Kate Yong, better known by her stage name TINC, is a Singaporean DJ, singer-songwriter, vocalist, music producer and entrepreneur. She began as a singer-songwriter at 14 before becoming a DJ at 19, eventually developing a distinctive performance style that combines DJing, live vocals, original music, remixes and storytelling. Her career has taken her from major Singapore stages to international performances, while she has also established TINC DJ Academy to nurture aspiring DJs and artists.
Industry:
Music & Entertainment | DJ & Live Performance | Music Production | Events | Music Education | Entrepreneurship
Professional Experience:
Kate’s professional journey began in music as a teenager. Rather than limiting herself to conventional DJ sets, she built an artistic identity around combining multiple disciplines. Among her career milestones, she became the first DJ to perform at Singapore’s National Day Parade and was selected as the closing act for a major Marina Bay countdown alongside artists such as Adam Lambert and Wang Leehom. She has also performed internationally in cities including Valencia, Chicago and New York. Her original shows integrate vocals, production, remixes and creative direction into a complete live experience.
Turning Point:
One of the most important shifts in Kate’s career came when she stopped trying to fit into a single category. For years, she felt pressure to define herself as either a DJ, singer or songwriter. In 2024, she fully embraced her identity as a DJ who sings and realised that combining these different abilities was her strength rather than a limitation. Since then, she has staged sold-out concerts and created her own events instead of waiting for established venues to understand her artistic direction.
What She Does Now:
Today, Kate continues to perform as TINC while developing her original music and live shows. She is also the Founder of TINC DJ Academy, which teaches beginners the fundamentals of DJing while helping more serious students develop their musical identity, techniques, programming and stage presence. The academy welcomes around 30 to 50 new students each month, with approximately 10 DJs developing under its label. Looking ahead, Kate hopes to expand the academy across Southeast Asia while bringing her own music to more international stages and helping Singapore develop and export more original artists.
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