The Shape of Water

Like the aquatic essence of life, active fundraiser and socialite JIN LU believes in going with the flow, and making a difference, drop by drop.

- LYNETTE KOH

When we ask Jin Lu at this year's Prestige Women of Power event in August, "What defines a Woman of Power?", the philanthropist and champion of the arts and social causes offers a surprising answer - "water". A month later, Lu, herself recognised as a Prestige Woman of Power in 2022, elaborates on her reply in an interview at her Cairnhill apartment. "I said 'water' because it uses its softness to counter strength. Water can penetrate rocks. It is accommodating and adaptable; it takes on the shape of the vessel that contains it," says the Beijing-born socialite in a mellifluous mix of English and Mandarin.

The nature of this liquid might well describe Lu herself, and the easy elegance with which she moves and speaks is just part of it. She comes to the photoshoot in a comfortable yet chic long, drop-waisted black dress. Among the Cartier jewellery we put on her, she favours a double-headed choker for its easy donning and minimalist form that can suit various occasions. She has a relaxed vibe that is enhanced by her spunky, short hairstyle.

Like a body of water, Lu's life has also meandered in myriad ways. Her life and work have led her to various cities in mainland China as well as Hong Kong. In 2007, she came to Singapore with her mum, and son and daughter, aged just three and one, respectively. Through it all, she has lived by the water-inspired philosophy of adapting to her environment, with grace.

THE WORLD'S A STAGE

"I am not easily agitated," Lu reveals. "That's what most people say about me. Sometimes my children ask me, 'How can you be so calm?" While she was born a year before the launch of the Cultural Revolution, Lu has fond memories of growing up in the theatre with a theatre-manager dad and soprano mum. Those early years shaped her love for the arts, reflected today in her serving Singapore Repertory Theatre and the Asian Civilisations Museum.