SchGo VP Ching Chia on Confidence, Leadership, and Personal Joy
If you had asked anyone in my life a year ago whether I sang, the answer would’ve been a definite no – including my own family. Singing was a quiet joy from my school days in Singapore, tucked away between pages of academic achievement and early leadership roles. Somewhere along the way, I put it down like an old book, assuming I wouldn’t return to it. After all, who has time for choir practice when you’re running a business? But now, I know it’s never too late to reconnect with your voice and rediscover a part of yourself.
But one day, on a whim, I joined a Chinese choir in Irvine. I didn’t even tell my husband, Yong, before I signed up. The rehearsals were three hours every Saturday. And to everyone’s surprise (including mine) I showed up, stayed, and sang. It wasn’t about being the best. It was about reconnecting with a part of myself that had gone silent.
Wondering how to rediscover your creativity, or bring your full self into your leadership? At SchGo, we believe every voice matters.
Making Space for Hidden Joy
We often assume that once we’ve chosen a path, especially one as demanding as business leadership, there’s no room for detours. But joy doesn’t vanish just because we get busy. It waits for us. And sometimes, it surprises even the people closest to us.
My family was shocked when I casually announced that I was now in a choir. “You? Singing?” they laughed, genuinely baffled. It wasn’t until I returned to Singapore and pulled out old school photos from my choir days that they started to believe me.
That’s the thing about secret dreams: just because you stopped talking about them doesn’t mean they stopped being a part of you.
Leadership Means Living Fully
At SchGo Engineered Products, my role as VP demands precision, discipline, and strategic vision. But leading with impact doesn’t mean you have to be one-dimensional. In fact, embracing my creative side – through dance, cooking, travel, and music – has made me a better leader.
When you allow yourself space to be fully human, you inspire your team to do the same. You lead not just with metrics, but with meaning. You create room for innovation, empathy, and real connection.
That’s the kind of culture we’ve built at SchGo. One where people are valued for their whole selves – the visible talents and the quiet, hidden joys they’re still rediscovering.
Your Voice Is Still There – Use It
Whether it’s singing in the back row of a choir, learning an instrument, or picking up a long-abandoned passion project, it’s never too late to reconnect with your voice. Your voice – literally or metaphorically – is still yours. Use it. Share it. Even if you’re not sure how it’ll sound at first.
Because every time you reconnect with who you really are, you become more grounded and powerful in every other area of your life.
Want to work with a company that sees the whole person behind the title? Reach out to SchGo, where authenticity and creativity lead the way.
