Ada Ng: Letter to My Younger Self
7 Mar 2023

In celebration of #InternationalWomensDay 2023, CAN’s Director Ada Ng has penned a letter to her younger self that ties in her eternal passion for design and her desire to empower women and young leaders around her.

Discover Ada’s sharing, a letter to her younger self, and explore how, as a mother of 2, has become a great team leader and how she balances her career with other pursuits and commitments.

Hi there,

You are probably finding direction in life. There is so much to explore, and I believe you are strong enough to get through all the ups and downs. To help you enjoy the path you’re about to walk down, I would like to share some tips that I wish you knew when you needed them.

Dream Big

After graduating in Architecture, you furthered studies in Stage Design in the UK, and I believe you will see the designer role through a new lens. You do not quite understand why you have always been drawn to architecture and design, nor have you bothered to ask yourself this question. Do not regret any decision you ever make, as wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow. Embrace change and stay open to new, there is always an opportunity and a learning experience, this would open more doors than you would imagine.

Life can be tough sometimes, but what if I told you that all that hard work you have been putting in will bring you opportunities to do what you have always dreamed of doing? What if I told you that one day, you would play a vital role in the firm’s development, and you would deliver numerous extraordinary designs for the built environment?

Follow Your Heart

Life won’t always be this way and things can get better with persistence and time. I want to remind you to stay true to yourself. Remember that your voice matters, and your opinion makes an impact even if people don’t see it right away. Pursue your passions with all your heart, no matter what anyone tells you, focus on making the best decisions rather than worrying about pleasing others, and trust yourself over anyone else’s advice. This trait will carry with you for years come and never forget how valuable it is.

Humility and Respect – Value diverse voices

As you learned from early ages, be humble and treat everyone with respect, it will surely pay off. It is important to recognize the value a diverse array of voices brings to problem solving. Diversity of gender within any industry is very important, ensure you align yourself with practices where this is evident. Instead of placing pressure upon yourself to solve problems alone or within the same circles of people that look like you, make sure you are always open to fostering collaboration between peers with different backgrounds and experiences. It has always been crucial to learn how to value both individual and collective excellence by leveraging the best out of people.

All the best on your exciting journey – enjoy your precious moments to live life fully every second of every single day. I look forward to writing to you again in 10- or 20-years’ time.

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