Meet May, a woman whose entrepreneurial journey is defined not by success alone, but by extraordinary resilience. She lost her fortune twice, first during SARS and later due to a business dispute, yet she rebuilt her life each time with unwavering determination. Today, she stands as the founder of Amayzing Connect, a cross-border business consultancy that helps SMEs expand internationally through strategic partnerships and valuable grant support.

As a business leader, May brings a rare blend of grit, empathy and sharp business acumen to her work. From opening international markets for F&B and education brands, to guiding founders through the complexities of overseas expansion, she has become a trusted partner for companies seeking growth beyond Singapore.

You have lost your fortune twice, once during SARS and again due to a business dispute, yet you rebuilt your life each time. What kept you going where most people might have given up? 

I would say it came down to survival instinct. As a single parent with two schoolgoing children, I had to do whatever it took to provide for my family. More importantly, I have always believed that what does not break you makes you stronger. 

That belief gave me the motivation to reset each time. 

Amayzing Connect focuses on helping companies expand internationally through the Market Readiness Assistance grants. What inspired you to move into this space of cross-border business growth? 

It was partly opportunity and partly circumstance. During COVID, every gig and job I had came to a stop. A client then approached me with an antimicrobial solution and asked if I could help open doors. 

One thing led to another, and I managed to sell the solution to CapitaLand, which bought me six months of breathing space to reflect on what was next. Around that time, Enterprise Singapore began offering substantial grants to support SMEs during COVID.

I recognised the opportunity, decided to learn the ropes, and that was how I moved into cross-border business development, helping SMEs scale overseas. 

Could you share a few success stories that best illustrates Amayzing Connect’s impact? 

Due to NDA constraints, I cannot mention most client names, but one example would be Georges’ chain in Singapore. We facilitated their entry into the Vietnamese market, resulting in a successful flagship outlet. Similarly, we guided a renowned education chain’s expansion into Taiwan, where they are currently finalising a master franchise agreement.

On a different spectrum, we partnered with fine jewelry brand Carrie K to shape their international expansion strategy. When Carrie K explored the possibility of entering the Vietnam market, we conducted an on-the-ground market study to evaluate its feasibility.

During our overseas expedition, the founder gained valuable insights into the operational and market challenges of setting up a physical presence there. With these findings, she decided on participating in curated exhibitions to build brand awareness first, rather than making a costly investment in brick-and-mortar operations.

Many companies try to hire and station their own business development staff overseas, but the first year is usually spent just understanding the country. It can take two to three years to achieve what we do. 

This is why we encourage SME owners to think of us as their extended business development arm. They can outsource the work to us, and we help them land quickly without heavy spending on resources or manpower. 

Legacy comes down to core values and integrity. As parents, we naturally want our children to live well, but more than that, I hope my children can look at my journey and learn something meaningful from it.

Many entrepreneurs struggle with fear after major losses. What advice would you give to business owners who are trying to rebuild after setbacks? 

Not everyone needs to be an entrepreneur, and not everyone is suited for it. It depends on your current situation and circumstances. I know people who tried, failed, and then felt ashamed to return to a corporate job. But there is nothing to be ashamed of, because timing matters. 

If it is not the right time, going back to corporate work before trying again may be the wiser option. Resilience, networks, and resources greatly influence your chances of rebuilding. Jumping into something entirely new right after a failure can be dangerous. 

For those who truly have an entrepreneurial spirit, it is important to ask: “What did I learn from my previous failure, and how can I do better?” Before restarting, ensure you have capital, the right support system, and a conducive environment. That foundation is essential. 

What legacy do you hope to leave behind, both as an entrepreneur and as a mother who has shown her children what perseverance looks like? 

Legacy comes down to core values and integrity. As parents, we naturally want our children to live well, but more than that, I hope my children can look at my journey and learn something meaningful from it.

Whatever they choose to pursue, I hope they do it wholeheartedly, with strong principles, honesty, and integrity. Ultimately, one’s legacy is about one’s character and the passing on of values. 

What’s the most important issue in the world right now that needs urgent attention, and why?

This is a difficult question because there are many issues. But if I had to choose one, it would be world peace. If only we could stop all wars. 

What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years? 

I hope our future leaders can prioritise the development of future generations. Our education system produces academically strong students, but not necessarily business-ready or world-ready individuals compared to some neighbouring countries. 

We invest heavily in academics, but not enough in character building, resilience and real-world readiness. Having lived in China for 20 years, I have seen how they build strong foundations and prepare children for real-world challenges. 

Singapore, on the other hand, places heavy emphasis on grades. I hope we can create a more well-rounded education system, one that shapes capable, compassionate, and globally prepared individuals. 

If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why? 

I would reset everyone’s mindset so that no one chooses evil and everyone chooses to do good. With that, we would naturally have peace and no war.

Connect with May: AmayzingConnect and Instagram.