CIMB x UltraLuxe Advocacy present Ageless Luxury: 10 advocates who are redefining beauty and wellness

Kelly Keak
Managing director, mtm labo Singapore

Amongst beauty enthusiasts, mtm labo is a beloved brand that is celebrated for its personalised skincare solutions. At the helm of this innovative company is Kelly Keak. Under her leadership, mtm labo has embraced a philosophy that emphasises the importance of custom-blended skincare that cater to the unique needs of each individual. Her vision for mtm labo reflects her commitment to nurturing beauty and wellness in a deeply connected way, ensuring that every client feels valued and understood. “My mom once told me ‘Either we make our business successful or we sleep on the street.’” she recalls. “I’m proud to say that this year, mtm labo celebrated its 21st anniversary in Singapore.” 

Keak’s upbringing in a family business has instilled in her a strong sense of integrity, perseverance, and determination—all the qualities she applies to her professional and personal life. Beyond work, she balances her responsibilities as a devoted mother with charitable activities, all while pushing the boundaries of innovation in the skincare industry. “One of the traits that best define me is ‘explorative’; I love to discover new opportunities.”

Keak’s secret to staying ageless: “As the saying in Mandarin goes, ‘There are no ugly women; only lazy women.’ It is important to stay consistent with our skincare routine every day. I also truly believe in having good balance from the inside out–taking care of our mental well-being, exercising regularly, maintaining our body and skin health.”

Jean Yip
Director, Jean Yip Group

The Jean Yip Group is a name that is familiar to many, if not most in Singapore. For over four decades, the woman behind it has been a leading visionary in the local beauty and wellness industry. Established by Jean Yip in 1982, Jean Yip Group has grown from a single outlet in Katong Plaza to over 80 hair, beauty, and slimming salons across Singapore and Malaysia. With a steadfast dedication to providing exceptional services and a comprehensive range of offerings that address every facet of hair, beauty, and nails, Jean Yip Group has become a leading name in the industry. What’s more, the group has expanded into the lifestyle and real estate domain with the Jean Yip Holdings subsidiary—a luxury real estate developer of premium residential, commercial, and industrial properties in prime areas around Singapore.

Needless to say, hairdressing and entrepreneurship are some of Yip’s passions, as well as spending time with her loved ones. “Some of the most memorable milestones in my life is Jean Yip Group being recognised for our excellence in service, innovation, and significant business growth,” she shares. “But without a doubt, meeting my husband Mervin, the love of my life, tops it all.” Yip strongly believes self-care is essential for overall well-being, as evidenced by Jean Yip Group’s comprehensive range of holistic services that cater to every aspect of beauty and wellness. Moving forward, the company is venturing into the world of clean beauty with JY Organics, an organic hair care service offering organic hair colouring and scalp treatments.

Yip’s secret to staying ageless: “Be happy and keep a positive mindset. Above all, spread more love by doing charitable work.”

Cheryl Wee
Founder, Cheryl W

Once a familiar face on our television screens, Cheryl Wee is now a multifaceted entrepreneur and the brains behind Cheryl W. Transitioning from a successful career as an actress, Wee was driven by her past experiences with stress and weight management to create the wellness company that aims to empower modern women. The ‘W’ in Cheryl W stands for wellness, weight management, as well as wisdom and wealth—encapsulating her belief that health is foundational to success. “My passion lies in holistic wellness—specifically in weight management and nutrition,” Wee shares. “Having gone through an eating disorder in my late teens, it has given me a unique standpoint in dealing with these issues.” Her dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle extends beyond her business, as she uses personal struggles to actively share tips and insights to inspire and support others on their wellness journeys as they achieve their best selves.

Wee’s secret to staying ageless: “Good nutrition—it does wonders. Above all, I value freedom: freedom of being unapologetically you and accepting yourself. Health is really wealth; you need a healthy body to pursue anything.”

Andrew Tetley
Entrepreneur and founder, Woorailoora Pte Ltd

A seasoned entrepreneur and business leader in Singapore with over two decades of experience across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, it’s safe to say that Andrew Tetley always has his finger on the pulse of wellness, beauty, and consumer goods. As the driving force behind his ventures, Andrew’s creative approach to business building has led him to navigate diverse markets with agility and insight. Today, he is the founder of Woorailoora Pte Ltd, which distributes products in the premium professional hair care category across South East Asia. Tetley is also passionate about mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and sharing his wealth of knowledge to help them hone their skills. His commitment to fostering growth and innovation is evident as he embodies the ethos of staying ‘ageless’ through constant connection and evolution.

Tetley’s secret to staying ageless: “Four things: Just the right amount of sleep; keeping positive company with friends, family and peers; blocking out negative noise from others; and managing stress (which is not very easy when you have a business to run).”

Selina Ong
Co-founder, Coulisse Heir

Luxury hair and scalp care specialist Coulisse Heir is a homegrown innovator who redefined the salon experience with its focus on bespoke scalp care. The brains behind the business is Selina Ong, who has 18 years of experience in the beauty space. Her approach to beauty is deeply rooted in the belief that true luxury lies in personalisation and privacy, offering clients a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional salon services. Ong describes herself as a “passionate and creative hustler”—one who values lifelong learning both in life and business. Her passion for self-care extends to her personal life too, adding “Amidst the demands of entrepreneurship, prioritising self-care and mental well-being is also crucial.” Besides spending quality time with her family, she is also an avid sportsperson who enjoys trekking and spin classes, which have become a key part of her routine to boost her physical health and mental clarity.

Ong’s secret to staying ageless: “Prioritise self-care and self-love in your daily routine, and surround yourself with positive influences. Just as your skin ages, so does your scalp. Nurturing your scalp as part of your beauty regimen helps maintain a healthy environment and keeps you feeling ageless.”

Elyn Sim
Founder, ReCulture Life

Empowering women to be the best version of themselves through long-lasting and effective wellness solutions is a central tenet of Elyn Sim’s philosophy. It propelled her to start ReCulture Life, a wellness boutique in Singapore that specialises in holistic weight management programmes that combine efficacious natural remedies and clean eating habits with wholesome meal preparations for better health and overall well-being. She believes wellness is a continuous journey where there are opportunities for rediscovery, reconnection, and renewal at different phases of our lives. “By being intentional about taking care of ourselves, we end up making better life choices which not only benefit us, but our loved ones as well.” This dedication extends beyond her professional role, as she actively promotes a balanced lifestyle that prioritises mental, physical, and emotional nourishment. “I’m all about living in the moment; spending time and making memories with my family and friends,” she shares. Sim’s commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where women can achieve their health goals and regain their confidence makes her a standout figure in the beauty and wellness industry.

Sim’s secret to staying ageless: “Have a grateful heart, a positive mindset, and don’t forget to live in the moment.”

Dr Jade Kua
Founder and director of education, Jade Life and Wellness Coaching Academy

Mental and emotional health are just as important as one’s physical health. Just ask Dr Jade Kua. For many years, she honed her skills as a general and paediatric emergency specialist, even working on the frontlines during the Covid-19 pandemic. Over time, her passion for empowering individuals led her to transition into life coaching. And thus, Jade Life And Wellness Coaching Academy was born. Dr Kua views coaching as a powerful tool to facilitate personal growth and transformation within her clients to help them achieve their goals and make meaningful changes in their lives. 

Beyond her coaching endeavours, she is dedicated to community service, notably through the Dispatcher-Assisted First Responder (DARE) program, which educates young people on life-saving CPR skills. Dr Kua is also the chairman of the Mental Health Film Festival. The 5th MHFFS runs from November 7 to 10 and aims to raise awareness on mental health issues such as suicide, resilience, and work-life balance. 

Dr Kua’s secret to staying ageless: “Good sleep and peace of mind.”

Vanessa Ong
Entrepreneur

Vanessa Ong is a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Glyken by Gernise Global, a company best known for its innovative health products, including bird's nest superfoods. Her entrepreneurship journey began in 2004 and despite facing numerous challenges along, Ong’s resilience and determination propelled her to keep pushing on—eventually starting a new wellness division under Gernise Global. Her aim: To create health products such as bird’s nest that emphasise natural ingredients and holistic well-being. Her philosophy centres around overcoming adversity and using life’s challenges as a catalyst for growth. This belief is deeply embedded in her business ethos, as well in her personal life in whatever she tackles. She shares: “I completed my first half marathon three years ago and it was an emotional and unforgettable milestone. It represented overcoming personal barriers and pushing beyond my comfort zone. Every step was a testament to my persistence, determination, and belief that it’s never too late to start something new.” 

Ong’s secret to staying ageless: “It lies in a blend of regular and consistent exercise, a steadfast positive mindset, and taking care of my body with the right supplements. I also make sure to include my daily dose of Glyken birdnest, which supports my overall well-being. Staying happy and finding joy in the little things also play a crucial role. This holistic approach keeps me youthful, vibrant, and ready to embrace each day with energy and optimism.”

Dr Andrew Lui
Dental surgeon; co-founder and director, Dental Essence

Dr Andrew Lui is a dental surgeon and the co-founder of Dental Essence, a clinic he established in 2009 with fellow expatriate Dr Gareth Pearson. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Dr Lui’s dedication to dentistry is driven by his love of bonding with people from all walks of life and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to create healthy smiles. For him, dental care is about finding the balance between conservative and effective treatments, harnessing technology to enhance patient experiences without compromising on quality. This approach not only defines his practice but also reflects his genuine pursuit towards building lasting relationships with his patients, many of whom have become friends over the years. Dr Lui’s guiding principle? To integrate his professional experience with social service, as evident in his volunteer work at the Tzu Chi free clinic since 2007 and mentorship of interns that pass through the clinic. When he’s not caring for smiles, Dr Lui cherishes moments with his loving wife, two daughters, and their poodle, and is also a fitness enthusiast who believes in embracing life’s journey with curiosity and learning. “Life is a beautiful adventure of growth and discovery,” he shares.

Dr Lui’s secret to staying ageless: “Nourishing my body with wholesome foods, staying active and of course taking time out for self-care. Several years ago, I embarked on a transformative health journey and am thrilled to be achieving my goals. Good health and fitness are also style statements, don't you think?”

Visit www.ultraluxeglobal.com to learn more about the brands that will be participating this year.

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