Natasha Mohamad Faisal is a familiar voice to many in Singapore as the host of Lunchbox on Mediacorp Radio 987. Beyond radio, she is also a television presenter and voice-over artist and a devoted mother to two young children: a 4-year-old daughter, and a 10-month-old son.
Her media career began when she placed as the first runner-up in the 2015 edition of 987 STAR, Mediacorp’s signature talent competition. The experience opened doors to her first opportunities in radio and eventually led to a full-time career in media.
Today, Natasha has come full circle. She is involved in the current season of 987 STAR, not as a contestant, but as a mentor and judge for several of the competition’s challenges. As the competition continues, Natasha plays a key role in guiding and inspiring a new generation of aspiring radio talents.
Note: The photos of Natasha were taken during the roadshows for Mediacorp 987 STAR. Natasha was the first runner-up in the 2015 edition of the same competition, and she’s now involved in the current season as a mentor and judge for some of the competition challenges.
An Interview with Natasha Faisal
In this exclusive interview, Natasha shares her career journey, what it’s like to balance media work with motherhood, and how she manages the demands of being in the public eye while staying true to herself.
1. You were the first runner-up in the 987 STAR competition, how did that experience shape your journey into radio and the media industry?
Natasha Faisal: It changed everything for me. I didn’t win, but I didn’t need to. Just placing opened the door. After that, I stayed ready. I was that girl who’d lowkey hope a full-timer called in sick or go on vacation just so I could jump in. I said yes to every shift, every opportunity and slowly carved out my place. That experience taught me the power of showing up, consistently, humbly and with heart.
2. As the host of 987’s Lunchbox and a voice-over and TV presenter, how do you approach the different facets of your media career?
Natasha Faisal: It’s my playground, truly. I love wearing different hats. Radio is where I’m most myself: casual, chaotic. VOs let me flex a different kind of creativity. One of my projects was voicing a children’s audio book and I get to personify animals. That was really fun croaking in the mic haha. And TV? That’s where I perfect my lipstick and channel my polished side. Each role keeps me on my toes and feeds a different part of me.
3. How do you juggle your career with being a devoted mother to two young children, and what does a typical day look like for you?
Natasha Faisal: ‘Typical’ is generous haha every day is a plot twist! I’m up early with the kids usually negotiating breakfast choices before pre-shower meltdowns. Then it’s school drop-offs and jumping straight into work mode. Between meetings, radio and content creation, I sneak in mom tasks like replying to school chats, ordering groceries to cook for dinner. Evenings are for dinner, some play, bath time and my treasured bed time routines. The kids will start winding down at 8:30 and I crash around 10 if I don’t fall asleep during their story time first. Sometimes my husband and I will sneak in supper dates at this time. We really love breakfast for supper haha so while the house is asleep, we’d be hanging out and catching up in the kitchen having cereal or we’d make toast and eggs.
4. Motherhood brings many surprises, what have been some of the biggest lessons or unexpected joys since becoming a mum?
Natasha Faisal: That control is an illusion. Kids will humble you real fast. I’ve learned to go with the flow, to pause when I need to, and to find joy in the tiniest things. I mentioned bed times earlier, it’s my favourite part of the day. Tickles and giggles catching up in bed. My girl would drop unsolicited I love you-s and that will send me to bed with the biggest smile. Motherhood has stretched my heart in ways I never expected. Exhausting? Yes. But also, the best kind of magic and gratification.
5. You often share snippets of your life as a mum on social media. How do you strike a balance between being open and maintaining personal boundaries, especially as a public figure?
Natasha Faisal: I share what feels real and what I think might help someone else feel a little less alone. But I also know where my line is. Some moments are sacred. I think of it like a highlight reel. I want people to relate, not intrude. If it brings someone joy or solidarity, I’ve done my job.
6. As someone in the public eye, how do you manage public expectations while staying authentic in both your personal and professional life?
Natasha Faisal: I remind myself that I don’t owe perfection. People resonate with realness more than a polished facade. Some days I show up on point, other days I show up in a messy bun many have spotted me doing grocery runs in PJs haha. I’ve learned to stop performing and start connecting. That mindset shift has been everything.
7. What are some of your aspirations, either professionally or personally, as you move forward in your journey as a working mum in media?
Natasha Faisal: Professionally, I’d love to produce and develop content that champions local voices, especially women and mums. Personally, I just want to keep showing up for my kids, for myself and for the stories that matter.
8. Lastly, what advice would you give to women who look up to you and are hoping to pursue a career in radio or broadcasting while managing family life?
Natasha Faisal: You don’t have to do it all at once. Be willing to start small, stay curious and protect your energy. Know that your voice matters, on-air and at home. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. The juggle is real but so is the joy.
From rising talent to respected mentor, Natasha Faisal’s journey with 987 STAR has come full circle. Her career continues to evolve as she takes on new challenges in both media and motherhood.
Playing a central role in the recent Mediacorp 987 STAR competition as a mentor and judge, Natasha gave back to the platform that first recognised her potential. Whether she’s on-air, at a roadshow, or at home with her children, she continues to inspire with her honesty, humour, and wholehearted approach to life.
Learn more about Mediacorp 987 STAR at https://www.mediacorp.sg/987star
