AMPDA 2023: Lau Yee Yin on leading with a fearless approach to failure

Yee Yin's inspiring journey as the Founder & Director of Madness Studio is one of continuous learning and leading by example

With the many DOTY accolades under her belt, Yee Yin has noticed that clients now have greater confidence in both her and her firm. The founder and director of Madness Studio is constantly working on self-improvement, aiming to inspire her team and lead by example. Yee Yin is a strong believer in working smart, not hard, and she sees failure as something that is not to fear, but as a chance to improve. She stresses the importance of understanding the reasons behind failure, and using that knowledge to reforge herself as a better designer than before.

Yee Yin’s idea of a good design is one that fully understands its people and their needs. To her, design is the art of creating environments that shape positive sentiments, which has become a central tenet in her design approach. Yee Yin’s determination has been key to earning the respect of her peers and clients, and she follows in the footsteps of her father who also pursued a path to independence by founding his own firm. Reflecting on her journey, Yee Yin confidently states the self-assurance in her own strength has been a driving force throughout her entrepreneurial journey.

She also emphasises the significance of thought reform. “You need to be mentally very tough. Always tell yourself, you can be more than what you expect,” Yee Yin advises. In her story, maintaining balance is how she has achieved success in both her personal and professional life.