Chew is a portrait of grace as she navigates motherhood, ambition, and self – joined on our cover by her son, Dickson Hon. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Every morning, long before the rest of the world stirs, Selangor-born entrepreneur Sherene Chew is already welcoming the day.
At 4am, when her house is hushed and the skies are still dark, Chew begins her daily ritual – a time she holds sacred. Meditation comes first, followed by a sauna session and gentle stretching. It’s a quiet, intentional start to what is often a demanding day.
This early solitude is more than a routine – it’s a sanctuary. Chew fuels her mornings with a clean, organic diet, preparing both body and mind for the decisions ahead.
“I’m a morning person, so my mind is at its sharpest,” the youthful 46-year-old says. “That’s when all my decision-making and strategy planning come to me.”
As a single mother of three – Dickson Hon (aged 25), Angel (21) and Cecilia (16) – Chew balances nurturing her family with leading her business empire.
Her professional life often takes her away from home, a reality she meets with a deep sense of purpose and longing.
“My work often keeps me on the road and during those times, I don’t get to speak with my children as much as I’d like,” she shares.
“That’s why, when I return home, I truly cherish every moment: sharing meals, having heartfelt conversations, and simply being present with them.”
In her professional life, Chew is the founder of QSC Group of Companies which spans education (4U Institute, originating from Taiwan) and spiritual wellness (Oneness Concept). The group will soon launch Bukit Bintang Arena in Sungei Wang Plaza, an event hub for all purposes including large-scaled concerts and conventions.
Dickson says in business, mum is a woman of vision and wisdom, but at home, she’s incredibly caring, always attentive to the needs of our family and grounding us with her warmth. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star.
Chew’s journey as an entrepreneur began in 2010 when she became CEO of 4U Institute, which offers self-development workshops. With a focus on integrated learning and knowledge-sharing, Chew discovered a deeper understanding of how various industries and philosophies could harmonise. That revelation fuelled the creation of QSC Group, an ecosystem that bridged education, wellness and human development.
“Each phase of my company’s journey reflects my commitment to living in the present and trusting life’s natural flow,” she explains. “My approach is to genuinely respond to the people I meet, believing that true connection can lead to a fulfilling life and career.”
Grace in duality
Chew is the embodiment of duality: strong yet nurturing, driven yet grounded.
“When I’m at work, I lead with dominance and confidence. But at home, I am mum. That’s when my softer, more nurturing side comes out.”
She acknowledges the hard truth that many women face: the impossibility of perfect balance between career and family. “You have to choose,” she says simply. “And in choosing, you sacrifice.”
Yet, she sees sacrifice not as a burden but as a deliberate gift. “Everything I’ve done – every late night, every hard decision – has been to build a foundation for my children. That is the success I truly care about.”
It’s a foundation that’s clearly borne fruit. “My children have never given me any worries when it comes to their behaviour, character or academics,” she says with pride. “They’ve always fulfilled their responsibilities and have exceeded my expectations time and time again.”
For that reason, Chew believes Mothers Day isn’t just a date on the calendar.
“Every day is Mothers Day,” she says with a smile. “Because every day, they make me proud.”
Chew with her children Dickson, Angel (left, with single braid) and Cecilia. — SHERENE CHEW
Voices of gratitude
Her eldest, Dickson, who accompanied her to the Life Inspired cover shoot, describes his mother with a mix of awe and admiration.
“What I deeply appreciate about my mother, both as a person and an entrepreneur, is her rare blend of heart and intellect.
“In business, she’s a woman of vision and wisdom. She sees opportunities where others might see obstacles and makes bold, decisive choices backed by sharp analytical thinking.
“At home, she’s incredibly caring, always attentive to the needs of our family and grounding us with her warmth,” says Dickson, who runs an asset management company.
Cecilia, the youngest, echoes the sentiment. “She always comes home with a smile, even when she’s clearly exhausted. She listens to us, supports us and always finds a way to show she cares.”
Angel, who is currently studying psychology in the UK, adds: “I’ve seen how selfless she can be, even towards people who haven’t always shown her the same care.
“Despite everything she’s achieved and her success, she always stays grounded and reminds us to do the same. It’s that mix of generosity and humility that I look up to the most.”
In regard to his mum’s best advice, Dickson doesn’t hesitate: “She’s encouraged me to take bold risks in pursuit of my goals – to not be afraid of failure, but to see it as part of the journey. That balance of wisdom and courage is something she lives by, and it’s shaped the way I approach life and ambition.”
On the significance of Mothers Day for the family, Angel says: “As I’m currently abroad studying, I know my siblings will take her out for a cute little dinner that I’ll sadly be missing out on.
“Even though we’re thousands of miles apart, our hearts have stayed super close. I’ll definitely be calling her on the day, like I do almost every day.”
Dickson and Cecilia are already planning a special dinner. “It will be somewhere we can sit down, share a good meal and just talk about life. It’s in those quiet, shared moments that we feel closest to her, and it’s where her love and wisdom really shine.”
Rooted in kindness
Chew credits much of her strength to her 75-year-old mother Rose Seew. “She’s the kindest, most innocent person I know,” she reflects. “That’s why I’ve always felt a need to be strong – for her.”
That same strength now defines Chew’s motherhood, a balance of ambition and compassion.
“My children are the driving force that keeps me moving forward,” she says. “True success isn’t measured by business or career milestones. For me, it’s about raising children who are kind, virtuous, well-mannered and who see the world with vision and empathy.”
Asked to name her role model, Chew states admiration for Maye Musk, the 77-year-old Canadian model and dietitian.
“She’s a very resilient person who has had success throughout her career, appearing on magazine covers including Time and Vogue. And she is equally devoted to motherhood.”
For the uninitiated, Maye is mum to Elon, Kimbal and Tosca Musk. Elon is the billionaire businessman known for his leadership of Tesla, SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter) and being senior advisor to American president Donald Trump. Kimbal is a restaurateur while Tosca is a filmmaker.
Despite her demanding schedule, Chew never misses the annual holiday trips with her children. “To be honest, I don’t like travelling and would much prefer to rest at home,” laughs Chew.
But once a year, Chew lets her brood take the reins. “I let them to make all the decisions: which country to visit, which hotels to stay and what to eat. It doesn’t matter where we go, as long as we’re together as a family.”
