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Vanessa Keng, Co-Founder of The Golden Concepts, on How Books Trigger Passion & Conviction

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Vanessa Keng is the co-founder of The Golden Concepts, a Singapore-based online shop with eldercare products and equipment that enable mobility, independence and a high quality of life.

The idea behind the company came after the two co-founders, Vanessa and Lee Chang Xi, went to Denmark on a university student exchange program. They observed Danish seniors ageing and living life to the fullest, without being limited by mobility challenges. By contrast, ageing in Singapore is largely focused on rehabilitative and nursing care. When they returned from Denmark, they were inspired to bring home the positive and independent culture of ageing. They started The Golden Concepts in 2011, with a focus on maximizing mobility and a firm believe in the importance of ageing well and independent living.

In her free time, Vanessa sings and plays the guitar in local bars and pubs. She also practices yoga – as you can see from her photo. 🙂

Find out more about the books that reinforced her conviction in her business and considers must-read for those in the ageing care industry.

Estimated reading time for this interview is 5 minutes. If you'd rather listen to it, you can do it on iTunes, Google Play or Stitcher.

What’s your favorite book and why? Business and non-business, if possible.

One of my most favourite books is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

I also like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

I’ve always loved fiction – mainly crime and legal thrillers, but there’s something wonderful about reading a completely different style of writing from what I’m used to.

I found myself absorbed in the narrative of guilt and love in The Kite Runner, and The Curious Incident told me a story from a completely different perspective.


Was there a moment, specifically, when something you read in a book helped you? Can you tell me about it?

Reading The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking.

I’ve always loved the uniqueness of Danish culture, and it reminds me that it is the simple things in life that are the most important.

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What books had the biggest impact on you? (perhaps changed the way you see things, dramatically changed your career path)

When I read Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal, it reinforced my conviction in my business and heightened my passion to help others age well.


What books would you recommend to youngsters interested in your professional path? Why? (no number limit here)

Being Mortal is a must-read if you are in the ageing care industry.

For business insight, check out Alibaba’s World by Porter Erisman and Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant.



Links where you can follow Vanessa Keng or find out more about her projects:



All books mentioned by Vanessa Keng in this interview:

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