“I ’ve been replaced as the favourite daughter,” announced Nicole Tham with a grin as she placed the Tham family’s teacup poodle, Nugget, on her mother Lee Jim Leng’s lap. Scooping the pup up for a kiss, Jim Leng retorts, “No, she’s your responsibility now. She’s your baby, not mine. Now you know what it’s like to be a mum who’s always fussing and worrying all the time!”
Such is the dynamics between Jim Leng and Nicole—they behave as if they are the best of friends instead of parent-and-child. “I have never felt like we had a huge gap between us, despite our age difference. There’s always space for us to communicate and share our thoughts with each other. I was so happy when she accompanied me to Dior’s show in Paris recently; it’s been fun having her as a plus one to my parties,” says Jim Leng, the managing director and CEO of Hong Leong Investment Bank, about their relationship.
Despite her success as a top figure in investment banking, Jim Leng is known for being young at heart, especially when she’s off-duty—plus has a huge love for fashion and dressing up. At the same time, Nicole, who works as a management consultant at AT Kearney, possesses a maturity that goes beyond her age of 25, thus allowing her to truly connect with her mother.
To accurately capture their relationship for our cover story, we persuaded them to interview one another, using the two sets of questions that we had prepared for them. Over slices of butter cake and coffee, we erupted into ‘awws’ and laughter as they reflected on their respective childhoods, giving back and the importance of family.
NICOLE INTERVIEWS MUMMY
What was my first word?
この記事は Malaysia Tatler の December 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Malaysia Tatler の December 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
How Working Out Transforms Your Skin
When we think about the benefits of exercise, glowing skin might not be the first thing that comes to mind. That said, getting that sweat going is not only great for your body but also an absolute game-changer for your skin
Mane Attraction
Dr Chang Chee Seong of Kaiteki Clinic shares his expert insights on hair loss, from the most common causes to cutting-edge solutions and what to expect on the journey of hair recovery
Body Manscaping
Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Jared Chuah, cofounder of Nateskin, and how this Malaysian brand is breaking taboos around men's grooming, particularly below the belt
Skin Superfoods
Glow from within with these six ingredients that are good for your complexion
Elevated Wellness
Discover Amani Biohacking Club: Malaysia's first biohacking society for optimal leadership and life balance
The Dior Warrior
Drawing inspiration from the world of sports and the strength of female Amazonian warriors, Maria Grazia Chiuri redefines empowered femininity as something both graceful and formidable for Dior's spring-summer 2025 collection
ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL - MALAYSIA
Meet the country's most influential individuals: 100 prominent figures who are changing the landscape in Malaysia across industries in our main categories, from business and STEM, to social impact and culture.
Innovating with Purpose
Chor Chee Hoe, co-founder of Qarbotech, talks about how carbon-based innovations are changing the face of farming and ensuring a greener, more productive future
Grounded Vision
Minister of housing and local government, Nga Kor Ming shares the personal experiences and guiding principles that have shaped him, revealing the thoughtful man behind politician
Raising Penang's Bar
Backdoor Bodega's Koh Yung Shen is elevating Penang's bar scene with Penang Cocktail Week