Same Same, But Different

The Vagabond Executive Club Lounge, fitted with golden statues of wildlife animals, deep red furnishings and dim lights, exudes a sense of grandeur, melodrama and exclusivity that lures you in. Yet, for five solid hours, it was the liveliness of superstar sisters Hayley Woo and Jayley Woo that brightened up the atmosphere and enticed everyone around them.

Though the identical twins are separated by a mere five minutes (we almost couldn’t tell who was who if it wasn’t for their hairstyles), they each have distinct personalities that can easily set them apart. That said, both of them radiate the same warmth and joie de vivre that can make anyone feel like they have been friends with the pair for a long time.

Being thrust into the limelight since their teenage years has allowed the duo to mature and form rather profound views on life despite only being 26 years young. Over a light-hearted chat, they shared their thoughts on love, careers, as well as the up-and-downs of growing up as twins.

What inspired you to enter the media industry and take up acting?

Jayley: It was pretty much luck for me. Hayley wanted to join The New Paper New Face competition, but during one of the stages, the judges asked if we were willing to cut our hair. My sister asked how short will it be, but I was fine with them doing anything to my hair. So, I think that was the deciding factor for them. Mediacorp scouted me during the finals, and that was how it started for me.

Have you ever wished you were both under the same label?

Hayley: Not really. I mean, if we were, our main selling point would be that we are twins, and for sure we will be stronger together. Yet, there’s a Chinese saying which we can relate to, and its literal translation is, “There can’t be two tigers on one mountain.”

Being in different companies gives us different opportunities. I guess there are advantages and disadvantages either way, and it all depends on how you look at it. Right now, we are happy with what we have, and we still get the chance to work together, like for this feature, which we are very thankful for.

How do you think you have grown since you first started your career?