Routine, Rhythm and Rose Gardens

In our latest People Without Compromise, we speak to Sales Director, Asia, Kai Chi Wong about finding balance in the everyday, the lessons she’s carried across borders, and why consistency can be one of the most powerful things you bring to the table.

Hi Kai Chi, what don’t you compromise on?

There are a few key things I always come back to: having a steady routine, learning from the places and people around me, and showing up consistently – for myself and for others.

Let’s start with routine. What does that look like for you?

For me, routine is less about structure and more about rhythm. It’s about having certain activities in the day that you do consistently – things that require care, time, and often patience.

During COVID I started gardening, and it’s still one of my favourite parts of the day. I grow roses, which isn’t very practical in Singapore’s heat, but I enjoy those small acts of care and attention that don’t always yield instant results. Checking the soil, pruning the leaves, hoping something blooms – it’s a test of patience and persistence. Some weeks, nothing happens at all, but that’s all part of it.

You don’t give up just because the conditions aren’t perfect or nothing’s happening. It reminds me that you can’t rush good things. The effort still matters, even if the result takes time.

Do you find that sense of rhythm in other parts of your life as well?

Absolutely. I get a similar feeling from looking after animals, as they also bring a kind of quiet joy that’s hard to replicate. No matter what kind of day you’ve had, they make it better.

We had cats and dogs growing up, and now I help foster cats and feed a few in my neighbourhood. Some of the cats are completely wild at first, so you have to go slowly and get them used to people so they can eventually be adopted. That also takes time and patience, but I like the routine of those small, consistent acts that make a difference.

What do you take from those routines and habits into other parts of your life?

A sense of balance, mostly. When everything else feels busy or unpredictable, it helps to have a few things that stay steady. Feeding the cats, checking the plants – those moments give shape to my day.

They remind me that consistent effort, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant, makes a difference and have impact. It’s something I try to carry through into everything else I do.

Lets talk about learning from different places – how has that shaped your perspective?

I’ve lived and worked in a few very different places, and it definitely changes the way you see things. You notice how expectations shift depending on where you are, and how much of people’s behaviour is shaped by the systems around them.

It’s made me more conscious – not just of other people, but of myself. I’ve learned to adapt, to listen more closely, to take a moment before assuming what’s normal. It doesn’t mean you change who you are, but you do start to develop a wider view of the world.

The more you experience, the more you realise how different normal can look depending on where you are. It doesn’t mean I adapt to everything easily, but it has made me more aware. Especially in a city like Singapore, where people come from everywhere, being able to recognise and respect that difference makes a big impact.

Has that shaped how your approach to work?

Definitely. Different cultures approach things so differently – confidence, collaboration, decision-making. That affects how people feel in a room. It’s helped me tune in to those cues more and to make sure I’m not just showing up in a way that works for me, but in a way that makes space for others too.

You mentioned consistency earlier. What does that look like in practice?

It’s about following through. Whether it’s feeding the cats outside my flat or seeing a project through, I try to be someone people can rely on. You never know what might stick with someone – a follow-up, a thoughtful response, a small bit of effort. Moments like that build trust over time, and ensuring I’m being consistent gives me something to anchor to.

You have a very mindful approach to your life and work, has that always come naturally?

It’s something I’ve grown into. I used to be driven by speed – getting through the list, moving quickly. But over time I’ve realised the value in slowing down a little and considering the next steps.

Gardening helped with that. So did running my own business. You learn that not everything has to happen at full speed, and in fact, sometimes the most important decisions need space.