filmmakers and designers pursuing international careers.
Is Chen Yixin still working in entertainment?
Yes. Her management profile continues to identify her as an actor and style personality with international fashion and entertainment work.
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