Dian Lee-Sharing the joys of motherhood

Sharing the joys of motherhood
VIMALA SENEVIRATNE

Property developer Dian Lee tells VIMALA SENEVIRATNE how motherhood has turned her life upside down, in a most delightful way

SHE is only 26 but Dian Lee Cheng Ling is already someone to be reckoned with in the property circles. But for the feisty, hard-nosed woman, a young lad turned her organised world upside down in a most delightful way 16 months ago, to be precise.

“Motherhood… it changes your perspective on so many things. Since Jedi — yes, Jedi as in Star Wars, because Jared, my husband, is a Star Wars fan — came into our lives, it has been one roller-coaster ride for us and we’re enjoying every moment of it,” she says.

Like so many new parents, both she and her husband want to bring up their son in an environment that will help him develop his learning and motor skills.

“We sought the advice of other parents, surfed the Internet and read lots of books on child development,” says Lee, the main force behind Clearwater Group, a high-end property developer.

They were drawn to a book written by Glenn Doman, co-founder of The Achievement Of Human Potential, an educational organisation that served children by introducing parents to the field of early child development such as reading, intelligence and swimming.

“Both Jared and I were sold on this and a couple of months ago, we began to use those methods to teach our son in a simple but fun way. Jedi’s face lights up when we show him the flash cards,” she says, beaming with pride.

Her conversation is animated and her eyes light up as she relates some of her son’s antics. “It’s amazing how this little boy can lift your spirits. There is so much of fun and laughter in the house.”

Is she trying to create a genius? “Oh, no,” she says emphatically. “We just want him to be his own person. And as parents we simply want him to grow up in an environment where he has fun while learning the various skills.”

Convinced that other parents would benefit from the Doman methods, they set up Glenn Doman Baby Malaysia (GD), a part of the lifestyle division of Clearwater Group which is now the official distributor in Malaysia for the Glenn Doman learning programme. A learning centre for parents will be set up in the Heritage, another property currently being developed by the Clearwater Group.

Lee, who was introduced to the world of bricks and mortar by her father, property developer Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, is happy that she is able to strike a balance between her role as a mother and keeping an eye on her business.

“There is so much contentment – my role as a mum and wife, and being a businesswoman. I bring Jedi to my office everyday so that I can spend as much time as I can with him,” says Lee. She and her five siblings were brought up in a traditional household. Although she was born into a world of privileges, her parents, she stresses, never spoiled them.

“My parents drilled into us fine Confucian values like filial piety, honesty and sincerity. I am what I am today because of this solid grounding and these are the values I want to pass on to my own family,” adds Lee, the eldest child.

No wonder she is very much her own person, level-headed and has her feet firmly planted on the ground. “I believe in doing things the way they should be done – professionally,” she states.

Although she is close to her parents, she also likes to inject an element of surprise in what she does. She laughs. “Mum and dad had just discovered why they had been asked to tag along with us today – a signing ceremony for GD Baby Malaysia as official distributor.”

Lee studied professional communications and marketing at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology but her practical lessons came from interning and working for her father as his personal assistant for a couple of years. She also managed his business in Australia – hands-on training that helped her when she eventually set up her own business. When she first told him of her desire to venture out on her own, he reacted like any father would.

“Naturally, he was concerned but he gave his blessings because he knew I was serious. I still go to him for advice,” says Lee.

Her company builds boutique-style residences. Lee is quick to credit the success of her company to her staff. “It’s all about team work.”

As her business grew, she became more conscious of the environment and now, she incorporates green strategies such as energy efficiency, rainwater harvesting, waste management and green architecture.

“Motherhood has made me see things in a different light. For the sake of our children and their children, we have to do our part to protect the earth,” says Lee who’s planning to have another child. “This time, I’d like to have a girl, someone I can bond with... not that I don’t bond with Jedi. But with girls, it’s different.”

She swims for relaxation and keeps fit by exercising regularly. “Frankly, my little ‘man’ keeps me amused, always putting a smile on my face and that’s the best way to unwind.” --- NST