Fiona Xie: I am still a romantic person, but with greater maturity

Actress, fashion influencer, art aficionado… It’s no secret that Fiona Xie is a woman of many diverse interests, but these days, she is first and foremost a businesswoman.

The one-time television starlet – whose popularity soared in the 2000s with leading roles in Channel 8 mandarin sitcom My Genie(2001) and home-grown idol drama The Champion (2004) – has over the years pursued work in art, fashion, and photography since announcing her retirement from acting in 2009.

The 40-year old is currently focusing on Treedots, a Singapore-based start up. Founded in 2017 as a surplus food marketplace for F&B businesses in Asia, the company has now expanded with a social commerce feature that allows consumers to purchase surplus groceries at up to 90 per cent off retail prices, as well as providing businesses with cold-chain logistics optimisation services to help improve supply chains.

Treedots raised $11 Million in Series A funding in November 2013. This money will be used to expand the company’s operations in Malaysia, as well as other projects in the region. Led by venture capital firms East Ventures and Amasia, a global firm focused on sustainability and climate solutions, it marked the start-up’s first significant round of seed venture capital funding.

But why Treedots then? Fiona explains that she has always been interested in venture capitalism, and “how it helps early-stage businesses to grow and scale”.

“[The investment]Amasia was my venture partner. I was interested in Treedots as it is Asia’s first vertically integrated food supply chain ecosystem that’s advancing the sustainable food marketplace in Singapore, and recently, Malaysia,” she adds.

Fiona felt a kindred sense of purpose with the start-up’s philosophy and cause, as sustainability is something she feels very passionate about. “With the escalating climate crisis, and increasing inequality and environmental degradation, sustainable business models are no longer an option, but an imperative. Singapore is a country where nearly 90% of the food we eat is imported. Food security is especially important. I envisage a future where investing sustainably is the norm,” she enthuses.

To further her foray into the world of business, Fiona shares that she has “entered the rabbit hole” of online courses since the start of the pandemic. She has also completed a Harvard University leadership course.

“[I’ve also taken] fascinating ones like Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Evolution Of Money, Bitcoin And Cryptocurrency, global art advisory Metis’ course on art collecting, Sotheby’s Art And Technology From Artificial Intelligence (AI) To Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT), and even a deep fake AI class at the National Gallery. The world is my oyster!” she exclaims.

Sustainable business models are not an option, but a necessity.

Creativity is the fuel for creativity

The idea of Fiona Xie geeking out over cryptocurrency and NFTs shouldn’t come as a surprise. Before the pandemic, the multi-hyphenate was a vivacious and adventurous woman who lived a jet-setting lifestyle in which she indulged herself in new and exciting pursuits.

Fiona managed the Shanghai office of Surrender in 2012, where she also led a sold-out partnership between Ambush Japanese accessories brand and G-Dragon South Korean superstar.

She recalls: “Shanghai was pulsating with wealth and grit. It was a bold move to be there all alone, to set up a business in such a ‘cowboy town’. Despite my limited knowledge of Mandarin, I managed to survive. It was such an experience to be able to curate a multi-label store that featured a chimney from Versailles, and housed in a hotel designed by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta.”

Fiona had lived in Japan for a year before moving to Shanghai. She was a producer for Tomasz Gudzowaty, a Polish documentary filmmaker and photographer. Some of the projects that she assisted with involved capturing Japan’s sumo wrestlers, who are highly revered celebrities in the country, as well as the underbelly of the Yakuza.

Shanghai was alive with wealth, grit, and energy. It was a bold move to be there all alone, to set up business in such a ‘cowboy town’.

But her stint in photography wasn’t just a mere dalliance – she professes a love of the arts and names Argentine-Italian painter and sculptor Lucio Fontana as one of her favourite artists “at the moment”. Fiona is now a private curator and purchases artworks for viewings for family and friends.

“I have always been exposed to art since I was young, and even worked with Perrotin Gallery when I was living in Hong Kong. Going to the artists’ studios and engaging in conversations with artists, friends, writers and collectors helped me grow my knowledge and fuel my curiosity,” she says.

Fiona is currently exploring how NFTs can make traditional or privately-owned art more accessible. This project is inspired by her deep interest and frequent visits to art fairs all over the world.

“My most recent trip to Art Basel Miami gave me exposure to new projects in the cryptocurrency, NFT and digital asset landscape. It was the place where all the major players congregated for ideas sharing.

“Next up, I will probably be visiting Art Dubai, and then the 59th Venice Biennale 2022 in April. I would have loved to be able to teleport to the Nomad (a travelling contemporary art exhibition) at Switzerland’s St. Moritz, but alas…” she trails off wistfully.

You are older, wiser, and stronger

Fiona’s known for her bubbly and cheery demeanour, which has endeared her to local audiences here. Her public persona, however, belies a deeply emotional and passionate character that would once make personal sacrifices for love without a moment’s hesitation.

She left showbiz in 2009 at the height her acting career, which caused shock waves across Singapore. Back then, her star was on the rise – the young actress was considered one of television’s A-listers and was even named one of Mediacorp’s “seven princesses” alongside fellow actresses Joanne Peh and Rui En.

Later in 2020, Fiona revealed to Channel 8 that she had quit her acting career because she was leaving the country. She spent the next few years living in Hong Kong and New York, before breaking up with her fiance following her grandmother’s death, which devastated her. The trauma of it all led her to “shut herself away”.

Fiona has since made a comeback with local English drama after her hiatus. Don’t Be Left Behind(2016), in which she played a psychiatrist. It was a Hollywood blockbuster. Crazy Rich Asians (2018), where she played a supporting role in a comedic comedy as Kitty Pong, a social-climbing gold digger.

Fiona was hesitant to answer questions about whether she would reprise her role in the highly anticipated sequel.

“As many [would]Covid-19 is a film industry problem that has caused many delays in movie productions, including the one you are about to see. Crazy Rich Asians sequel. I’d be excited to provide more updates in the coming months,” she says.

Fiona is not as open about her acting projects as she would like, but she certainly has plenty to look forward to. What would she say to her younger self if she had the chance to look back on her experiences?

“I’ve always been a creative and passionate person. I’m still a romantic, but with greater maturity; I have learnt to control and moderate my emotions better. I would tell my younger self, “Showing emotion is a sign that you are strong,” but “letting them control your emotions is a weakness.” One must constantly evolve and grow,” she says.

Empathic expressions are a sign of strength. However, letting emotions control you is a sign weakness.

Start a new chapter

These days, a more grounded Fiona enjoys cycling along Singapore’s park connectors and immersing herself in the city’s lush green brackets.

“I’ve been delving into the corners of Singapore on my little Linus bicycle and my tiny, not-so-fast-and-furious legs. I got [the chance]To fall in love and appreciate the city’s flora, fauna, and beauty from a different perspective.

“I’ve also explored the wonders of nature with adventure company The Untamed Paths, and gone on a guided walk of Singapore’s intertidal habitats, where I saw fascinating creatures lurking luminously in the dark of the night. This unique experience made it feel like I was part of a Netflix scene. My Octopus Teacher,” she shares.

Fiona, a lifelong art lover is making an effort to explore the local arts scene. One of her favorite trips was to Singapore Art Museum, where she saw a mixed-media exhibition by The Observatory, a home-grown experimental rock band.

Says Fiona on her new-found hobbies: “I’ve been learning to live with volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, (while) prioritising health and time with family and close friends, being present, and having more intentional and purposeful conversations.”

And family is what keeps her close to home – Fiona even gave up a filming opportunity in Malaysia to be with them during the Covid-19 outbreak.

“My family has always been my pillar of support. Through them, I have learned the importance of resilience and humility as well as humour. We have an immense love for food, so that’s our binding glue. A family that eats well together will grow and stay together. Hopefully, not too much sideways though!” she laughs.

So what’s new with Fiona Xie then? With a sparkle in her eyes, Fiona leans in to share what she’s looking forward to in this next chapter of her life after turning 40 in January.

“I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore a myriad of interesting projects, be it Crazy Rich Asians, launching a multi-label fashion business in Shanghai, or producing for Tomasz Gudzowaty. I believe it is important to constantly push the boundaries.

“My friend recently shared a reading with me, and this is what I would love to embrace: “Polymath, provocateur, possibilist, pioneer.”

PHOTOGRAPHYWee Khim, assisted Ivan Teo
STYLINGLena Kamarudin assisted by Koh Yawen
HAIRGary Low/Passion
MAKEUP Agnes Ng