Eileen Lui is making a difference, saving the world one person at a time.
What’s your story?
I come from humble beginnings – with both my parents being government teachers and as such was taught to never sit on my ass (unless you wanted to feel the rotan right on that tush)! I started earning my own pocket money at the age of 15 while still studying and from that to now, I think I’ve come a long way (so my story is actually long) and I have my parents to thank. Oh, sorry. I’m Malaysian Chinese and have not lived in Malaysia for nearly 10 years. I’ve been living like a gypsy across Indochina with the intention of saving the world. Whilst my advertising businesses have stabilised, I’m pursuing my passion of saving the world. (I wasn’t joking about that). I’ve established a Youth Centre in Myanmar and have also started a social enterprise called SoyAi that empowers underprivileged youth to change their lives for the better.
What excites you most about your industry?
Creating positive impact and touching lives. MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Saving the world one person at a time.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born here.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I don’t do enough business across Asia. I only have one business in Malaysia and a couple of businesses in Cambodia and one social enterprise in Myanmar. So, I don’t think I’m qualified to mark down a favourite city for business. Each has its own pros and cons I think!
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“We rise by lifting others,” quoted by R. Ingersoll
Who inspires you?
Maya Angelou ~ she said, “When you get, give. When you learn, teach.” This is my root. This keeps me grounded.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That you can be the top CEO of a multinational company and you can still fail at running your first social enterprise
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Ok. This is a hard one. I mean, the mistakes I have made got me where I am today. Hmmm… but if I can fantasize, I would have liked to be a sports legend and I would have fought my parents tooth and bone for it back then.
How do you unwind?
I do four hour triathlon training. Yes. Don’t give me that look. That’s how I unwind.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali. I fell in love and got married there.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Harry Potter series. What? Creativity and imagination is needed for business, ok!
Shameless plug for your business:
We are not cheap but we are damn good (my company in Cambodia that does event management)
How can people connect with you?
Facebook and Instagram. It’s the digital age my friend.
Twitter handle?
@eileenlui
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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