The Women of Commonwealth Concepts
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, we spotlight six remarkable women whose leadership and lived experiences define the spirit of #GiveToGain. From the front-of-house hospitality that defines our guest experience to the strategic backbone of our procurement and support teams, discover the stories of resilience, mentorship, and passion moving Commonwealth Concepts forward.
Baker & CookAnda Suherle
The strength of a breadwinner. With 24 years of expertise, Anda turns her journey of resilience into a roadmap for others, proving that success is a shared journey.
What energises you most in your role at Baker & Cook?
Anda: I enjoy guiding, teaching, and mentoring new team members. I feel energized once they learn and gain. Sharing knowledge is the key to a positive work environment; when you share what you know, everyone grows together.
You often volunteer for charity in your free time. How does that influence your work?
Anda: I enjoy guiding, teaching, and mentoring new team members. I feel energized once they learn and gain. Sharing knowledge is the key to a positive work environment; when you share what you know, everyone grows together.
Nilam Nurdhaniah
The Marmalade PantryThe calm in the festive storm. As a working mother of three, Mimi trades the pursuit of perfection for the power of progress, leading with a quiet strength that moves us forward.
What motivates you to lead with such clarity during challenging seasons?
Nilam: Knowing my work matters and setting an example for my children. I’ve learned that quiet strength can carry you through even the hardest seasons, much like my mother showed me. It’s about creating impact through effort and teamwork.
What advice would you give to another women navigating ambition and family?
Nilam: You are allowed to grow, rest and choose yourself. I live by the value of progress over perfection and peace over pressure. Realising that reaching the final outcome and learning from areas of improvement is far more important.
PastaManiaJennifer Yap
The heart of the house. Driven by a passion for creating memories, Jennifer steps behind the line to master new skills and ensure her team grows together.
Jennifer: It was during my hotel internship for a wedding event. Seeing the pure happiness on the guests' faces when everything came together perfectly inspired me. It taught me that our role at PastaMania is to create those same memorable experiences in every single moment.
What was a defining moment that shaped your career in hospitality?
You recently pushed yourself to learn new kitchen skills. What motivated that challenge?
Jennifer: I wanted to improve our service quality and sales. By expanding my operational knowledge and learning the kitchen side, I could support my team more effectively. I believe in staying positive and never stopping the learning process, even when it’s outside your comfort zone.
Keat Kee
ProcurementThe strategic backbone. Managing the complex needs of multiple brands with integrity, Keat Kee builds a career on the pillars of trust and operational excellence.
Keat Kee: Being entrusted to manage multiple brands independently was a turning point. It strengthened my decision-making skills and taught me that when you are given trust, you gain the confidence to lead. I’m proud of driving cost savings and process improvements that create a real impact for the business.
What was a defining moment that shaped your confidence in Procurement?
How do you handle the pressure of managing multiple urgent requests at once?
Keat Kee: I prioritize tasks, communicate clearly, and stay focused on the deadline. Outside of work, I keep life simple, recharging with family, friends, and quiet moments. It’s that balance that allows me to bring my best self to the team every day.
MIYOSHI by Fat CowIrene Chua
The power of quiet credibility. From a reserved start to a confident leader, Irene focuses on building stability and helping her team 'level up' alongside her.
You’ve mentioned that you weren't naturally fond of socialising. How did you grow into your leadership role?
Irene: Experience and time helped me grow. I learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest; it’s about building credibility through results rather than words. A defining moment for me was being guided strictly but with trust early in my career, it taught me to step up, take ownership, and make decisions.
What is your personal philosophy when it comes to managing a team?
Irene: Leadership isn’t about looking for perfection. It is about making people "level up" with you wherever you go. I am most motivated when I see my team grow in confidence and capability. Creating stability and opportunities for others is what I value most deeply.
Maggie Liew
EMPRESSThe light in the dark. A survivor and a leader, Maggie fosters a culture of mutual support, proving that by giving our best to our community, we gain a purpose larger than ourselves.
Maggie: Being a former business owner taught me resilience, humility, and adaptability. I’ve faced failures that tested me deeply, but they gave me the confidence to keep moving forward. Today, I lead with both strength and care. I’m naturally outspoken, so I find real joy in interacting with our guests and keeping operations running smoothly with a team that truly supports one another
You’ve transitioned from being a business owner to leading a team at Empress. How has that "entrepreneurial spirit" influenced your role today?
As a cervical cancer survivor and a single mother, what keeps you motivated during difficult moments?
Maggie: My family is my constant source of purpose. I am so proud of my children and choosing to adopt my daughter 22 years ago was one of the most important decisions of my life. Seeing them grow into the people they are today fills me with gratitude. I’ve learned that positivity isn’t about ignoring the hard times; it’s about finding the light in the dark.