Amy Chen’s promise: how a health crisis redefined resilience and fulfilment

Chen spent several years adjusting before formally retiring in 2021, acknowledging that many people fear retirement because of the sudden change in momentum and purpose. Despite her reluctance to leave behind her passion, “When I re-evaluated my updated life values, I realised this was actually the perfect opportunity for a graceful pivot,” she says. 

“The truth is, you have a choice,” says Chen. “You can choose to retire from the corporate stage, but you never have to retire from the stage of life.”

Chen’s life has become “infinitely richer”. Applying her expertise in strategy and planning, she sketched a plan for “Life 3.0”, organised around a rule of thirds—health and family, travel and continued learning, and giving back. As part of this commitment to service, she’s focused on mentoring younger women as a founding member and vice-chairwoman of the Women on Boards Association and on supporting education in Taiwan, as a chairwoman of the newly established Lycée International Français de Taipei; these contributions to Taiwan-France trade and cultural exchange earned her the recognition of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest civilian honour, in October 2025.

Looking ahead, Chen sees retirement planning as more than preparing for unexpected life setbacks or health challenges—it’s also a promise to the next generation: to pass on crucial values and habits to the next generation, spanning her family members and mentees alike. Chen maintains her family commitments as she fulfils new promises to be present whenever her children need her; she described an “indescribable sense of happiness” derived from helping her son settle into a new job in San Francisco.

Her advice to younger women is to promise themselves to boldly envision the script they want to write, without limiting themselves, while also taking care of their health. “Don’t let the title on your business card become all that you have,” she says.

“Approach life with a positive mindset, turn challenges into opportunities, and cultivate your own resilience,” she says. “Life is full of possibilities—and your future is entirely in your hands.”

Tatler Hong Kong’s content director asked Amy Chen two questions about keeping promises, and the next generation

Tara Sobti: How did your health challenge specifically impact the promises you made to your children and family?  

Amy Chen: In the past, my career demanded that I sacrifice a great deal of time with my family. Having experienced firsthand how quickly life can slip away, I now cherish every moment I spend with them even more. Therefore, I made them a promise: "Whenever you need me, no matter the time or place, I will be there for you."

Tara Sobti: If you had just 30 seconds to deliver one core message to someone facing a major life setback or health challenge, what is the ultimate lesson from your journey you would share, as a promise to the future?

Amy Chen: You may feel like you're walking through a dark tunnel right now, but remember: there is always light at the end of it. So, never give up. Keep moving forward with courage. As long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other, you will eventually step into your own light.