Jocelyn Chng
CEO, JR Group
EMBA, Class of 2012
Born into a humble family in the traditional sauce manufacturing business, Jocelyn’s childhood was steeped in the vibrant aromas and flavours of her parents’ craft. From a young age, she actively contributed to the production process at Sin Hwa Dee, her family’s sauce factory, gaining first-hand experience in business operations.
Jocelyn’s father passed away when she was just 21 and in her second year at NUS, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Thrust into the role of family breadwinner, Jocelyn stepped up as Managing Director of Sin Hwa Dee. Despite her youth, she demonstrated extraordinary resilience and business acumen, successfully stabilising and expanding the company. Today, Sin Hwa Dee’s flagship sauce brand, Chng Kee’s, has a presence in over 40 cities worldwide, a testament to Jocelyn’s ability to grow the company from a small family business into an internationally recognised brand.
Years later, Jocelyn faced another life-changing moment when she became a widow at the age of 37. Balancing the responsibility of raising three young children on her own, she also took on the leadership of JR Group—a business she co-founded with her late husband. JR Group, a one-stop total food solutions provider, encompasses food manufacturing, automated cafés, and corporate F&B management. With unwavering determination, Jocelyn propelled the company forward, cementing her reputation as a visionary leader.
Although Jocelyn had years of business experience and an academic foundation in Economics, she sought to deepen her understanding of the broader aspects of business to elevate her companies. The EMBA programme at NUS Business School provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from other businesses and case studies while engaging with accomplished professors and peers from diverse industries. Jocelyn especially valued the insights gained from studying real-world scenarios and the exchange of ideas, which sharpened her ability to identify new opportunities and build strategies. The relationships she formed during the programme continued to inspire and challenge her thinking long after graduation.
Today, under Jocelyn’s visionary leadership, JR Group has evolved into a thriving powerhouse in the F&B industry, recognised for its innovative solutions and exceptional service. Its flagship brand, Chef-in-Box, has revolutionised food vending by introducing Singapore’s first vending machines that offer hot, freshly cooked meals. Jocelyn’s forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to quality have positioned JR Group as a trailblazer in the industry.
Jocelyn’s remarkable journey from a determined young woman navigating personal challenges to the Chairman and Group CEO of multiple successful businesses is an inspiring testament to her resilience, innovation, and perseverance. Her achievements underscore her pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s F&B landscape, while her experience at NUS Business School’s EMBA programme continues to influence her approach to business and leadership. Through her work, Jocelyn not only champions excellence but also serves as an enduring inspiration for aspiring leaders across industries.