My family and I spent five years living in Tokyo, Japan, and we returned to Singapore in 2023. After coming back, I reconnected with friends I had lost touch with during our time in Japan. Many friends and relatives who know me well asked when I planned to return to work. This prompted me to consider whether I wanted to use my experience to help people in the job market.

The concept of Ikigai resonated with me—doing what you love and what you excel at. I’m passionate about recruitment and aim to empower clients and candidates to achieve their full potential in their organizations and careers.

We all encounter various challenges at different stages of our lives. During my early career in banking, I enjoyed the work environment, but my motivation wasn’t strong enough to keep me engaged, so I stayed for seven years. My boyfriend at the time (now my husband) encouraged me to make a career change. This was a significant shift for me, opening up new opportunities and revealing a different side of myself. My husband has been a constant source of support throughout my career transition. I transformed from being an introvert into someone quite different from who I used to be.

I connect with people not just for business or financial gain. Some of my relationships remain strong even after five years apart while I was living overseas. When I started my business, I was unsure about marketing and accounting. Thankfully, the long-term relationships I built with my candidates proved invaluable, as they assisted me with various marketing and accounting aspects, for which I am truly grateful.

In recruitment, the focus is on connecting people and building meaningful relationships. It’s incredibly rewarding to assist candidates in achieving their career aspirations by matching them with roles that align with their skills, helping them advance in their careers. By collaborating closely with clients and hiring managers, we can streamline and enhance the hiring process for their organizations.
The industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, influenced by trends in workforce needs, market demands and technology.

It’s a huge part of me hoping and trying to give back and I think I have the knowledge to help people understand how they can find an easier route to finding a job. I am also trying to raise awareness about what a recruiter can be and can do. Not every recruiter is the same and I strive to present myself as approachable, encouraging clients or candidates to ask questions relating to talent acquisition and job search.

Through the passage of time, my perspective and guiding principles have evolved. I used to think that a comfortable life meant enjoying luxuries like driving a nice car and living in a large house. However, I now realize that true pleasure comes from happiness and health. My vision is to instill the right values in my children, especially in a world where social media often presents a distorted view of reality.

I felt that we used to live more simply and happily, but nowadays, many people seem to struggle with trivial matters, leading to feelings of upset and depression. I want to ensure my kids develop big hearts and the right values in life, learning how to connect with others and lead fulfilling lives. This doesn’t necessarily mean pursuing material wealth, but rather finding purpose and joy in life.

I enjoy going on nature walks with my friends. Spending time outdoors helps us clear our minds and relieve stress. After our weekly walks, we often treat ourselves to breakfast at various places while having great conversations. Additionally, Friday nights are dedicated to movie nights with my family, which is a wonderful time for family bonding.

Confidence comes in various forms. For instance, the way you dress and present yourself can create an impression of professionalism, which can help build your self-confidence. However, true confidence also stems from within. It’s important to engage in discussions and not just be a passive recipient of information. When conversations turn into monologues, you might learn something, but it doesn’t convey that you’re knowledgeable.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. The worst that can happen when you ask is that you might feel a bit silly, but you’ll gain knowledge in the process. I believe confidence is rooted in knowledge, which is limitless.

So, always seek to learn from others, listen actively, contribute to conversations, and be open to exchanging ideas without being rigid in your own opinions.

I’m grateful for my family, who are always there for me no matter what happens. Having a supportive family is a true blessing. Their love and presence can make a world of difference in our lives.

Trying is the first step, and failure isn’t the end of the road. It’s crucial to surround yourself with a few trusted individuals who can offer advice and share their experiences from their journeys. One insight I’ve gained is that nearly 95% of entrepreneurs don’t become the next Steve Jobs or Jack Ma. What truly matters is conducting thorough research, as passion doesn’t always translate into a successful career or business. Many people attempt to turn their passions into businesses, which can be risky. For instance, there are countless baking enthusiasts who might feel inspired to start a baking business. However, with so many bakers out there, what sets you apart? Identifying your unique selling point is essential. The danger lies in letting your passion become a burden, transforming it into a commitment that drains your enthusiasm. If you don’t succeed, you might end up resenting what you once loved. This is something everyone should keep in mind.

We live in a tech-driven world where changes happen at lightning speed. It’s essential to embrace technology and familiarize yourself with the latest apps and work methods. This approach serves two key purposes: firstly, it helps you connect with younger generations and understand their perceptions of work and their needs. Secondly, tasks that once took you two hours on a computer can now often be completed in just ten minutes. For example, using AI tools like ChatGPT allows you to get responses in seconds. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to use every feature; instead, focus on understanding what is useful and relevant for you.