Author: Zoey Ooi 黄楚荋
Company: GIC Properties Sdn Bhd
Profession: Real Estate · Vocal Coach · Singing Competition Judge
Position: Real Estate Agent · Vocal Coach
《Dancing Through The Storm, Shining With Purpose》
The spotlight comes on, and the music begins. At the centre of the stage, a young girl takes a deep breath and slowly lifts the microphone. She knows that people are watching. Some are expecting her to succeed, some are questioning her, and some are waiting for her to make a mistake. But the moment the first note begins, she forgets about winning and losing. She gives everything she has to the stage she loves. That girl was me — Zoey Ooi.
Looking back, I have stood on countless stages. From school performances to national competitions, from international singing competitions to live concerts, and later to becoming a vocal coach and competition judge, the stage has accompanied me through different chapters of my life. It taught me something important: What determines how far a person can go is not the size of the stage, but whether she still has the courage to stand up again after falling.
I have stood on championship stages, but I have also cried quietly backstage after losing. Behind every trophy may be many failures that no one sees. Those experiences taught me to respect every opportunity and to accept the uncertainties of life.
Just when my career seemed to be moving forward, the pandemic suddenly brought the world to a standstill. The stage went quiet. But I reminded myself: A competition can be lost and entered again. Life is the same. When one door closes, I will look for another window.
In 2021, with the guidance of my late husband, I stepped into an entirely unfamiliar industry — real estate. For many people, it might have looked like a career change. For me, it was another competition in life.
I had to relearn the market, law, negotiation, sales and relationship management from the beginning. Step by step, I rebuilt my professional knowledge and credibility. I gradually realised that real achievement is not simply closing a transaction. What I value most is when a client is willing to place an important decision in my hands.
Today, I carry many identities — mother, singer, judge, teacher, real estate professional and charity volunteer. But if I could choose the identity that means the most to me, I would choose this: Someone who can light up another person’s life.
I believe a truly successful woman is not defined only by her career achievements. Her strength also lies in her ability to positively influence others. Not because she has never experienced storms, but because after everything she has been through, she still chooses kindness, courage and perseverance.
My life has never been a straight road. It has been a journey of constantly beginning again. The stage taught me confidence. Competitions taught me resilience. Setbacks taught me growth. And life taught me gratitude.
To every woman who is still finding her own stage: May you have the courage to step forward and let yourself be seen.
Because what truly shines is not the spotlight above us — it is the person who has walked through the storm and still chooses to move forward with light in her heart.
— Zoey Ooi 黄楚荋