{
  "id": 7057010,
  "title": "‘I was really lost’: Beauty course helped N-level student find her calling on the world stage",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/i-was-really-lost-beauty-course-helped-n-level-student-find-her",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-13T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/i-was-really-lost-beauty-course-helped-n-level-student-find-her-calling-on-the-world-stage"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Winnalyn Tay, a 19-year-old student, found her passion for beauty and wellness during her N-level years in Singapore. Previously disinterested in her secondary school studies, she discovered the beauty and wellness course at ITE while researching future career options. Intrigued by the hands-on approach of the course, she eagerly enrolled in it.\n\nUnlike traditional academic pursuits, ITE's beauty and wellness management program teaches practical skills, including make-up application, beauty treatments, nail services, body care, basic hairstyling, and salon operations. The course lasted three years, after which Tay plans to pursue a technical diploma in the field. She is currently in her third year and has already represented Singapore at the WorldSkills ASEAN competition in Manila.\n\nAt the competition, Tay had to demonstrate her skills while interacting with customers, managing their comfort and modesty. After winning a silver medal, she was selected to represent Singapore once again at WorldSkills Shanghai. Tay attributes her success to discipline and commitment, emphasizing the importance of resilience in her chosen career.\n\nAs a beautician, Tay understands the significance of delivering results that clients desire. She values client comfort alongside achieving desired outcomes, as demonstrated by a positive feedback from a customer during her internship. The experience of competing has boosted her confidence and provided her with a new perspective on life, encouraging her to pursue her dream of opening a home-based facial therapist business.",
  "summary": "ITE College East student Winnalyn Tay will represent Singapore at WorldSkills Shanghai.",
  "key_points": [
    "Winnalyn Tay discovered passion for beauty and wellness during N-level years in Singapore.",
    "Tay won silver medal at WorldSkills ASEAN and will represent Singapore at WorldSkills Shanghai."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Finding a hands-on course in beauty and wellness has helped a disengaged student discover her passion and gain international experience, boosting her confidence to pursue her dream business.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}