“In Cantonese, we have this saying: yi sek ju hang (衣食住行). It conveys what’s most important in life – what you wear, what you eat, where you live, and how you commute,” says Caecilia Chu.
This saying was taught to the entrepreneur by her mother, and has always resonated deeply with the Her World Young Woman Achiever 2023. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Caecilia moved to Singapore in 2017. The Singapore Permanent Resident shares that her humble beginnings meant that she realised the importance of money early in life. “My dad was a postman and my mum was a kindergarten teacher, and having grown up without much, my life goals have always revolved around satisfying the essential needs of yi sek ju hang (衣食住行).”
The 40-year-old elaborates: “I told myself that if I could do a really good job in my career when it comes to banking, finance, and payments, then I can address the fundamental needs that would really impact the lives of others.”
Today, as the CEO and co-founder of Youtrip, Singapore’s first multi-currency mobile wallet, Caecilia is indeed making an impact when it comes to people’s finances, especially in the space of cross-border payments.
In 2018, she launched Youtrip, a fintech platform that allows individuals to use a prepaid Mastercard card to pay in more than 150 currencies – whether they’re travelling or shopping online – without incurring extra currency conversion fees or markups. Effectively disrupting the once opaque foreign exchange payments scene, Youtrip has transformed the way people transact when they travel. Being among the first worldwide to roll out its wallet feature, it’s also the first home-grown multi-currency mobile player in the market.
EMBRACING SETBACKS
Esta historia es de la edición October 2023 de Her World Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 2023 de Her World Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
What Are Some Watches That Double As Pieces Of Art?
The Bvlgari Fenice High Jewellery watch is a spell-binding expression of the Italian jeweller's audacious aesthetic.
Getting To The Seoul Of K-Beauty
The days of complex 10-step skincare routines may be behind us, but K-beauty's skin-first approach continues to dominate markets worldwide. Here's a closer look at the phenomenon.
My Super Power Is Saying No
It's 2009, and some 1.67 million Singaporeans are tuning into the two-hour finale of the hit Chinese language series The Little Nyonya, transfixed by the multi-generational saga of three Peranakan families.
New York State Of Mind
Inspired by the Big Apple, Coach's new Times Square Tabby is an amalgamation of the city's love stories, both old and new.
Building Safer Workplaces
As an increasing number of workplaces are understanding the importance of mental health, we ask three leaders what it will take to move the needle to create environments where we can speak up, challenge the status quo, and have our needs met.
What Beauty Routine Should You Follow If You Have Eczema?
Quinn Chen, co-founder of Singapore beauty brand, Ice's Secret, answers.
A Mid-Career Change Is Not A Crisis
A mid-career switch, while daunting, can be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling and aligned professional life.
It's Cool To Get Cold
Ice baths are popping up around Singapore, waiting for you to take the plunge.
Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?
Emily Goh, senior medical social worker, answers.
PASSION FOR A CAUSE
Rebellion of the academic sort - runs in Anna Yip's blood. The deputy CEO of Singtel Singapore tells us how self-love, confidence, and a passion for tech guide her as she leads one of the nation's most established telecommunications companies into the future.
