ABOUT ME

I am a Scottish born and bred Hong Kong Chinese. I’m mum to three. We arrived in Dubai in April 16 from the UK. We have previously lived in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Azerbaijan.  We instantly fell in love with Dubai and it definitely feels like home.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR HOME TOWN?

Wokingham, Berkshire. It was voted best place to live in England for families, and I’d have to agree. We moved to the area for the great selection of comprehensive and grammar schools.

IF YOU COULD BE ANY AGE WHAT WOULD YOU BE?

Although I am 49 I will forever be 26 in my head! At 26 I had just got married and we were on our first expatriate posting to Taipei and we had the most amazing time. I loved those years.

WHAT’S THE STRANGEST THING YOU BELIEVED AS A CHILD?

I was brought up in Scotland with no nonsense Chinese parents and a no nonsense Scottish nanny so had a very matter of fact up bringing and so didn’t really have any strange beliefs. We did have Santa and the Easter Bunny though.

WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT YOU HOPE WILL CHANGE BUT PROBABLY NEVER WILL?

My relentlessly self deprecating Scottish sense of humour.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU LOVE DOING MOST WITH YOUR CHILDREN?

Skiing. There is a huge age gap between our children and ski holidays just unite us as a family. Same bedtime routine, same meal times and some crazy family time on the slopes.

WHAT’S YOUR ALL TIME FAVOURITE TOWN OR CITY AND WHY?

I have travelled all round the world and I still think no other city beats London for its diversity, architecture, parks, people, museums, the London Marathon, restaurants, entertainment … the list goes on and on.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER UNFORGIVABLE?

Betrayal

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

My dad. He recently passed away and I have had time to reflect on how great a role model he was. He left Hong Kong as a penniless young man, arrived in Scotland and got on with improving life for himself and his future family. He was a real family man who worked hard, spent time with his children and he just didn’t overthink things – he just got on and did them whether that was building a new business, building a house or learning a new skill. I often think of him in times of indecision and procrastination and think dad would have finished this by now! It then puts me to shame and I get on and make a decision.

WHAT IS YOUR PET HATE?

Disrespectful behaviour

WHAT DO YOU FIND YOURSELF SINGING A LOT?

Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling” Much to the annoyance of my children.

WHAT’S A SKILL YOU’D LOVE TO HAVE?

Ability to navigate new roads without a map! I swear it’s like a superpower! My husband is able to drive around effortlessly with his own in-built navigation system.

WHICH 3 FAMOUS PEOPLE WOULD YOU INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY AND WHY?

Billy Connolly, for the Scottish accent, the humour and the stories.

Tony Robbins – I love his ability to get people to change their habits in a matter of minutes rather than years. So my self deprecating personality would go and my ability to read maps would all be achieved by the end of the starters! Richard Branson – for his entrepreneurial spirit, taking on challenges and his love of life!

Richard Branson – for his entrepreneurial spirit, taking on challenges and his love of life!