Tjioe Time

The quiet demeanour of Jocelyn Tjioe belies a determined businesswoman, eco-friend and doting mum. She shares with LIONNEL LIM on how she hopes to steer the Tung Lok Group towards more sustainable practices

- Lionnel Lim

Family means love, care, respect and support. We share laughter and tears. Their presence reminds us that we’re not alone,” says Jocelyn Tjioe reflectively. For her, family is everything, and this includes the in-laws and her siblings, along with their extended families. She may be half a globe away, but if ever any of her family needs her, she will be there in a flash.

As much as she’s a regular on the social circuit, Tjioe (say ‘chew’) says she in fact prefers to spend time at home with her family and friends. She loves travelling and flower arrangement, and enjoys listening to music to relax. “My youngest, Nydia, and I enjoy our regular shopping and coffee outings on my days off,” she adds.

Her grown-up children still live at their family home in a quiet suburb in central Bukit Timah. For them, the comfort of the familiar and strong family ties have never given them a reason to leave the nest, though she stresses that she will be fine when they do eventually move out. She’s already getting a small taste of the empty nest, it seems. “Our children are all grown up and have their own commitments,” she explains. “Most weekends, it’s just me and my husband.”

Her eyes light up when she talks about her children. Her two younger ones are in the arts and entertainment industries while her eldest joined the Tung Lok Group four years ago. Nydia, 24, graduated in cinematography last year and recently interned at a Los Angeles-based production company. “She also freelanced as a photographer and cinematographer. I’m so happy that she’s now back in Singapore, but I also worry that she may not be able to find a suitable job with the limited openings here,” she shares.