Hello Mentor EP6 | Melissa Tan on Resilience, Timing and Zero-waste Living
Star of Asia’s Next Top Model talks about the resilience she needed to break into the entertainment industry and what everyday people can do to lead a sustainable lifestyle that’s realistic.
By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM
Updated on 2025-03-19 at 5:56 AM
“The light was getting dimmer and dimmer and I was getting older. I got rejected each time but I still throw my name in the hat every year.”
About the episode
In Episode 6 of Hello Mentor, Melissa Tan shares her remarkable journey of resilience, passion, and advocacy for zero-waste living. A prominent eco-warrior and advocate for sustainable practices, Melissa's life story is one of persistence, self-discovery, and meaningful contributions to the planet. From her early struggles to break into modeling to becoming a household name in sustainability, Melissa's insights resonate deeply with individuals striving for purpose in their careers and personal lives.
In this episode, Melissa delves into how resilience shaped her career, the importance of timing in achieving dreams, and how everyone can take simple steps toward sustainable living.
Getting to know Melissa Tan
Source: @heymelissatan on Instagram
Melissa Tan is a passionate advocate for sustainable living and the #zerowaste movement. She is part of The Green Guerrilla – a Malaysian green collective that celebrates and shares sustainable ways of living.
She has worked with Greenpeace for the Rainbow Warrior Ship’s Southeast Asia tour, and is a long-standing volunteer at the PAWS Animal Welfare Society. She writes about zero-waste living and other areas of sustainability on her website, heymelissatan.com
Since joining Asia’s Next Top Model, Melissa has worked in commercials, magazines, and catwalks in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. She hosts various programs from sports to tech and was most recently on The Apartment Season 7.
From Concrete Walls to Open Doors: Melissa's Journey in Modeling
Melissa’s career began with an early love for modeling, but breaking into the industry wasn’t straightforward. Despite facing numerous rejections, she persisted, ultimately landing a spot on Asia’s Next Top Model at the age of 27—her final year of eligibility. Reflecting on her path, Melissa credits timing and life experiences for shaping her success.
Her years in corporate consulting not only honed her critical thinking skills but also helped her build a foundation of discipline and structure that later propelled her modeling career. Melissa’s story is a testament to the idea that resilience, combined with readiness, allows individuals to seize opportunities when they arise.
Key Takeaway: Success often comes from embracing setbacks, learning from experiences, and trusting that the right opportunity will come at the right time.
The Green Guerrilla: Collaboration for Greater Impact
As part of the Green Guerrilla, a collective of seven passionate environmental advocates, Melissa collaborates with organizations like WWF to promote sustainable practices in Malaysia. The group works on projects that amplify their collective impact, demonstrating the power of teamwork in driving change.
Sustainable Fashion and Minimalism
Melissa’s advocacy extends to fashion, an industry she identifies as one of the world’s largest polluters. For over four years, she hasn’t purchased new clothing, instead opting for secondhand items, clothes swaps, and creative reuse of her wardrobe. This lifestyle, which she calls “eco-minimalism,” challenges conventional consumer habits and encourages mindful consumption.
Melissa also hosts community clothes swaps, fostering a culture of sharing and reducing fast fashion’s environmental impact.
How to Start: Begin by rethinking your shopping habits—choose timeless, versatile pieces, and explore pre-loved options to minimize your carbon footprint.
Melissa’s Philosophy on Success and Contribution
For Melissa, success isn’t measured by personal gain but by her contributions to the world. She believes in the importance of “filling your cup” so you can give back meaningfully. Her message is clear: start small, take consistent steps, and inspire others through action.
Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring individuals who are accomplished in their own rights.
Hello Mentor is hosted by Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly.
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By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM