CHUI SAN FAM (VIVIENNE)
Nominee for what Award/s
Empowered Online Award
Confidence Reclaimed Award
Empowered Online Award
Empowered Online Award
What inspired you to step into the online space?
I’ve always been someone who loves trying new things and challenges. So when social media first emerged, I jumped in without much hesitation. I’ve been in the online space for over 15 years now. Back in 2016, a friend invited me to join her in a 30-day Facebook Live challenge. I said yes (even though it took me a while to GO LIVE), not really knowing where it would lead but that decision changed everything. At the time, many of my mentors were already encouraging us to use online platforms to share our message and grow our impact. That was the nudge I needed to start showing up consistently.
What started as a personal challenge soon became something much bigger today. I began to realise the power of my voice and the power of visibility. Initially, stepping into the online space was about breaking through my own limitations. But it has evolved into something far greater: a mission to create space for other women to rise too.
As a woman, a mum, and a coach, I chose to be the voice - to show up, speak up, and lead with truth. The online world became my platform to share real stories, spark connections, and remind women that they are already enough. Because if just one woman hears my message and it shifts her perspective, that alone could change the course of her life.
What were your biggest fears or challenges going digital?
In the beginning, one of my biggest fears was being judged; especially by the people who already knew me. My entire Facebook friend list included family, old friends, colleagues… and I worried how they’d perceive me. Would they laugh at me or support me? Or would my decision to show up online cause discomfort or disapproval for my loved ones?
I was also deeply self-conscious about my imperfect English, how I looked on camera, and all the little flaws I thought others would notice. A big part of me wondered, “Who am I to speak? Will anyone even care about what I have to say?”
Aside from that, I wasn’t sure how to create content that would actually stand out. Every step felt uncomfortable and uncertain but I chose to lean into the fear, because my message felt bigger than my doubts.
How has your online presence created impact or change?
Even though there might not be a lot of comments or likes, I’ve learned that people are still watching. Over time, I’ve received private messages from men & women who told me about my decision to show up online - just as I am; helped them shift the way they see themselves and how they show up in their own lives.
One of the most recent examples is my #IDGAFBeauty movement, which reminds women and young girls that they don’t need filters to be worthy, they are enough exactly as they are. What started as a bold act of self-expression has become a ripple effect. I’m deeply grateful that this movement has inspired others to embrace their real selves too - unapologetically and unfiltered.
What platforms, tools, or strategies helped you own your digital voice?
Facebook was my starting point - going live, posting stories, and building a strong sisterhood community. I now also use Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn to reach different audiences. There are many different tools like AI, Canva, Capcuts that helped me express my voice visually. Podcasting gave me a space to amplify the voices of others through 100 Successful Women – A Conversation to Inspire. But the biggest “strategy” was simply showing up as myself - consistently, vulnerably, and boldly.
What lessons would you share with women hesitant to embrace technology?
You don’t need to be good to start; you got to start to be BETTER!! Just start with what you have, where you are. The fear of being judged will always be there but don’t let that stop you from being seen. Technology is just a tool. But your voice? That’s your superpower. Be real, be relatable, BE YOU. And remember someone out there is waiting for your message to remind them that they’re not alone.
Confidence Reclaimed Award
Confidence Reclaimed Award
Describe a moment when you had to rebuild your confidence from rock bottom.
One of the hardest moments in my career was during my time as an assistant manager in a previous company. I was trying to get a task completed for a client when a male colleague from the warehouse became aggressive and yelled at me in front of others. I reported the incident, expecting support; but instead, my superior blamed me, questioning my capability rather than addressing the inappropriate behavior.
That moment shook me. I felt dismissed, unsupported, and unseen; not because of my performance, but because I was a woman in a male-dominated environment. My confidence took a massive hit. I felt like just another number to the company - replaceable and voiceless.
But that moment became a turning point. I promised myself I would never let anyone silence my voice again. I left that job and made a decision to rebuild; not just my confidence, but my identity. I dove deep into personal development, healing, and rediscovering my worth. Through that journey, I didn’t just find my voice - I now help other women find theirs too.
I believe every woman deserves to know she is worthy, powerful, and far more capable than she gives herself credit for. That experience broke me down but it also built the woman I am today.
What internal beliefs did you have to change to reclaim your self-worth?
One of the biggest internal shifts I had to make was letting go of the victim mindset and stepping into my power. For a long time, I believed life was happening to me; that I was at the mercy of circumstances, people’s opinions, and past disappointments. However, this started to change when I embraced one powerful truth I learned from Tony Robbins: “Life is happening for me, not to me.” That quote became a turning point in how I viewed setbacks, they are not as signs that I wasn’t enough, but as lessons and redirections helping me grow.
I began to believe that I am enough, just as I am. That I already have everything I need within me. I stopped waiting for external validation and started trusting my inner voice. Reclaiming my self-worth meant owning my story, reframing my struggles, and choosing to rise - not in spite of what happened, but because of it.
Who or what supported you during your comeback?
During my comeback, one of the biggest sources of support was the shift in my environment. As I stepped into my personal development journey, I intentionally changed my circle, surrounding myself with like-minded people who were also committed to growth.
These were the people who saw something in me, even when I couldn’t yet see it in myself. Their belief in me gave me the strength to keep going when doubt crept in.
One of the earliest tools that helped me was the book “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. That book gave me permission to take action, even when fear was present. It taught me that courage isn't the absence of fear, it’s moving forward with it.
How do you now walk in your truth and inspire others?
I now walk in my truth by showing up fully as myself whenever I can - unfiltered, unapologetic, and aligned with my mission to help women reclaim their roar (their confidence). A few months ago, I launched an online movement called #IDGAFBeauty to remind women and young girls: “You don’t need filters to impress — you are beautiful just as you are.”
Through this movement, I share raw, real moments and encourage others to embrace their flaws, own their stories, and love themselves without needing to seek validation. I lead by example, using my voice and platform to create space for others to do the same - because I strongly believe that when one woman stands in her truth, she gives others permission to rise too.
What advice would you give to a woman currently doubting herself?
There’s a lioness within you - powerful, wise, and ready to be unleashed. If you’re doubting yourself right now, know this: you don’t need anyone’s approval or permission to shine. Your voice matters. Your presence matters. You matter!!
Be yourself - fully, boldly, unapologetically. The world doesn’t need a perfect version of you… it needs the real you!!