Cover Tatler Singapore editor-in-chief Aun Koh in conversation with Aware’s president Ong Soh Chin and executive director Corinna Lim
Tatler Singapore editor-in-chief Aun Koh in conversation with Aware’s president Ong Soh Chin and executive director Corinna Lim
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In a candid video interview, Aware’s president Ong Soh Chin and executive director Corinna Lim share their remarkable journey in championing women's rights and leading Singapore's leading women's advocacy organisation
In addition to speaking to some of the founding mothers of Aware, we sat down with the current executive director and recently appointed president of Singapore’s pioneer women’s organisation.
For Ong Soh Chin, Aware has been a constant presence in her life since her formative years, sparking her passion for gender equality. As a journalist, she utilised her platform at women's magazine Cleo to shed light on issues like domestic abuse and the right to choose, empowering women through her stories.
For Corinna Lim, the revelation of Aware came much later when she attended a members' night, touched by the warm, authentic environment where women shared personal stories. It was a turning point that led her to dedicate her legal expertise to supporting women in need.
Below, watch the conversation with Lim and Ong.
Read more: Forget Barbie: Meet the real-life heroes who fought for gender equality in Singapore
The conversation delves into their experiences during the attempted takeover of Aware in 2009, a pivotal moment in the organisation's history. Both women expressed outrage and rallied together with others to reclaim Aware, realising the urgency of ensuring that the organisation remained a steadfast force for women's rights.
Lim's appointment as Aware's first executive director in 2010 marked a significant turning point. Under her leadership, Aware experienced transformational growth, professionalising every department and launching initiatives like the Sexual Assault Care Centre and Catalyze consulting.
Reflecting on her role as president, Ong Soh Chin emphasises the existential need for Aware's continued existence. With an ever-changing landscape and growing voices against women's rights, she remains committed to keeping Aware relevant and vigilant, ensuring it stays on the frontline of the fight for gender equality.
As the interview concludes, both leaders expressed their dedication to empowering women, acknowledging the ongoing need for vigilance and the importance of preserving Aware's legacy as the singular feminist organization in Singapore. Their shared commitment to uplifting women and their relentless pursuit of gender equality serves as an inspiring testament to the enduring power of Aware's mission and the tireless work of its leaders in shaping a more equitable future for all.
About
Aun started his career in media, working at illustrious publications in NYC, Paris, and Hong Kong before launching his own Asia-regional lifestyle magazine, East, that was called "Asia's hippest magazine" by Asiaweek and "an Asian Vanity Fair" by Fortune. Committed to community service, Aun has helmed the visual arts and literary arts divisions for the National Arts Council in Singapore; led the marketing, communications, and corporate community investments teams at the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre; was the founding Chair of the Pangdemonium Theatre Company; and currently sits on the Board of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. In 2006, Aun co-founded The Ate Group, a content strategy and communications agency specialising in F&B, hospitality, luxury and lifestyle. Aun has run the content and communications teams at Tripadvisor; similarly run content and communications at a sustainability focused tech start up; and run marketing and communications at a global BPO with over 17,000 employees worldwide. Aun has also been a consultant for Mediacorp and has produced and hosted two food & travel television series for them. In 2015 he began working on the creation of a private members club, Straits Clan, which he launched in 2019 and sold the following year. Returning to his roots, Aun joined Tatler Asia in 2023 as editor-in-chief in Singapore and is committed to telling great stories of change makers through Tatler’s online and offline platforms.
Work
As Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Singapore, Aun leads all the content teams: branded content, print, digital, and the creative teams. He works closely with the heads of each team to ensure that Tatler continues to cover the most important, inspiring and exciting stories that are affecting Singapore and our region. He also works closely with the events and commercial teams and is always excited to collaborate on new ideas and projects that the Tatler team can activate.
Follow Aun on Instagram at @aun_koh (primarily a food account) and on Linkedin here.
