A Life of Purpose: Janet Ang’s Journey of Leadership, Faith, and Legacy

On February 15, 2025, during the 103rd SMC Youth Hiking Library event, we welcomed Janet Ang –a woman of remarkable achievements and boundless energy. Like a well-worn book filled with wisdom, her journey is one of resilience, inspiration, and purpose.

A Journey of Reflection and Purpose

After 5,000 steps through the lush trails of Fort Canning Park, surrounded by towering trees and historic landmarks, Janet began her talk with a moment of introspection. She invited everyone to pause and reflect, saying, "Take a moment to think about something you are grateful for. Close your eyes, express your gratitude, and activate oxytocin—the ‘happiness hormone’—to embrace the joy it brings." It was a gentle reminder that gratitude is a powerful force that shapes our outlook on life.

In an era where mentorship was rare, Janet had to carve her own path, navigating life’s uncertainties with resilience and self-discovery. There were no clear guides to a purpose-driven life, so she learned through experience, making mistakes, and finding her way forward. These formative years shaped her belief that personal growth comes from both challenges and perseverance.

Family is a Blessing

Family, she believes, is not merely a matter of fate—it requires intention and effort. Raising four children, she has come to understand the profound importance of being present, not just physically but emotionally. The support of her husband was instrumental, especially during the years she spent working in Japan and China. His unwavering belief in their partnership allowed her to pursue her career while staying rooted in their shared values. Amid the demands of life, she often reminds herself to “smell the roses”—a simple yet profound call to appreciate the fleeting beauty of everyday moments.

Faith as a Calling

As a devout Catholic, Janet found deep meaning in faith, which extended beyond personal belief into action. Singing in the church choir, volunteering, and teaching Sunday school became part of her spiritual journey. A mentor once advised her to seek fulfillment beyond work, and it was this guidance that led her to take on a more active role in the church. Faith, for her, became more than a belief system—it became a guiding force that shaped her values, her leadership, and her sense of purpose.

Staying Connected Beyond Borders

Even as she spent years living abroad, Janet remained deeply connected to Singapore. Her recognition back home despite being away reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong ties with one’s roots. She believes that physical distance should never equate to emotional or cultural disconnection, and she continued to engage with her community, ensuring that her impact extended beyond geographical boundaries.

Work and Leadership as a Vocation

To Janet, work or leadership is more than a title or responsibility—it is a vocation, a calling that influences others while fostering personal growth. How one approaches each day determines the course of their journey. If negativity dominates one's thoughts in the morning, then a shift in attitude—or even environment—may be necessary. This perspective was reinforced by Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a book that Janet recommended for intentional leadership and self-discipline.

Being a Role Model

Janet lives by the principle that “we can do small things with great love.” Being a role model is not just a choice but a responsibility—one that requires mindfulness and conscious decision-making. Taking a deep breath before reacting, choosing the right course of action, and leading with kindness are values she upholds. The strong foundation laid by her late mother, who was a Chinese language schoolteacher instilled Confucian principles in her, while her Catholic faith infused Catholic values of love, hope and servi. All of which played a pivotal role in shaping her character. These values continue to guide her, allowing her to lead with integrity and compassion.

Lifelong Learning

Learning is more than the accumulation of knowledge—it is about developing the ability to think critically, adapt, and grow continuously. She believes that true education extends beyond academic achievements; it is about understanding oneself, refining one’s perspective, and staying curious. Learning is not just a habit—it is a lifelong passion, an endless pursuit of wisdom and understanding.

Resilience, Adaptability, and Patience (RAP).

Janet attributes much of her success to three fundamental qualities: Resilience, Adaptability, and Patience (RAP). These traits played a pivotal role in her career, particularly during the challenging transition of IBM’s PC division to Lenovo. Embracing change with perseverance, adjusting to shifting corporate landscapes, and exercising patience in high-stakes situations allowed her to navigate complex transformations with confidence.

At the heart of her leadership philosophy are the principles of inquisitiveness and innovation, which drive her to think beyond conventional boundaries. She believes that curiosity fuels progress and that stepping outside one’s comfort zone is essential for personal and professional growth. Alongside innovation, she upholds industriousness and integrity—a steadfast commitment to hard work and ethical leadership. In her view, success is not merely about achieving results but doing so with honesty, dedication, and a strong moral compass.

The 5 Cs of a Purpose-Driven Life

Janet’s philosophy on life and leadership revolves around five key principles: Community, where meaningful connections create a foundation for support and growth; Collaboration, emphasizing the importance of working with others to drive collective impact; Creating Value, a reminder to always seek purpose in the journey and contribute meaningfully; Courage, the willingness to step beyond familiar boundaries and embrace challenges; and Compassion, leading with empathy and kindness, ensuring that success is not just personal but shared.

Her X-Factor: Faith

Faith has been a guiding force in Janet’s life. She draws inspiration from Mother Teresa’s words: “God didn’t ask me to be successful, but to be faithful.” To her, being present in the moment is more important than chasing external validation. Faith provides her with a sense of purpose, reminding her that true fulfillment lies not in accolades but in staying true to her values and principles.

Thinking Beyond Yourself : No Me Me Me

Janet believes that true success is found in being part of something bigger than oneself. A career should never be just a job—it should be a meaningful pursuit that aligns with a greater purpose. She encourages others to see the bigger picture, to recognize their role in shaping the world around them, and to embrace challenges as stepping stones to growth. While life is filled with inevitable ups and downs, those who are driven by purpose consistently rise above obstacles, finding strength in their mission and the impact they leave behind.

When she retired, someone asked her, “What are you doing now?” That simple question sparked deep reflection. The world today faces even greater challenges than before—climate change, rapid technological advancements, the rise of AI, and evolving communication landscapes. The need for leaders who think beyond themselves has never been more urgent.

For Singapore to thrive in this ever-changing world, it must remain relevant—committed to continuous learning and adaptation. The future demands bigger thinking, where solutions address not just local issues but pressing global challenges. Embracing diversity is key, welcoming international perspectives and talent to strengthen innovation. At the same time, Singapore must prepare for an aging population, ensuring that unity and productivity remain at the heart of its progress.

To conclude her talk, Janet revealed what she is most grateful for. She remains deeply thankful for the opportunities she has received, the challenges that have shaped her, and the privilege of being a Singaporean—a citizen of a nation that dares to dream, evolve, and lead with purpose.

Her journey is a reminder that success is not defined by accolades but by the impact we leave behind. And as she continues to inspire those around her, she hopes to instill one lasting message: the greatest measure of a life well-lived is not in what we achieve for ourselves, but in what we do for others.

Written By: Tracy Chen