Simone Heng

Tell us your story, how did you get here?

Oh my, it’s such a long story. I was born here, grew up in Australia, studied in Switzerland, and worked in Dubai. But now I’m right back here in Singapore, where my roots are, and I’m now a Permanent Resident.

After more than 15 years in TV and radio, I left media and bit the bullet and launched my own business in 2019. The initial start was filled with uncertainty, especially with a pandemic, but I built it up and overcame challenges along the way.

Through my journey, especially after the stress of the pandemic, I’ve realised that human connection and finding a sense of belonging is important for us to live our most fulfilled life. That’s why I wrote my first book, “Secret Pandemic: The Search for Connection in a Lonely World”, which has just been published. It’s currently an Amazon US bestseller and also a Kinokuniya bestseller locally.

What impact have you made in Singapore?

I’m on a mission to help people in Singapore connect with their voices and become the best communicators they can be. During the pandemic, I launched my speaking membership Courageous Speaking Community to share my expertise at a price point almost anyone can afford. We’ve helped hundreds of members and hopefully thousands for free with the communications tips I gave away online.

What does 2022 look like for you?

It’s the busiest time of my life right now. My debut book came out on March 15. In March, I flew to the States to speak for a client in Las Vegas. I spoke at the legendary South by Southwest festival and recorded my audiobook with my publisher there. I also had a booth at the SXSW Wellness expo, where I collected stories of human connection.

I was also just in Banff, Canada to speak on stage at The Gathering. This is one of Forbes’ top-rated North American marketing conferences and it’s amazing. The team is so kind. I spoke there in 2019, so it was amazing to go back.

After a two-year back and forth, my podcast contract has finally been signed with a major audio content app (I can’t share more at the moment). And now I’m also dealing with offers for book number two!

What do you love most about Singapore?

I love that Singapore gives me the diversity of thought. If I ever have a dilemma and need advice, I can go to a local friend, local family member or expat friend for advice – and each person will give me a vastly different opinion. This expands my mind by showing me that everyone’s worldview is so different and we can learn so much from this. It has allowed me to make really great decisions because I’m always challenged by this diversity of thought.

What’s the one change in the world you’d like to see?

I’d love to see us focus on connection. In Singapore, more than in the 4 countries I’ve lived in, competition is often chosen over connection and collaboration. That’s making us lonely. We don’t need to live in the threat mindset our parents handed down to us. We are abundant (which is evident in our position as a first-world nation amongst our less-developed neighbours); there is enough to go around. So let’s share knowledge, opportunities and see the innovation and happiness of our home overflow.

Who is your Local Legend, and why?

I love June at The T Project. She saw a cause that wasn’t being advocated for and she became an advocate and a problem solver. I donate to them as much as I can.