In 2010, Singapore’s Chinese-language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao published a story about Ni Hong, a determined woman from Sichuan, China, who worked her way up from being a “factory floor girl” to becoming the boss of her own business in Singapore.
Humble beginnings in Sichuan
Ni Hong graduated from the Mechatronics Department of Hongguang Electronic Technology College in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, in 1996. Fresh out of school, she started her career as a machine operator in the design department of her hometown’s factory. Her job involved assembling distribution boxes by carefully fitting electronic components according to circuit diagrams — a task that required precision and patience.
Despite the job’s physical demands, which were challenging for a young woman, Ni Hong saw it as a chance to build a strong work ethic. She viewed those early days not just as a job, but as an opportunity to learn the value of perseverance and discipline, traits that would serve her well in the future.
Taking a leap to Singapore
Toward the end of 1997, Ni Hong stumbled upon a job advertisement for a position in Singapore. Without hesitating, she decided to apply, and after a series of written tests and interviews, she was accepted. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life that would test her resilience and drive.
When she first arrived in Singapore, Ni Hong underwent a brief training period before being assigned to the production line as an operator. She soon found herself juggling a demanding schedule of 12-hour shifts, alternating between day and night, while also pursuing a three-month National Technical Certificate (NTC-3) course.
Ni Hong later reflected: “The workload wasn’t the hardest part; it was the night shifts that really pushed me to my limits. Keeping my eyes glued to the machines, always alert, took a toll on me both physically and mentally.”
Rising through the ranks
What Ni Hong remembers most vividly was the moment her Malay supervisor asked her to operate a machine independently after only three days of training. Initially, she was furious, thinking she was being singled out and treated unfairly. But later, she learned that he had noticed her quick grasp of the tasks and her willingness to communicate in English, which led him to trust her abilities sooner than he did with others.
Her outstanding performance soon caught the attention of her superiors, who recognized her potential. They provided her with opportunities to train in other departments. They even sponsored her to take more advanced courses, such as the NTC-2 in electronic technology and eventually a course in electronic engineering at Temasek Polytechnic. Aware of how rare these chances were for a foreign worker, Ni Hong embraced each one with enthusiasm and determination.
Building connections in her new home
Reflecting on her journey, Ni Hong fondly remembers meeting a local woman during her factory days who became like family to her. They bonded so well that the woman later took Ni Hong in as her goddaughter. This friendship offered Ni Hong a sense of belonging in a foreign land and gave her the strength to keep pushing forward.
Ni Hong was grateful for the company’s fair treatment of its foreign employees, noting how they were given the same opportunities for growth as their local counterparts. This equality allowed her to grow from a technician to an assistant engineer, eventually leading to her participation in key company projects.
A new chapter: Becoming an entrepreneur
After graduating from Temasek Polytechnic, Ni Hong successfully transitioned her work permit to a Skill Pass and later gained permanent residency in Singapore. The moment she became a permanent resident was emotional for her, as tears of joy flowed freely. “All those years of hard work felt worth it,” she said. “I never thought I would see this day come, but here I am!”
Not content to rest on her laurels, Ni Hong chased her entrepreneurial dreams. With her savings and some financial help from friends, she launched “Golden Chopsticks Chengdu Hot Pot” in Singapore’s Bugis area in 2009. Despite the crowded market, Ni Hong remained optimistic, believing that competition would only make the business environment more dynamic and exciting.
Overcoming initial challenges and finding success
The first few months of running her hotpot restaurant were tough. Ni Hong faced challenges, such as high rent, low customer traffic, and her own lack of management experience. However, through her resilience and clever marketing tactics, such as distributing flyers and running advertisements, she gradually built a loyal customer base. Eventually, she relocated the restaurant to the bustling Chinatown Food Street, where it flourished.
In her quest to improve her management skills, Ni Hong pursued additional courses through the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and advanced training programs co-organized by Tsinghua University. These experiences deepened her understanding of business management, equipping her with the tools she needed to succeed.
Turning challenges into opportunities
Ni Hong’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the willingness to seize opportunities. Her story shows that through hard work, self-improvement, and a positive mindset, anyone can turn their dreams into reality and become a better version of themselves.
Translated by: Chua BC
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
