The COO of Amara Holdings on why — and how — blurring the lines between personal and professional can spark some of the best ideas

“The story of Amara Singapore is as much about heritage as it is about transformation. As a third-generation leader, I’ve learned that risk management isn’t just about financial prudence; it’s about safeguarding a legacy. Our horizon stretches far beyond quarterly earnings or annual budgets — it spans decades, tethered to the ideals my family has upheld over generations.

This perspective shaped my approach when I decided to undertake the transformative refurbishment of Amara Singapore, a 38-year-old institution deeply rooted in Tanjong Pagar. We wanted to preserve the essence of the place while infusing it with the vibrancy of Chinatown’s heritage and the energy of the district’s modern lifestyle.

Partnering with Studio HBA, we reimagined the lobby, replacing traditional check-in desks with a Lobby Bar that transitions from serving coffee by day to champagne by night. It’s become more than a hotel lobby; it’s now a social nucleus that invites the community to gather.

I navigate this delicate balance of honouring tradition while embracing innovation daily. For instance, when refurbishing Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, nestled in 3.8ha of lush greenery and historic colonial buildings, we collaborated with FARM to blend contemporary luxury with the charm of century-old heritage structures.

These bold moves are not about change for the sake of it; they are deliberate steps that honour the past while steering us confidently into the future.

Of popiah lunches and relics

Running a family business comes with its own unique set of challenges. The lines between personal and professional often blur, and the weight of expectations — many of them self-imposed — can be overwhelming. There have been countless sleepless nights spent reflecting on the immense responsibility of stewarding this legacy.

Yet, in those moments of pressure, I’ve found unexpected inspiration. My husband’s unwavering support has been my constant anchor, his perspective grounding me when the weight of decisions feels insurmountable.

However, some of our best ideas don’t come from boardroom discussions but from the unassuming intimacy of family popiah lunches. These informal gatherings create space for candid, unfiltered exchanges where creativity thrives free from hierarchy.

My father and I often find ourselves deep in conversation during these moments, bonding over our shared vision for the company. We’ll reminisce about the early days of our flagship properties or revisit their original designs. These reflections remind me that our family legacy isn’t a static relic; it’s a dynamic, living story that continues to evolve with each generation.

Growing up in this business has profoundly shaped who I am. As a child, construction sites were my playground, and hotel lobbies became my stage. I’d fold napkins, set tables, and absorb the intricate rhythms of hospitality.

Later, my journey took me through finance and even into the arts, where I co-founded Objectifs, a visual arts centre. Each experience has been a thread in the tapestry of my life, equipping me with the creativity and perspective to innovate at Amara while staying grounded in its core values.

Preserving a legacy doesn’t mean resisting change; it means redefining it in a way that honours the past. When we revisited the designs for Amara Singapore, we sought the guidance of the late architect Alan Choe, whose vision helped transform Tanjong Pagar.

This dialogue between history and modernity has been central to our approach, ensuring that every design choice resonates with the enduring identity of the Amara brand.

“A profound privilege”

To me, success is not some distant barometer but a series of small, meaningful wins. It’s the tangible realisation of our vision — the sustainable features we’ve incorporated, like motion-sensor lights and filtered water taps, or the authentic neighbourhood experiences we offer, such as the “Triad Trails” heritage tour.

It’s also in celebrating Singapore’s culinary heritage through initiatives like “Local Legends”, where we collaborate with renowned chefs to showcase the vibrancy of our food culture.  

Yet, amid these professional milestones, my proudest accomplishment remains deeply personal. Being a mother to three children has taught me the profound truth that while the days feel long, the years are fleeting. I strive to instil in them the values that define our family’s story, nurturing the hope that they, too, will shape this legacy in their own meaningful ways.

For others stepping into the shoes of second- or third-generation leaders, my advice is straightforward yet heartfelt: leadership is a work in progress. It can feel isolating, with the weight of your family’s legacy pressing heavily on your shoulders.

But it is also a profound privilege — a chance to author the next chapter of a story that spans generations. Embrace the moments of doubt and frustration; they are fertile ground for growth. And never forget that you are not alone — the generations before you and those yet to come are all rooting for your success.

Every decision I make is informed by a dual responsibility: to honour the wisdom of the past while paving a thoughtful path for the future. This ethos extends beyond our hotels into my broader contributions to the hospitality industry.

Whether through my roles on the boards of the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) and SHATEC or in mentoring young talent, I’m committed to shaping an industry that holds both heritage and innovation in equal esteem.

Ultimately, my goal is simple: To create spaces that inspire, foster connections, and celebrate the stories that shape us. This is the essence of Amara — a brand rooted in its history yet steadfast in its forward journey, always evolving but never losing sight of what truly matters.”