Author: Zoey Ooi
Company: GIC Properties Sdn Bhd
Profeesion: Housing Estate /Vocal tutor/Singing Competition Judge
Position: Properties Agent /Vocal Teacher
Forged by the Stage, Shining Through Resilience
The spotlight comes on, and the music begins to play.
At the center of the stage, a young woman takes a deep breath and slowly raises the microphone. She knows that among the audience are those who believe in her, as well as those who doubt her. Some are ready to applaud, while others are waiting for her to make a mistake. Yet the moment the first note begins, thoughts of winning or losing disappear. All that remains is her wholehearted love for the stage and her dream.
That young woman is me—Zoey Ooi (黄楚荋).
Looking back, I have stood on countless stages throughout my life—from school auditoriums to national competitions, from international singing contests to concerts attended by thousands. Later, I stepped onto another stage altogether when I entered the real estate industry. Through every chapter of my journey, I have come to believe that a person’s true greatness is not determined by the size of the stage they stand on, but by their courage to rise again after every fall.
I have stood on championship podiums more times than I can count, but I have also experienced many defeats, quietly wiping away my tears backstage. What people rarely see is that behind every trophy lie dozens of failures. Those setbacks taught me to cherish every opportunity, respect every challenge, and embrace life’s uncertainties with grace.
Just as my career was flourishing, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. Yet I reminded myself, “If you can compete again after losing a contest, you can certainly begin again in life.” When one door closes, I choose to look for another window.
In 2021, guided by my late husband, I stepped into a completely unfamiliar industry—real estate. For many people, it was simply a career change. For me, it was another competition in life.
I started from scratch, learning the market, property laws, negotiation, sales, and relationship building. Step by step, I built my professionalism and earned my clients’ trust. While others may notice my sales achievements, what I treasure most is the confidence my clients place in me when they entrust me with one of the most important investments of their lives.
Today, I wear many hats—a mother, singer, judge, educator, real estate professional, and charity volunteer.
But if I had to choose the identity I value most, it would be being someone who inspires and uplifts others.
I firmly believe that a truly successful woman is not defined solely by her career achievements, but by her ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Success is not about avoiding life’s storms; it is about choosing kindness, courage, and perseverance even after enduring them.
My life has never been a smooth road. It has been a journey of starting over, time and time again. The stage taught me confidence. Competitions taught me resilience. Setbacks taught me growth. Life taught me gratitude.
My hope is that every woman will find the courage to shine on her own stage in life. Because what truly radiates is not the spotlight above us, but the strength within us—the strength to keep moving forward after every storm.
“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass; it is about learning to dance in the rain. True success is not measured by the applause we receive, but by our ability to remain kind, steadfast, and continue lighting the way for others after weathering life’s challenges.”