YeoMama Club:
Aileen Tang
Meet Aileen Tang, a passionate teacher, arts lover, and, let’s be honest, an unofficial YeoMama Batik ambassador!
As a music and English teacher, Aileen has built a meaningful career guiding young minds, infusing the same vibrant energy into her signature style as she does into her work.
Read on to discover her fascinating story!
Please give us a short intro about yourself!
Teaching was something which allowed me to use my double degree of English and Music, and I liked interacting with young people.
I was teaching piano for a while when I started thinking, what would it be like if I were to teach an entire class of young people rather than one-to-one.
I applied to MOE, and here I am! My portfolios over the years have allowed me to take on leadership roles in academic departments as well as in the arts and student development.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am – as my friend calls me – a professional audience member!
I attend concerts, plays, or ballets every weekend. I also write for The Flying Inkpot, which is a website for (mostly) classical music reviews and feature articles.
Fun fact – I think in Cantonese and my Spotify playlist is full of Cantopop!
What do you love most about your work, and what are some of the challenges you face as a teacher?
I love being able to make a difference in young people's lives.
I do a lot of mentoring, and nothing is more fulfilling than seeing my mentees succeed and be as brilliant as I always knew they would be. The usual challenge that teachers face is with work-life balance, but I've honestly never had an issue with stress.
The hardest thing for me is getting used to saying goodbye to batches of students, year after year.
Do you have any advice for aspiring teachers?
The teaching and learning part has to come first; that is the bread and butter of being a teacher.
Don't be afraid to ask your colleagues and supervisors for help and advice.
If you had a whole day to yourself with no plans, how would you spend it?
I'm not a party girl, so I love going for brunch or high tea with my close friends. I also cherish time spent at home being a couch potato!
And of course, the concerts – I am a musical junkie!
What’s a dream destination you’d love to visit one day?
I would love to go to Switzerland and take the Glacier Express! It has such a romantic, old-world feel to it.
As a long-term supporter, what drew you to YeoMama Batik in the first place?
YeoMama Batik popped up on my social media (thank you, algorithms!) and I was drawn to one particular dress.
After looking at it a few times, I decided to order it, and there was no turning back after that. I love how joyous the prints and colours are, and I am particularly drawn to the dresses.
My friends and colleagues have noticed, and that is now my signature style. It is a beautiful display of our Asian heritage, which is why I always bring a few pieces when I travel.
When I recently brought my school String Orchestra to Vienna, Austria, I only wore YeoMama Batik!
What would you say to those who are hesitant or afraid to wear colours or prints?
Begin with a colour that you usually wear and select a Batik print that is in that tone.
Pick a silhouette that is already part of your wardrobe – whether it's a dress or palazzo pants.
Start with 1 or 2 pieces; maybe wear a blouse paired with a skirt you already have.
YeoMama Batik has a range of gentler, more subtle prints to the outright crazy – and honestly, there is something for everyone, from the demure to the whimsical!
If you could describe YeoMama Batik in one sentence, what would it be?
YeoMama Batik sparks joy!
