In Singapore’s fast-paced and highly competitive business ecosystem, few stories resonate with such heartfelt inspiration and grit as that of Ms Laura Lee, founder of Trade-Pro Group. A woman who wears many hats— entrepreneur, philanthropist, mother, grandmother, and beauty queen—Ms Laura is a living testament to the power of resilience, courage, and vision. Her journey from modest beginnings to helming a multimillion-dollar enterprise offers not only a compelling narrative of business triumph but also a portrait of leadership rooted in integrity and compassion.
Ms Laura Lee’s road to success was anything but smooth. Growing up in a household with financial limitations, she took on part-time jobs from a young age to support her family. Her early work ethic laid the groundwork for what would become an unshakable resolve in her professional life. A stint as an air stewardess with Singapore Airlines marked the beginning of her adult career, but a life-changing turn came after her marriage. By the age of 31, It was then that Ms Laura’s entrepreneurial spirit truly ignited.
Taking up a role as a Sales Manager for a refrigerator truck company, she leveraged her innate warmth and professionalism to build valuable connections in the logistics and distribution industries. This period shaped her understanding of sales, marketing, and customer relations—skills that would prove pivotal when she took her first major leap into business ownership.
Ms Laura’s entrepreneurial journey formally began in 2009 with the founding of Trade-Pro Trading. Focused initially on bonded warehousing for exports, the company achieved S$1 million in annual turnover within its first two years
—a remarkable feat for any startup. Sensing an opportunity to grow further, she and her business partner expanded their vision, ultimately forming the Trade-Pro Group, now a cluster of five successful companies.
From shipping permits to food imports and dealing with ship chandlers, each new venture under the Trade-Pro umbrella was born from meticulous planning and a keen sense of market demand. In 2018, she established Trade-Pro Food Distribution, which would become the crown jewel of the group. The company is now the exclusive distributor of Arla, the Danish dairy giant, in Singapore. Arla products, including household favourites like Lurpak butter, are found in major local retailers such as NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, and Giant, as well as through large-scale aviation caterers like SATS and Dynata.
Trade-Pro Group today boasts five companies, a team of around 100 employees, and an impressive annual turnover of approximately S$130 million. Ms Laura’s leadership extends beyond just strategic decisions. She has been hands-on in every facet—from managing cash flow and human resources to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Her embrace of technology and targeted marketing strategies has helped amplify brand visibility and loyalty, firmly establishing Trade-Pro as a key player in Singapore’s FMCG market.
Ms Laura’s professional accolades speak volumes. She was recently honoured with the Prestige 100 Singapore Top 10 Winners Award and the Top Leading Entrepreneurs Top 10 Winners Award for 2023/2024. These accolades follow earlier wins, including Asia’s Top 100 Outstanding Enterprises Brand Awards and the prestigious Grand Prize Universe Business Award 2024—international recognitions that celebrate business excellence, leadership, and innovation.
Even as she climbs the heights of corporate success, Ms Laura Lee remains deeply connected to the community. As Charter President of Lions Club Singapore Roots, she has been instrumental in driving impactful outreach initiatives. Her work with the Lions Club Singapore further underscores her dedication to philanthropy and social responsibility.
Notably, Ms Laura’s influence stretches beyond the boardroom and into the realm of global pageantry. In 2019, she earned first runner-up at the Mrs. Singapore pageant and soon after, took the title of Mrs. Global Tourism Queen in Thailand. Most recently, she won the Grandma Universe crown in 2023 in Sofia, Bulgaria—proving that grace, confidence, and ambition have no age limit.
With her wealth of experience, Ms Laura offers sage advice to budding entrepreneurs: pursue brick-and-mortar ventures with care and strategy. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that success is seldom instantaneous. It’s the product of years of hard work, thoughtful risk-taking, and a commitment to one’s values.
In Ms Laura Lee, Singapore has not only found a trailblazing business leader but also a role model who embodies the spirit of perseverance and generosity. Her life’s work continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, particularly women, proving that with the right mix of vision and heart, anything is possible.
Brought to you by Vision Media, this celebration of Ms Laura Lee’s accomplishments reaffirms the remarkable impact one individual can have
—not just in building businesses, but in building lives.
