Meet Dr. Ivy, who is on her mission to make the world a better place. After achieving the remarkable feat of selling her business and retiring at just 40, Dr. Ivy is proving that true passion never rests. Now back in the game, she’s channeling her expertise into the water treatment industry while dedicating her time to uplifting underprivileged children and empowering SMEs to thrive.
Driven by a strong sense of purpose, she blends business acumen with philanthropy, creating a meaningful impact in both the entrepreneurial and social spheres. How did she get started? Here is Dr. Ivy’s story.
I understand that you sold your retail business at the age of 40 and then you planned to go into retirement. What made you come out of retirement?
There are two reasons. At 40 years old, I thought I had finished my career life. I wanted to retire. Two things that I did from 40 to 45: I focused on upgrading my education—I wanted to go back to school. Secondly, I created a charity on my own—A Better Tomorrow for Children. During those five years, I took care of many children from broken families, those dealing with suicidal thoughts, depression, or other troubles.
During those five years, I saw that many children needed help under each family umbrella. To reach more families, I realised one person couldn’t do the job alone. I needed to influence more people to join me as a team. It just so happened that my husband was in water treatment, but he had an accident in 2014. Since I wanted to start a business, I thought of doing something meaningful. God said, “Water is life.” I’m thinking it’s better to do water business. That is why I took over the CEO role at my husband’s company to run the business on his behalf.
How did your experience in running and designing your fashion business influence the way you approach your current venture in water technology and family wellness?
Actually, it’s very different. In retail, it’s about designing something nice at a good price that people will buy. In water technology, you need to be an expert and provide solutions for water crises. You need skilled professionals on your team. The first difficulty I faced was that people knew I had no water experience—why would they work with me?
The only thing I could do was show my ability to match businesses and demonstrate my determination. For the first two years, my job wasn’t to do business but to let people know about the German technology I wanted to bring to Asia. This technology is green and aligns with ESG values. To introduce German products to Asia, I travelled extensively.
In those two years, I travelled to over 20 countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia—places I had never visited before. In fashion, you visit Paris, London, Japan, and Korea, but not third-world countries. During those years, I met clients and connected with quality engineers in water treatment.
What are some of the biggest challenges you faced transitioning to the water treatment and household wellness industry, and how did you overcome them?
Wastewater treatment is costly. It’s challenging to convince people who use traditional methods to adopt new ones. Building relationships and trust is essential. My job is to help clients cut costs while solving water pollution problems.
I partnered with a US company with excellent technology and combined it with German and Asian technology to reduce costs and solve problems efficiently. Water treatment is expensive, but by pooling resources, we can provide better solutions.
For F&B and wellness, Singaporeans know tap water is safe to drink, but clean water isn’t enough. People need mineral water with calcium and magnesium. The only technology that enhances calcium and magnesium after boiling comes from Watch Water Germany. I raise awareness through roadshows, ads, and talks across different countries.
We are grateful for support from Kim San Leng coffee shops and local residents. Our goal is to create 10,000 happy and healthy families in Singapore. We are expanding this model to Taiwan, Malaysia, and China, aiming for clean, healthy water across Asia.
I hope to develop 1,000 SMEs which can sustain, grow, and survive future challenges, including another pandemic. We need to prepare for rainy days.
What role does your corporate lifelong learning and business consultation subsidiaries play in your overall vision for the company?
Watch Water focuses on industrial clients. Watch Family focuses on wellness and household water. After the pandemic, I noticed clients faced business challenges. Before selling them products, I realised they needed business coaching or consultations.
I earned my MBA from the US and China. I believe bosses need wisdom to grow and sustain their businesses. I conduct MBA classes through a listed company in Shanghai. Many top 500 Chinese companies are involved, and the network is invaluable.
Before I reach the goal of creating 10,000 happy families, I decided to support 1,000 SME bosses. If I want to reach 10,000 families, I need 1,000 SME bosses supporting Watch Water. This led to creating Watch Investments. These bosses buy into my wellness and water business, forming a mutually beneficial partnership.
What is your long-term vision for Watch Family and Watch Investments, and how do you see these ventures shaping the future of sustainability?
Watch Water and Watch Family focus on wellness and environmental care. Our vision is to create a world with secure, sustainable families. A healthy boss leads to a healthy company, benefiting employees and ensuring business sustainability.
We aim to partner with Singaporean bosses to develop new markets. I want entrepreneurs to have clear long-term goals, whether selling, merging, or growing their businesses. Watch Investments act as a bridge connecting entrepreneurs, providing support, and fostering partnerships.
I hope to develop 1,000 SMEs who can sustain, grow, and survive future challenges, including another pandemic. We need to prepare for rainy days.
You have also won numerous entrepreneur awards like Brands for Good and SME 100 awards. What do you think makes a good entrepreneur?
Since starting in 2015, Watch Water has won almost 40 awards, recognising our leadership, technology, and values. Awards validate our efforts.
I believe entrepreneurs should be kind, humble, and capable of influencing others. I thank God for putting me in this position. Although I’m not a water treatment expert, I run a successful company by connecting the right people.
Where do you see yourself and what’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
Personally, I retired at 40. Now, at 55, I enjoy a balanced life—reading, writing, and singing. I’m not a workaholic. I choose activities that bring value.
In the next 10 years, I hope to IPO Watch Family and pass it to the next generation.
Entrepreneurs need stronger partnerships. Young entrepreneurs must collaborate. Singapore’s government supports entrepreneurship, but we need to position ourselves better in Asia. Competing internationally requires substance and value.
Through Watch Academy, I want to elevate Singaporean entrepreneurs, preparing them for global opportunities. In September, we are hosting 1,000 bosses to celebrate our 10-year anniversary.
Connect with Dr. Ivy Heng: WatchWater and LinkedIn.
