Constant Change

When she’s not cooking up at storm in the kitchen of Luxe Singapore, Chui’s off-work attire is much more relaxed and a tad more refined. “I love fine gauge sweaters made from wool, cashmere or silk blends as I can wear them for many occasions, from the air-conditioned conditions of Singapore, to the hot/cold conditions of Sydney at the moment.” Born in Singapore, with a  Malaysian heritage, and growing up in Australia, Chui made a conscious decision to leave the legal profession and become a chef. “It was a natural progression from my point of view; I found being a lawyer rather stifling and needed a creative outlet.” Chui’s job has recently evolved — she used to be the chef/owner of her own restaurant, and she is currently heading the creative direction for the menus of Luxe in Singapore and their original branches in Sydney. “There’s innately a lot of variety in my job, which ranges from cooking in one of the kitchens of Luxe, looking at menu concepts, testing recipes so that they can be consistently followed, to travelling and seeking inspiration. This is ideal for me as variety and routine-less days keep me on my toes.” Her ideal workplace is somewhere with high ceilings, good storage systems, and which is zen-quiet, although she’s fully aware that kitchens tend to be the exact opposite. Chui finds it important to learn about the historical contexts of any profession. “I think it empowers you to be respectful to the customs of your profession and equip you with knowledge to become innovative,” she says. “Also, be aware that the skills and knowledge you’re being trained in in the workplace are just the beginning for your personal research; practice does make perfect.” While Chui says that it is often a constant discipline to prioritise personal time appropriately and not become lost in work, she’s aimed to create a job for herself that allows her to travel, spend time with friends and family, and also to spend time on personal development. She seems to accept that things seldom go according to plan, however.  “Everything is in a constant state of change.”