What brought you into the industry and what made you stay?

It started out with a love for food and drinks, and the people of the industry made me stay. I can say that the best people are in hospitality and the easiest people to befriend.

How has your job empowered you as a woman?

Owning one's own business is definitely empowering! I'm responsible for profitability, staff welfare, and business development–everything! Through this, I've come away with a 'Yes, I can!' attitude.

See also: 6 Women-Owned F&B Businesses We Love in Malaysia

What brought you into the industry and what made you stay?

I love to eat and drink! I grew up in Chinese restaurants as a child–my grandparents and parents founded Tai Thong and my father built the Oriental Group. As for my own ventures, I established Ruyi & Lyn back in 2016. Subsequently, I was incorporated into its parent company Oriental Group as general manager handling external affairs for all our 14 restaurants. My fiancé is an established international chef, hence there's no running away from this industry! Food is in our blood. 

How has your job empowered you as a woman?

When I first entered the industry, I recalled hosting meetings with suppliers, contractors. and distributors, often being the only female in the group. That never bothered me as I always stood my ground on negotiations and all business matters. As for day-to-day operations, the Chinese kitchen is a fiercely male-dominated environment, but I had no qualms walking into one in my (high) heels.  

How has being in this industry and working with food enabled you to embrace your womanhood?

I believe that this industry is not a job, but a lifestyle. You have to live and love it. I recently became a mum and decided to go on a six-month sabbatical to raise my newborn hands-on. My fiancé and I would take our then three-month-old on the plane to his work meetings in Europe and dine in Michelin-starred restaurants and bars. Motherhood is a different league, it involves so much learning and by doing that, any challenges I've ever faced in my career pales in comparison. I'm truly amazed by women who can juggle both!  

See also: 19 Inspiring Women In Malaysia's Food And Drink Scene To Follow On Instagram

What brought you into the industry?

I was trained as an actuary but turned my love and passion for ice cream into a little business, hoping to spread some happiness in this crazy world!

What does being a woman in the industry mean to you?

For me, I’ve never had to handle being a woman in the industry. I just handle being in the industry–working hard, working smart, networking, standing out, and finding ways to continuously improve.

What do you hope for in terms of the future for women in the industry?

I hope more women will dare to take on the challenge to pursue their dream in the industry.

See also: 10 Unique Ice Cream Flavours In The Klang Valley

How has your job empowered you as a woman?

I was entrusted to lead and handle projects of importance on my own, given the opportunity to hand-pick my team, and I successfully completed these projects.

How has being in this industry and working with food and drinks enabled you to embrace your womanhood?

In a male-dominated industry, I complement the industry with my meticulous eye for detail, which, I feel, helps me embrace my womanhood.

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