From living in a bubble to two worlds: Sandra Leong found her connection to home through Singaporean food

“I wanted to experience what it would be like to be a very small, insignificant fish in a big pond.”

In a world where career paths often seem linear, Sandra's story is a refreshing reminder of the power of change. From her beginnings as a journalist in Singapore to becoming a co-owner of Old Chang Kee in London, Sandra's journey is one of courage, adaptation, and a deep love for Singaporean food.

Growing up in a “bubble”, Sandra's decision to leave her established career in journalism was not an easy one. It was driven by a desire to experience life beyond the familiar confines of Singapore. Her move to London was a leap into the unknown, fueled by love and a yearning for new experiences. Despite the challenges, Sandra embraced her new life, starting from the bottom in a media company and gradually finding her footing.

The homesickness for familiar Singaporean flavors led Sandra to a new venture - introducing Singaporean food to London. Working with Old Chang Kee, a Singaporean brand, she brought the beloved curry puff to the UK, adapting it to the local market while maintaining its authentic essence. This venture was not just about food; it was about sharing a piece of Singapore with the world.

From dealing with cultural adjustments to managing a business in a new city, Sandra still faces numerous challenges. Yet, her story is also one of ambition, growth and resilience, as she challenges herself constantly and it ends up as this “big next thing” with Old Chang Kee in London. 

Sandra's journey is a powerful reminder that life is filled with unexpected turns. Her ability to adapt, embrace change, and pursue her passions is an inspiration to anyone looking to redefine their paths. As she continues to spread her love for Singaporean food, this chapter is far from “finished” - it's just beginning. Her wise and practical advice for our younger generations - “Don't be so fixated on your first step because it's not going to be the last step.”

As a parent reflecting on her early years, her wish for her son - “I just want him to be more all-rounded, socially adaptable. Have an understanding of the world, have empathy for people who are not from your immediate social circle as I don't think that I had an opportunity for that.”

This comes from a deep awareness that she is imperfect and a work-in-progress. Who isn’t? It takes courage to be different and take the road less travelled. 

Her ways to restore, refresh and recharge during her pauses:

Restore… Heal and regulate body and mind again

• Family: Spending time back home in the motherland with my parents and sisters.  I regress and get looked after, no shame in that. 
• Guilty pleasures: Watch bad films, read low-brow books, eat what I want!
• Saying no: If I don't feel like doing something social during this period if time, I make my excuses. It doesn't mean I don't like the person who's asking, just that it's not the right time.

Refresh: Gain new perspectives

• Talking to strangers: You can find unlikely connections. During my last ride in an Uber, I found out that the driver had invested his life savings in fibre optic cables in Africa and was driving an Uber whilst waiting for his windfall. We both said we "respected each other's hustle"!
• Cooking: Asian food is diverse in itself but there are so many more world cuisines and flavours to explore.
• Write: Sometimes I feel the urge to document an opinion or a conviction, and getting it down on paper and sharing it with people helps me process it.  

Recharge! Bring new energy

• Me time: Walks, solo lunches, watching a film! Embrace being alone in your own thoughts and not being answerable to anyone (even if for a short time). 
• Allies: Making a change can be a shock to the system and not everyone will understand why you're doing what you're doing. Find and connect with people who have done the same.
• Learning something new, formally or informally:  Currently, I am trying to understand Tik Tok marketing.  Realising that there's always new ways to do things is energising. 

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