Our &ahead team had the honor of celebrating the 70-year career of Judy Lux’s mom, a treasured artist in the local Chinese opera scene. Their conversation left us with invaluable lessons on success, mentorship, generational career and the enduring power of family and would want to share it with our community.
About Zhu Jingfen
Mdm Chee Kin Foon, a senior figure in Singapore’s Cantonese opera, has crafted a remarkable career through determination and passion. Over seventy years, she has performed with the Tarn Fah Keng Ying Charitable Dramatic Association, Lone Vale Musical and Drama Association, Tung On Association, and co-founded OperaWorks Singapore.
Her artistic success is rooted in early exposure to opera in Chinatown, starting at age seven, and her dedication to learning from renowned teachers and collaborating with top performers. Notable works include The Carp Fairy, Dream of the Red Chamber, and Tragedy of Princess LeChang, showcasing her lasting impact on Cantonese opera.
About Judy
Born and raised in Singapore, Judy transitioned to Berlin in 2004, where she navigated cultural and language barriers to establish herself as a leader in the tech industry. With a background in business development and a passion for medical research, she played a pivotal role in building her company’s success. Judy is also a dedicated mother who balances her entrepreneurial journey with family life, advocating for work-life balance and self-care. Her story of resilience and innovation serves as an inspiration to women in leadership.
How did your mum's leadership approach influence you, and how have you adapted or shifted that style to fit your professional relationships and success, especially in Germany?
Judy: My mother was a very strong leader, and growing up, I naturally adopted her authoritative style. She made decisions, and everyone followed—that was the norm. When I first started leading, I followed that same approach, and it worked in certain situations. But when I moved to Germany, I quickly realized that this style didn’t fit. The younger generation, especially in Germany, wants to be involved in decision-making. They don’t just follow orders; they need to feel like their voices are heard.
So, I shifted my approach to be more collaborative. Now, I involve my team in the decision-making process. I still set the direction, but I give them options within a range I’m comfortable with, and they choose. This has strengthened our professional relationships because people feel more engaged and responsible for the outcomes. It’s been an important change for me, and though it’s different from my mother’s way, I think it reflects the need to evolve with the times.
How do you both manage to balance your professional responsibilities with family commitments, and how did that balance evolve as your careers progressed?
Judy: It’s all about prioritizing what’s important. No matter how busy I am, I make sure to be present for the important family moments, like my daughter’s performances or spending time with my husband. Work can wait—family can’t. I try to be fully present when I’m with them. That balance has become even more important as my career has grown.
Judy’s Mother: Family has always come first for me, even when my career was at its busiest. We always had dinner together as a family, and that was non-negotiable. Those small routines are what keep a family strong. Over time, I’ve come to realize that no matter how successful you are in your career, if you don’t nurture your family, there’s something missing.
How did you manage living far away from each other when you were in Germany?
Judy’s Mother: Even though we were separated by an ocean, we never lost touch. We made sure to stay connected through phone calls, and every year, we would find time to visit each other. Despite the distance, our bond remained strong, and we always found ways to support one another, whether it was through summer visits or just staying updated on each other’s lives. The physical distance never weakened our relationship; instead, it made our moments together even more meaningful.
Judy: It’s difficult being away from family. You get lonely, emotional, and sensitive, but you push through because of your children. They give you the strength to keep going, no matter how tough things get.
Do you have any mentors? And, How did these mentors shape your leadership styles and values, and how do you apply what you learned from them in your own work?
Judy: Dr. Diana Yang was a huge influence. She didn’t teach in a traditional way but gave me opportunities to learn by observing and doing. She pushed me to figure things out on my own, and her generosity and dedication left a lasting impression. I try to mentor others in the same way now—it’s not about giving answers but helping others grow through experience.
Judy’s Mother: My aunt was strict but nurturing. She introduced me to the world of performing and taught me the importance of responsibility and dedication. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and career, and I apply them whenever I work with others. It’s about fostering growth and helping others succeed while maintaining strong values of discipline.
Balancing work and personal life is a challenge for many women, especially when raising families. What advice would you give to younger women who are trying to manage both their careers and family responsibilities, especially in today’s fast-paced world?
Judy: My advice is to set boundaries and know your priorities. You can’t do everything perfectly, and that’s okay. Focus on what’s most important in the moment—whether it’s your family or your career—and give yourself permission to make adjustments. It’s also important to ask for help and not feel guilty about it. Balancing both is about finding what works for you, not necessarily meeting everyone else’s expectations.
What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders on how they should approach these global issues? And how can they make meaningful contributions to society?
Judy: The younger generation needs to be resilient and adaptable. The challenges they’ll face—like climate change and inequality—are huge, and they’ll need courage and determination to push through. It’s important for them to understand that their actions affect more than just themselves—they impact the world around them. They need to hold onto their dreams but also realize that they’re part of something larger. It’s not about what society can give you but what you can give back.
Judy’s Mother: They need to understand their responsibility to the world. We’re all part of something bigger, and the next generation needs to realize that their actions have long-lasting effects. It’s about contributing to the greater good and understanding that success isn’t just individual—it’s about how you help others and leave the world better than you found it.
How do you personally give back to society, and what’s the most important lesson young professionals should learn about community responsibility?
Judy: For me, it’s about leading with integrity and teaching my children to contribute to society, not be a burden on it. In my business, I make sure every penny I earn is honest, and I never take advantage of others. I believe leaders have a responsibility to nurture the next generation and create positive impacts. My advice to young professionals is to remember that success isn’t just about what you gain—it’s about how you contribute to the world. We all have a role to play in making a difference.
Do you think you've been successful?
Judy: Success is a journey. I’m still learning every day. Even after two decades in Germany, every day feels like a new learning opportunity. It’s not just about achieving a specific goal—it’s about constantly growing and evolving. For me, success is also about waking up each day and still loving what I do. If that passion ever fades, it’s a sign that it’s time to move on to something new.
Judy’s Mother: For me, success is seeing my family happy and thriving. It’s about passing on knowledge and values to the next generation. I’ve taught many students over the years, and knowing that I’ve helped shape their futures gives me a sense of fulfillment. That’s where I find my success—knowing that I’ve contributed to the happiness and growth of those around me.