After a diverse international career in media, Dona Amelia moved into the business world two years ago and now facilitates peer group meetings for senior executives.
What’s your story?
I was born and grew up in Indonesia. After I graduated from university, I worked for many TV stations across Indonesia and traveled across the globe to host shows and concerts. I was a TV presenter, actress, DJ, and singer for over 10 years.
In 2015, I took a leap of faith and moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam before eventually settling in Singapore in January 2018. I soon found my footing as a businesswoman and I am now the Co-Founder & Director of EGN Singapore where I work alongside my husband, Nick Jonsson and our partner AJ Boelens.
What excites you most about your industry?
I really enjoy meeting new people and discussing ideas. I have found that my interactions with the members of EGN and experiences with our esteemed guest speakers have continued to enhance my appreciation of knowledge sharing, and fuel my ambitions as a businesswoman.
What is your connection to Asia?
My career has offered me the opportunity to travel across the world but Asian destinations have a special place in my heart. My Indonesian roots have allowed me to view the world through the lens of someone with a strong heritage and values. This has undoubtedly influenced my belief system and business ethics.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
My favourite city is Singapore because it is a global business hub for Asia. The opportunities here are endless. On top of being safe and well-organized, the country itself is renowned for integrity and reliability – which acts as a perfect complement to our organization.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
This life is only temporary, so focus on what really matters especially on how it may benefit the people around you in the present and future.
Who inspires you?
Bill Gates famously said, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others”. This strongly resonates with me as my approach to empowerment involves a tuned balance between independence and support. In addition, his selfless work in philanthropy via his foundation is also a constant inspiration for me to give back to society.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
I learnt that innovation, adaptability and grit do wonders in allowing a business to thrive even during a pandemic.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would have liked to savour the little things in life a little more.
I would have also invested more time and money for the less fortunate by providing them with opportunities for continued education, especially for women who are bound by traditional roles.
How do you unwind?
I enjoy meditation via prayer, listening to audiobooks, and regular exercise.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Definitely Indonesia! The sights, sounds, food, and my family will always be my ultimate retreat.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers” by David Rubenstein.
Shameless plug for your business:
EGN is a business that covers two important areas that are often overlooked by executives today.
Oftentimes, executives may not be able to find a forum where they can openly discuss work related issues and exchange information and expertise with their peers. They usually feel limited to networking at major conferences and industry events. At EGN, we hold confidential peer group meetings and provide members with a platform for future-focused discussions. It is of paramount importance that our members gain regular access to fresh ideas and perspectives that they might find useful enough to apply to their organization.
Our members are also a part of an exclusive group that acts as a support system for professional and personal issues alike. In this turbulent economy fueled by Covid-19, many organizations are forced to transform the way they run their business. At EGN, we are now focused on the issue of executive loneliness and providing the necessary support to negate its pernicious effects.
EGN Singapore has currently 310 members divided into 10 peer groups. Most of our members are senior executives at the Regional Director level or Business Owners/Founders. We have groups in Executive Leadership, Marketing, Supply Chain, HR, Finance and Business Owner/SME’s.
How can people connect with you?
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaamelia/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +65 84 999 216
Website: sg.egn.com
Social Media Links?
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MissDonaAmelia
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/missdonaamelia/
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To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
