SINGAPORE: The former president of the Association of Women for
Action and Research (Aware), Ms Josie Lau, has left DBS Bank and
joined hospitality group Overseas Union Enterprise (OUE).
She is now vice—president for centre management at Mandarin
Gallery, where she oversees operations and marketing for the new
premier shopping mall, Weekend TODAY has learnt.
The 48—year—old was thrust into the limelight in March, when she
became embroiled in a leadership tussle at Aware. Her decision to
take on the role of president of the women’s advocacy group earned
her a public rebuke from DBS for ignoring its code of conduct.
At the time, she was DBS’ head of marketing, cards and unsecured
loans, becoming its vice—president for network planning and
deployment in May prior to her resignation.
Ms Lau, who started her new job on Thursday, said she took it
because it "allows me to leverage on all my past work experience
and my love for fashion retail and marketing".
OUE chief executive Thio Gim Hock said Ms Lau had "expressed her
desire to look for new pastures", and he felt she might be suitable
for the post. "I asked her to send in her CV and forwarded (it) to
the senior vice—president (of) leasing, who interviewed her."
Mr Thio is married to lawyer Thio Su Mien, who had encouraged Ms
Lau to get involved in Aware. They attend the same church, but Ms
Lau stressed her hiring was "based on my merit".
Likewise Mr Thio — who has known Ms Lau, "though not very well",
for over 10 years — said: "It’s easier and more desirable to employ
people you already know ... Her getting the job was entirely due to
her experience, qualification and personality."
Mr Thio also noted Ms Lau’s "traumatic experience" during the
Aware saga which included "having her employer threatening to sack
her".
When contacted, a DBS spokesman said: "Ms Lau decided to leave
DBS to pursue other opportunities. It was a personal decision, and
we wish her the best in her new endeavours."
— TODAY/ir