Breaking New Ground

Chryseis Tan is proving that women really can have it all, even during a pandemic, as she embarks on adventures closer to home. She shares her journey into motherhood and the world of skincare

- Zue Wei Leong

Chryseis Tan is casually talking numbers with her colleague in her hair and make-up chair as she gets ready for our cover shoot at the newly launched Tatler House in the presidential suite of The Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur.

“I’ve been quite busy,” she explains, with an affable glance through the vanity mirror.

As if that isn’t the biggest understatement coming from the eldest daughter of Tan Sri Vincent Tan, founder of one of the most expansive business empires in Malaysia, Berjaya Corp Berhad, and Puan Sri Esther Tan.

She rattles off an extensive list of projects she has on her plate: “I’ve been working on some hospitality projects overseas with my family,” she says, referring to the much-anticipated Four Seasons Okinawa before adding, “but the pandemic has brought a lot of things to a grinding halt.

“Closer to home, I’m involved with all the dining concepts under Curate Group as director and I recently just launched a new skincare line, LUMI Beauty.”

Spoken with such ease and energy, it is almost enough to forget that the Malaysian entrepreneur and tastemaker is also a new mother, whose nine-month-old daughter with husband and Naza Group scion, SM Faliq Nasimuddin, is waiting for her at home.

But that is not to say Tan’s impressive work ethic is impervious to the joys of new motherhood. In between the many takes throughout the shoot, she scrolls through photos of Arianna, sharing sweet anecdotes of their city breaks to the Malaysian coasts.

Fast forward to the following day: Chryseis Tan arrives at Park Grill, Platinum Park in a soft tan co-ord. Sipping on a warm cup of honey and lemon tea, she contemplates how life has changed now that she is a mother.