MAKING MOVES

Big changes are afoot for CAROLINA KUMALA, and the intrepid Singapore-born Indonesian is welcoming them with open arms, Crystal Lee discovers.

- Crystal Lee

Carolina Kumala wanted to be in fashion. On a page of a journal dated October 28, 2004, the then 13-year-old student at the Singapore American School had drawn a skirt-suit in camel, complete with pink heels and a matching purse. Written above the detailed sketch are her aspirations to "study in Lasalle College of the Arts","enter competitions", "work in a famous designer house" and "create my own unique brand".

In the classroom, she was known among her peers to have a great sense of style, always looking impeccable and polished. The young fashionista had an admiration for European fashion houses Versace and Chanel, as well as Lebanese legends Zuhair Murad and Rami Kadi.

However, life has other plans for Carolina. Born and raised in Singapore, the daughter of Indonesian property developer Haryadi Kumala and prominent socialite Chiang Yu Lan moved to Boston for her bachelor's degrees in business and communications after graduating from high school here. Then she went on to obtain her MBA in hospitality administration and management at global hospitality school Les Roches in Switzerland. As a scion of a real estate magnate and hotelier, it seemed fitting for her to head in this direction, even though her parents never expected her, or her sisters, to join the family business.

Says the 32-year-old, "They have always given us the freedom to do what we want to do. I think they believe in the decisions that we make, because they've raised us to be independent - that we don't need to rely on anybody. I didn't choose to pursue fashion because I thought that I would have more opportunities majoring in business. That it was a safer option for me, as you can go into any industry, or make something on your own with the skills gained from a business degree."