“When I first saw the Lamborghini Murciélago at around 12 years old, I think that’s when my love for cars began. The first car I bought for myself was a Honda City and now I own a collection of supercars. Looking back, I’ve come such a long way,” Ivon Wong reflects. Behind the glamour of designer labels, timepieces, jewellery, and coveted collectibles, Wong’s ascent is one of perseverance—emerging as a self-made entrepreneur and compassionate philanthropist devoted to championing women’s causes.
Although luxury may be the most visible part of Wong’s story, what the public may not see is her grit and strategic mindset that have propelled her success as the founder of Aesthetic Skin Group, proving her strength in this competitive landscape. “My initial passion was to become a teacher, because I enjoy teaching and coaching people. At the same, I’ve always loved beauty, which naturally led me into the industry,” Wong says. “I remember experimenting with make-up when I was about eight years old, not with lipstick or eyeshadow like most people, but with shading and contouring.” Never one to remain idle, she is always looking ahead, whether venturing into new avenues or capitalising uncharted prospects. “I consider myself quite fortunate, as everything has fallen into place smoothly,” she reflects. “After the pandemic, we expanded into trading and even ventured into business in China, which has given me the opportunity to give numerous talks.”
Extending her passion for teaching, Wong also launched a business academy, the Institute of Women’s Entrepreneurship, where aspiring female entrepreneurs gain essential skills through comprehensive courses and workshops. “I believe that, as women, we need to be independent. In this day and age, I think it’s essential to have a fulfilling career and a sense of purpose,” Wong says. Success never comes without struggles and, like all entrepreneurs, she has encountered her fair share of setbacks, especially in the early days. However, giving up is simply not in Wong’s nature. “When I first started my business, I had a vision for my brand, but it wasn’t easy. I worked hard on multiple proposals but, each time, I faced rejection. I was really disheartened,” Wong recalls. “Then, I came across a book that offered a simple but profound lesson: ‘if one path isn’t working, choose another’. That realisation gave me a sense of relief. In the end, I made it. It taught me a valuable lesson—although the goal remains the same, sometimes the strategy needs to change. I always plan ahead and, if I set my sights on something, I will make it happen.”
In addition to her various businesses, Wong’s philanthropic spirit led her to establish the Peace of Mind Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which focuses on mental health awareness in Malaysian schools. Through this programme, she equips students and teachers with relaxation techniques, earning widespread recognition for her efforts. “Today, society still views mental health as a taboo topic. The stigma is widespread, especially in our region. The lack of awareness and information often leads to people realising their struggles too late,” Wong states. “That’s why I focus heavily on mental health through my CSR initiative, especially for young children. They are the future of our country, so we start with them. I teach kids to express their feelings, practice meditation, and use affirmations. I may not have children of my own, but I dedicate much of my time to supporting them.”
As a self-proclaimed workaholic, Wong operates on only five hours of sleep each night. She pushes herself to work even under testing circumstances—including the time she was diagnosed with dengue. “I know it’s not ideal to check your phone first thing in the morning, but I only check for important messages or calls that need my attention. I actually enjoy emails, both receiving and sending them,” Wong says. However, one ancient belief she holds dear is never working on her birthday—yet, there was an exception. “There was one time I had to give a talk about mental health at a secondary school, and it happened to fall on my birthday. I decided to go ahead with the talk because of what I stand for and my purpose. When I mentioned it to the students, they surprised me by singing a birthday song. It was such a heartwarming moment,” Wong remembers. “It made me realise that life isn’t just about chasing money or power; it’s about giving back to the society and feeling the appreciation for the difference you’ve made.”
Professionally, Wong’s biggest supporters are her clients but, on a personal level, she believes in being her own biggest proponent. “To succeed, you must be strong enough to support yourself in all aspects of life. I consider myself a spiritual person, with a deep sense of faith, and I firmly believe in the power of positive affirmations—when you put positive energy into the world, good things will come your way. I’ve always viewed life this way: if I want something but can’t attain it now, it simply means the timing isn’t right. However, I trust that what I truly desire will come to me, sooner or later.”
Photography by Tommi Chu
Photoshoot Location at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Art direction by Penn Ey, Chee
Photography assistant by Whye
Make-up by Yuan
Hair by Mei Choi
Styling assistant by Hayley Woon
Ivon Wong’s assistants are Winchi, Leong, Fit
