A smiling Elaine Lek lies on her left side, eyes closed for the camera. “Very cute,” remarks Choong, a+ Style Director, from his laptop. Most women might find this pose precarious, balanced only on a tiny chair cushion, but not Lek.
The CEO of Luzerne Pte Ltd—an award-winning tableware brand launched in 2004 by her family’s Hiap Huat Holdings—attributes her excellent balance and strength to her hot yoga practice. “Side planks!” she says with a twinkle in her eyes.
Lek also practises Muay Thai, advancing from beginner to advanced level in just three years. “It’s not just about power; it’s also about presence, perseverance, and learning to rise even when you’re broken,” she explains.
Muay Thai is a ritual that keeps her grounded during difficult moments. It is also a passion she shares with her younger son Max, who is 23 and in university. She describes him as “my solid rock who gives me strength to keep going”.
Lek understands much about “keep going”. After losing her older son, Zen, then 17, to suicide in 2018, she turned grief into advocacy for youth mental health and suicide prevention. It led her to co-found PleaseStay. Movement, Singapore’s first ground-up initiative helmed by mothers who have lost a child to suicide. Comprising more than 20 members, it engages both private and government agencies to improve awareness, early intervention, and systemic change.
She and her husband Koh Say Kiong also established The Zen Dylan Koh Fund in 2019. It has raised $200,000 for Limitless, and supported therapy services for more than 100 at-risk youths and stopped them from committing suicide.
Flowerlace ring in yellow gold with diamonds, and Perlée bracelet in yellow gold with diamonds, both from Van Cleef & Arpels.
Meanwhile, to mark our nation’s jubilee year, Luzerne launched the SG Diamond Collection in July. The specially designed, handcrafted ceramic plates and cups capture key milestones from Singapore’s remarkable journey, and feature the work of esteemed Singaporean artist, Associate Professor Ng Woon Lam.
For the occasion, the brand also introduced 60 serialised 50-cm plates, with the aim to raise $600,000 for causes including mental health, suicide prevention, dementia, and other illnesses. Beneficiaries included the President’s Challenge and Samaritans of Singapore.
Here, a convo between Lek and Max on favourite moments/memories and her fighter name.
What’s your favourite memory of our time together?
For me, it isn’t just one moment, but all the moments we have built together. Every memory is special, from our holidays and shopping sprees to our Muay Thai sessions, especially after losing your older brother Zen. They have kept us connected and strong. The fact that we share so many common interests makes our bond even more precious to me.
What do you enjoy most about Muay Thai?
Nothing beats the endorphin high—it’s cheaper than therapy and way more fun. At Evolve MMA, where I train, there are so many friendly faces and laughter, it’s like a comedy club.
You’re an advanced Muay Thai practitioner, but you have trouble opening a water bottle.
I can open it! I’m just conserving my strength for the next knockout.
If you had to choose a fighter name, what would it be?
“Warr;or Mummy” . The semicolon represents my journey as a suicide loss survivor. As with the punctuation mark, my story could have ended, but instead I chose to pause, heal, and carry on. The “War” part represents my identity as a fighter, one who will fight until the very end.
One thing you wished you knew when you were 23?
Always do what feels right for you, not what feels safe. Safe isn’t always the best option. For instance, I chose Ohio University over Stanford, but my career and life turned out well, so no regrets. Whatever you choose, Max, I’ll always have your back.
What’s your favourite moment of the day?
Bedtime. That’s when I finally get to unwind from the craziness—with a shot of whisky, binge-watching K-dramas, and cuddling up with our doggos. It’s my little slice of heaven after a hectic day.
Photography Joel Low
Styling Chia Wei Choong
Hair Aung Apichai/Arly, using Kevin.Murphy and Tuft
Makeup Keith Bryant Lee, using Cle de Peau Beaute
Photography assistant Eddie Teo
Styling assistant Megan Lim
