Photo: Esta
Cover Felicia Gan (Photo: Esta Technology)

The Ghim Li Group CEO tells us how she pivoted her family’s business during the pandemic and changed the sanitiser industry with plant-based biotech made in Singapore

How I’m Making It is a weekly series in which Tatler speaks to influential individuals about their unique journeys and what keeps them going.


16 years ago, Felicia Gan was pursuing a career in law, adamant that she would not be joining Ghim Li Group, the lifestyle knitwear apparel supplier firm operated by her family.

After cautiously joining the family business in 2006, Gan worked her way up to take over the reins as chief executive, a position she still holds today. She also started creating antibacterial fabric face masks and set up Esta Technology, the first plant-based biotech in Singapore that has revolutionised the sanitiser industry

This is how she did it. 

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With 40 years behind it and an international reputation for being an excellent global supplier of causal lifestyle knitwear apparel to major retailers worldwide, Ghim Li Group was certainly thriving and primed for Gan to take over. 

So it was a surprise for many when Gan announced that she had different plans and that she did not actually want to join the business her mother started.

“I did not actually intend to join the family business,” Gan told Tatler Singapore. “I wanted to be a lawyer and so I went to the University of Nottingham and graduated with a law degree in 2003. I was admitted to the Singapore Bar in May 2005.”

Upon graduating, eager to begin her career, Gan joined local law firm Rajah and Tann as a junior lawyer. After some time there, in 2006, Gan was asked by her family to help out at Ghim Li Group with legal matters. 

“They wanted me to come on board to help the company as the legal officer and assist in the legal compliance, board and secretarial matters relating to our public listing and I decided to just give it a go,” Gan explained.

After some time in the role, Gan moved up and assumed the role of Chief Administrative Officer where she took on human resources and administration for the company. Shortly after, she was again promoted and took on the role of Chief Marketing Officer. “I took charge of the business development and the day-to-day responsibilities for the sales and marketing teams,” said Gan.

It was around this time that the Covid-19 pandemic hit. “When the pandemic began, I knew that we had to do something to give back to the country and to help support people through this difficult time,” Gan explained. “So Ghim Li Group pivoted to becoming actively involved in the production of antibacterial fabric face masks, which were then distributed by the government to local citizens.” 

However, Gan just felt that this was not enough and knew that they could be doing more. 

“I knew that masks alone were not going to ensure safe working environments and that was really what inspired me to try going into the biotechnology scene so that we could innovate and create antimicrobial technology to help create sanitisers that were safe and effective,” Gan said. 

This was what led to the birth of Esta Technology, the first plant-based biotech in Singapore.

“Esta Technology was set up to focus on natural antimicrobial technology and to innovate products with this new plant-based biotech,” explained Gan. “We have the Ultrabactech technology, for example, that is not only 100 per cent plant-based and natural, but it is also proven to effectively target and kill 99.999 per cent of the Sars-Cov-2 virus within minutes.”

This technology would very quickly prove to be a game changer in the sanitiser industry which was booming as a result of the ongoing pandemic. 

“It’s very special to us that Esta Technology is a homegrown brand that is fully developed, designed, and manufactured in Singapore, especially because it is so different from the other types of sanitiser technology out there,” said Gan.

She went on to explain that because Ghim Li Group was passionate about creating sustainable solutions, it was very important to her to ensure that her technology was plant-based.

“There are a lot of toxic chemicals and harsh materials used in the typical synthetic types of anti-microbials, which is usually unsafe for both children and the environment as most of them are not biodegradable. So the fact that our product is plant-based means that it is much safer for people and the environment,” Gan said. 

Gan’s efforts of course did not go unnoticed and in 2021, she was conferred The Public Service Medal by the President of Singapore. This award recognised Gan’s efforts and commitment to contributing to the nation during the crisis.

Today, masks are slowly being phased out as the country and the world adapts to the pandemic and begins to see it as endemic. However, Gan is firm that her technology still has a place in society. 

“Now that the pandemic is over, everyone’s standards for personal hygiene and cleanliness has changed and I believe that this high level of personal hygiene is here to stay. Esta products are here to ensure that we can continue living our lives normally and continue to use nature to protect them from viruses, germs and bacteria,” Gan said.

As the CEO of two thriving companies, Gan shares how she does it all, in her own words.

What is a typical morning like for you?

Felicia Gan (FG): I treasure sleep above everything else so I am fairly quick in the morning. I will usually get ready in 10 to 15 minutes, drink either a Vitamin C or a yoghurt drink and then drive to work.

What do you usually have for breakfast?

FG: I am not big on breakfast so it is usually either just a yoghurt or a Vitamin C drink. Otherwise, when I arrive at work, hot coffee with milk will solve everything.

What does a standard work day look like for you?

FG: Since the pandemic, I have mandated a sales and operations call which sets the tone for the day. I will also have plenty of external and internal meetings throughout the week. I have back-to-back meetings most days of the week and my wonderful secretary Sally helps organise my colourful calendar.

How would you describe your working style?

FG: Be yourself, always tell the truth and be respectful to everyone. Be transparent, open, and sincere. Be positive always. Life does have its ups and downs, but when one door closes, another door opens. Always be open to learning new things and do not pigeonhole yourself and reject new opportunities. Exploring new areas will lead you to discover more about yourself.

What time do you usually have lunch? What do you usually have for lunch?

FG: I usually have lunch meetings or eat lunch at my desk so I can clear my emails ahead of back-to-back meetings. My favourite lunch is fish soup as I always have a thing for soups.

Free time: overrated or underrated? Why?

FG: Everyone needs to have a vacation day or week to spend time with family, and loved ones and to enjoy their interests. Clear these dates with your supervisor. When you are home, block off time each evening and dedicate it to family. After all, it is quality, not quantity that matters.

How do you achieve a work-life balance? How do you set boundaries?

FG: I know everyone talks about balance but in reality, it is not easy so and we just need to manage life as it is. Integrating work and family as best as possible is the way to manage life as best as possible.

How do you chase your dreams?

FG: Determination and hard work are part and parcel of making your dreams happen. It does not come by accident. You have to plan for it to happen.

Risks: should you take them? Why or why not?

FG: Everyone takes risks in life and they should. The question is whether or not it is a calculated risk or a rash one.

How do you deal with your shortcomings?

FG: Being aware of your shortcomings is the first step. Recognising them and getting the right team members that are able to support those shortcomings follows next. I believe in having a diverse team with different skill sets so we can deliberate and make informed difficult decisions.

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever gotten?

FG: Boyfriends can come and go but education and credentials at work stay with you for life.

How do you unplug?

FG: During the pandemic, I picked up painting. Painting is a great stress reliever and I have since become addicted to painting so much that I stay home to paint every weekend. I will light a scented candle and start my painting ritual with the sounds of my Tibetan bowl and that has kept my mind clear and stress-free.

How do you stay grounded?

FG: Spending time with the less privileged and understanding their difficulties in life have kept me grounded. 

How do you stay motivated?

FG: Finding satisfaction in my work helps me to continuously stay motivated to do more and better.

What would you consider your greatest accomplishment to date?

FG: Considering that I failed art in school, I never thought I could be a painter. However, I surprised myself and my friends by taking up painting later on in life and this goes to show that you should not underestimate what your brain can learn and do. With focus and determination, you will be surprised by what you can do and learn.

What is the last thing you do before you go to bed?

FG: I normally spray some aromatherapy lavender spray on my pillow. Before I sleep, I close my eyes and reflect on what has gone on during today and what I will set off to do tomorrow. At times, I say a little prayer for myself, my loved ones, and the world.

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