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Irin Gan

Irin Gan (born 6 September 1971) is a former Singaporean actress. She is known for her role as Vicky Tay in the popular Singaporean 1990s TV show ‘Growing Up’. Irin Gan left show business in 2003 and joined the corporate world soon after.[1]

Irin Gan
Irin Gan 2019.png
Born6 September 1971
EducationBachelor of Science (Economics and Management), Graduate Diploma in Marketing
Alma materAnglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC), Stansfield School of Business, Marketing Institute of Singapore

Background

 
Irin Gan as Vicky Tay in Growing Up Season 3. Screengrab from meWATCH.

Early life & family

Irin’s parents divorced when she was in primary school.[2][3] Irin and her sister, Mabel, were then raised by her mother, Madam Tan Ghok Lan,[4] who worked as a seamstress and a chicken rice stallholder at Jurong Junior College.[5][6][7][8] Irin’s 82-year-old grandmother, Madam Li Jin Hua, also helped out at the chicken rice stall.[9]


On 6 November 2007, Madam Li fell into a 19-day coma when one of the college’s footballers accidentally knocked her down when they were cutting across the canteen to get to the sports department.[10] She eventually died from a lung infection on 24 November 2007.[11] Madam Li’s untimely death affected Irin greatly as the two were very close. Madam Li had taken care of Irin during her younger years while her mother went to work.[12][13] Irin and her cousin postponed their respective weddings after their grandmother’s death.[14]

Education

Irin Gan went to Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) from 1988 to 1989.[15][16][17][18] She furthered her studies at Stansfield School of Business while pursuing her acting career.[19][20] Irin then pursued a Graduate Diploma in Marketing at the Marketing Institute of Singapore. In 2017, she attended a Social Media Strategy Workshop conducted by Pacific Conference Pte Ltd.[21]

Early career & Mediacorp contract

After attending junior college, Irin started modelling to financially contribute to her family.[22][23] She joined the modelling agency Imp International when she was 19 years old.[24]


Irin signed a full-time contract with Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS - now MediaCorp) in the 1990s.[25] Before her acting debut on screen, Irin appeared in a Daikin air-conditioning commercial.[26]

Acting (1996 - 2003)

Growing Up (1996 - 2000)

 
Irin Gan (second from right) as Vicky Tay in the TV series Growing Up. Photo from The Straits Times.

Irin Gan is best known for playing the role of Vicky Tay in the hit TV series ‘Growing Up’ by MediaCorp, which aired up to six seasons from 1996 to 2002.[27] However, she was only featured in seasons one to five as she left Mediacorp in February 2000 to further her studies.[28][29]

Television series

Year Channel Television Programme Character / Role Refs.
1997 Channel 8 The Choice Partner Main lead [30]
Roses, Complete with Thorns Main lead [31]
Single Girl Main lead [32][33]
1996 - 2000 Channel 5 Growing Up Supporting (Vicky Tay) [34][35]

MediaWorks contract (2001 - 2003)

After taking a year off from her studies, Irin returned to show business and signed a two-year contract with the now-defunct television station MediaWorks.[36][37] After her contract with Mediaworks ended in 2003, Irin left show business to join the corporate world and has kept a low profile ever since.[38][39][40]

Awards & accolades

In 2002 and 2003, Irin made it to FHM Singapore’s annual 100 Sexiest Women in the World list.[41][42]

Year Event Award Title Awarding Organisation Refs.
1997 Star Awards Most Popular Female Artiste MediaCorp [43]

Partners

Irin’s first marriage with businessman Steve Ting lasted two years from 1998 to 2000.[44][45][46] In a 2007 interview with The Straits Times, Irin’s uncle, Mr Koh, mentioned that she was dating a man named Raymond Ting for “four to five years” after her divorce.[47] He was later announced as her fiance in 2007.[48][49] However, there had been no official announcement of the two getting married.

Relationship with Hawk Tan (d. 2019)

 
Irin Gan kitesurfing in 2018. Photo from Instagram.

Irin Gan and Hawk Tan had reportedly met each other through their common interest, kitesurfing. The two dated for a period of time up until Hawk's unfortunate death in July 2019.[50][51] According to a clip posted on Irin’s Facebook page in 2017, the two became Facebook friends in 2015.[52] They had also vacationed to several beach destinations together since then.[53] Hawk Tan had a son and daughter from his previous marriage.[54]

Corporate career (2004 - present)

After leaving her acting career, Irin deliberated entering either the business or banking sector.[55][56] On 1 October 2003, she was supposed to report to work as a sales engineer at Toyota distributor Borneo Motors. However, she turned down the position one week before her first day at the job due to a change of heart.[57][58] According to Irin's LinkedIn profile, she started her first corporate job in December 2004.[59]

Duration Company Position Refs.
Jul 2018 - Present Ipsen Regional Marketing Manager [60][61]
Jul 2017 - Jun 2018 Merck Group Senior Trade Marketing Manager
Oct 2014 - Jul 2017 Group Product Manager
Aug 2007 - Dec 2008 The Hour Glass Pte Ltd Sales and Marketing Manager
Dec 2004 - Jul 2007 Procter and Gamble (P&G) Pte Ltd Key Account Manager and Trainer

References / Citations

  1. ↑ Ng, Gwendolyn. “Life after Growing Up: What happened to the cast who played the Tay siblings”. The Straits Times. February 12, 2015. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  2. ↑ “It’s now or never for model”. The Straits Times. June 29, 1992. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  3. ↑ “We’re more like friends”. The Straits Times. October 4, 1998. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  4. ↑ Yeoh, Wee Teck. “Irin buys lipsticks for mum”. New Paper. July 2, 2001. Accessed on 6 February 2020.
  5. ↑ “It’s now or never for model”. The Straits Times. June 29, 1992. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  6. ↑ “Her ‘elder brother’ made her cry”. The New Paper. November 9, 1998. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  7. ↑ Lee, Yin Luen. “Speed queen”. New Paper. July 9, 1996. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  8. ↑ “We’re more like friends”. The Straits Times. October 4, 1998. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  9. ↑ “GRANNY IN COMA AFTER FREAK MISHAP”. The New Paper. November 18, 2007. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  10. ↑ “GRANNY IN COMA AFTER FREAK MISHAP”. The New Paper. November 18, 2007. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  11. ↑ Teo, Wendy. “She may have to postpone her wedding”. The New Paper. December 5, 2007. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  12. ↑ “GRANNY IN COMA AFTER FREAK MISHAP”. The New Paper. November 18, 2007. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  13. ↑ “We’re more like friends”. The Straits Times. October 4, 1998. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  14. ↑ Teo, Wendy. “She may have to postpone her wedding”. The New Paper. December 5, 2007. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  15. ↑ Irin Gan. “Profile”. Facebook. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  16. ↑ Irin Gan. “Profile”. LinkedIn. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  17. ↑ Yeo, Melissa. “These Local Celebrities Prove That Your Choice Of School Determines Your Life”. Must Share News. July 3, 2015. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  18. ↑ “It’s now or never for model”. The Straits Times. June 29, 1992. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  19. ↑ “Irin hurt after road accident”. TODAY. October 24, 2002. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  20. ↑ Cheong, Suk-Wai. “Growing Up star going her own way”. The Straits Times. March 1, 2000. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  21. ↑ Irin Gan. “Profile”. LinkedIn. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  22. ↑ “It’s now or never for model”. The Straits Times. June 29, 1992. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  23. ↑ Lee, Yin Luen. “Speed queen”. New Paper. July 9, 1996. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  24. ↑ “Mirror Image” The New Paper. February 8, 1997. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  25. ↑ “Game for any role but brat”. New Paper. August 12, 1996. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  26. ↑ Lee, Yin Luen. “Speed queen”. New Paper. July 9, 1996. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  27. ↑ Ng, Gwendolyn. “Life after Growing Up: What happened to the cast who played the Tay siblings”. The Straits Times. February 12, 2015. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  28. ↑ “Irin hurt after road accident”. TODAY. October 24, 2002. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  29. ↑ Ng, Gwendolyn. “Life after Growing Up: What happened to the cast who played the Tay siblings”. The Straits Times. February 12, 2015. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  30. ↑ “Media Releases”. Singapore Press holdings. 2000. Accessed on 6 February 2020.
  31. ↑ “What would Irin do without men?”. The New Paper. December 27, 1997. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  32. ↑ “FOR REAL”. New paper. October 20, 1997. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  33. ↑ “Media Releases”. Singapore Press holdings. 2000. Accessed on 6 February 2020.
  34. ↑ Ng, Gwendolyn. “Life after Growing Up: What happened to the cast who played the Tay siblings”. The Straits Times. February 12, 2015. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  35. ↑ “Media Releases”. Singapore Press holdings. 2000. Accessed on 6 February 2020.
  36. ↑ Ng, Gwendolyn. “Life after Growing Up: What happened to the cast who played the Tay siblings”. The Straits Times. February 12, 2015. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  37. ↑ “Irin in action”. The New Paper. December 5, 2000. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  38. ↑ Lee, Wei Lin. “Growing Up Actress Irin Gan Mourns Death Of Partner”. 8 Days. July 25, 2019. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  39. ↑ “Irin’s not selling cars”. The Straits Times. October 9, 2003. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  40. ↑ Cheong, Suk-Wai. “Growing Up star going her own way”. The Straits Times. March 1, 2000. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  41. ↑ “Growing Up to sell cars?”. The Straits Times. September 17, 2003. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  42. ↑ Ng, Gwendolyn. “Life after Growing Up: What happened to the cast who played the Tay siblings”. The Straits Times. February 12, 2015. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  43. ↑ “Media Releases”. Singapore Press Holdings. 2000. Accessed on 6 February 2020.
  44. ↑ “Irin Gan To Tie The Knot”. The Straits Times. October 30, 1998. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  45. ↑ Her ‘elder brother’ made her cry”. The New Paper. November 9, 1998. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  46. ↑ Tan, Hazel. “Growing Up girl ties the knot”. New paper. November 7, 1998. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  47. ↑ Teo, Wendy. “She may have to postpone her wedding”. The New Paper. December 5, 2007. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  48. ↑ Lee, Wei Lin. “Growing Up Actress Irin Gan Mourns Death Of Partner”. 8 Days. July 25, 2019. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  49. ↑ Teo, Wendy. “She may have to postpone her wedding”. The New Paper. December 5, 2007. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from Newspaper SG.
  50. ↑ Lee, Wei Lin. “Growing Up Actress Irin Gan Mourns Death Of Partner”. 8 Days. July 25, 2019. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  51. ↑ Ang, Prisca. “Partner of Growing Up actress Irin Gan dies”. The Straits Times. July 25, 2019. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  52. ↑ Ang, Prisca. “Partner of Growing Up actress Irin Gan dies”. The Straits Times. July 25, 2019. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  53. ↑ Ang, Prisca. “Partner of Growing Up actress Irin Gan dies”. The Straits Times. July 25, 2019. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  54. ↑ Lee, Wei Lin. “Growing Up Actress Irin Gan Mourns Death Of Partner”. 8 Days. July 25, 2019. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  55. ↑ “It’s now or never for model”. The Straits Times. June 29, 1992. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  56. ↑ “Irin puts brakes on car sales job”. The New Paper. October 8, 2003. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  57. ↑ “Irin puts brakes on car sales job”. The New Paper. October 8, 2003. Accessed on 5 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  58. ↑ “Irin’s not selling cars”. The Straits Times. October 9, 2003. Accessed on 6 February 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  59. ↑ Irin Gan. “Profile”. LinkedIn. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  60. ↑ Irin Gan. “Profile”. LinkedIn. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
  61. ↑ Irin Gan. “Profile”. Facebook. Accessed on 5 February 2020.
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