Dark academia, cottagecore, Y2K: The wonderful world of TikTok subcultures

(Clockwise from left) Ng Ka Yan, Hayley Sim and Grace Lee are among the Singaporean content creators passionate about various TikTok subcultures. PHOTOS: @KAYANTOAST/INSTAGRAM, @SOFTLYMADECOTTAGE/INSTAGRAM, @VINTAGELYGRACE/INSTAGRAM
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

SINGAPORE - Singaporean polytechnic graduate Ng Ka Yan's TikTok feed is a riot of colours, depending on her mood.

When the 20-year-old is feeling sombre, she goes goth: grungy outfits, darker palettes.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.