You’ve seen the headlines, the boardroom battles, the whispers of a power behind the throne. But is that really her? Or is it just the stage dressing for a life that’s been a series of unexpected acts? We’re not just asking about her job title, or which side of the Kwek family feud she’s on. We’re asking, who is she when the cameras aren’t rolling, when the deals are done, and the music stops?
TL;DR
- Catherine Wu is a woman of many talents, excelling in music, business, and cybersecurity.
- Her involvement in the Kwek family feud has brought her significant public attention.
- Wu’s career trajectory demonstrates a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in diverse fields.
- The “diva” controversy highlights the complexities of workplace dynamics, particularly for influential women.
- Wu’s story raises questions about power, influence, and the blurred lines between personal and professional life.
Catherine Wu’s name has recently been making headlines, not just for her impressive résumé but also for her role in one of Singapore’s biggest corporate power struggles. But who is she, really? Beyond her association with billionaire Kwek Leng Beng, Wu has lived a fascinating life—from a strict upbringing in Taiwan to carving out a space in music, business, and even cybersecurity.
A Childhood Steeped in Discipline and High Expectations
Born in Taiwan, Catherine Wu was the only daughter in a family of seven children. With such a heavily male-dominated household, her parents worried she might turn out too “boyish.” Their solution? Music.
“They felt that music could help cultivate a girl’s temperament,” Wu shared in an interview with Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao in August 2024.
That wasn’t the only expectation placed on her. Wu’s family strongly emphasized education, setting a bar so high it would make most students shudder. The result? She and her siblings collectively earned six doctoral degrees. Yes, you read that right—six. Talk about an overachieving family!
Wu herself pursued a doctorate in music education, but her academic journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. At 15, she left Taiwan to study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. At one point, she nearly gave up on music altogether, but thanks to the mentorship of a Juilliard School graduate, she found her way to the prestigious institution and eventually completed her doctorate at New York University.
A Star in Taiwan’s Music Scene
After returning to Taiwan, Wu entered the music industry through a friend’s connection. In 1990, she released her first piano album, which led to appearances on television. Her career took off when she became the host of Music From The Heart, a show dedicated to promoting classical music. Running for over 700 episodes, it featured some of Taiwan’s most well-known artists, including Power Station, Ukulele, and Julia Peng.
Her contributions to classical music earned her recognition as one of Taiwan’s “Ten Outstanding Young Women” in 1994. Yet despite her rising fame, Wu longed for a quieter life, away from the constant attention. That’s where Singapore entered the picture.
Meeting Kwek Leng Beng: A Dinner That Changed Everything
In 1992, Wu’s life took a sharp turn when she met billionaire Kwek Leng Beng at a family gathering in Taiwan.
“I didn’t expect that this chance encounter would change my life,” Wu later reflected.
But this wasn’t your typical dinner conversation. Instead of polite small talk, Kwek grilled her with rapid-fire questions—one moment discussing politics and economics, the next moment switching to music. It felt less like a casual chat and more like an intense job interview.
Wu, however, handled it like a pro. Her ability to think on her feet seemed to impress Kwek, who soon asked a life-altering question: Would she consider moving to Singapore?
Life in Singapore: A New Chapter
By the end of 1992, Wu had packed her bags and relocated to Singapore. Her reasons? A mix of practicality and personal growth.
“I felt that Singapore’s fusion of Chinese and Western cultures was very suitable for me,” she explained. “Also, I was somewhat famous in Taiwan at the time, and I wanted to move somewhere I could live more quietly.”
Though initially involved in real estate research for Kwek, Wu gradually found herself drawn into the world of hotel management. One of her first major tasks? Analyzing three hotel acquisitions and recommending the best investment. No pressure, right?
Her skills in strategy and business soon earned her a bigger role. Over time, she became the chief secretary in Kwek’s office, overseeing the management of his hotel empire worldwide.
The Shift to Cybersecurity
By 2020, Wu was ready for yet another challenge—cybersecurity.
Seeing the rising threat of cyberattacks, she developed a keen interest in the field. She had been poised to step into it in 2020, but then the pandemic hit, delaying her plans. However, in 2023, she finally made her move, bringing the GeekCon International Cybersecurity Conference to Singapore.
Kwek, ever the supportive figure in her life, backed the event and took on the role of honorary consultant. This shift showcased Wu’s adaptability—she had gone from music to real estate to hospitality and now to one of the world’s most pressing security concerns.
The Power Struggle: Wu at the Center of a Billionaire Feud
Despite her many successes, Wu’s most talked-about role these days isn’t in business or cybersecurity—it’s in the explosive feud between Kwek Leng Beng and his son, Sherman Kwek.
In February 2024, the elder Kwek, now 84, sued his son and several board members of City Developments Limited, accusing them of governance lapses and attempting a power grab.
Sherman didn’t hold back in his response. He directly blamed Wu, calling her the “primary reason” for the dispute.
“She has been interfering in matters well beyond her scope, and she wields enormous influence,” he claimed.
Given her long-standing relationship with Kwek, Sherman implied that her involvement had made negotiations nearly impossible.
The “Diva” Controversy
This isn’t the first time Wu has been at the center of workplace drama. In 2017, she was accused of harassment by Tan Chee Hwee, a former senior vice-president at Copthorne Hotels.
Tan, who identified as a Singaporean Chinese gay man, alleged that Wu repeatedly referred to him as a “diva” over WhatsApp. He took his complaint to a UK employment tribunal, where he claimed their once-close friendship had soured.
However, court documents painted a different picture. Evidence showed that Tan had not objected to Wu’s remarks at the time, nor had he filed any formal complaints back then. The tribunal eventually ruled that his termination was due to redundancy, not harassment.
My Take on the Catherine Wu Saga
Catherine Wu is no ordinary woman. She’s intelligent, adaptable, and clearly influential. But influence, as history shows, is a double-edged sword.
On one hand, Wu’s journey is admirable. From a young pianist to a major business figure, she’s proven that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. Her pivot to cybersecurity? That’s the mark of someone who doesn’t just rest on their laurels but keeps pushing boundaries.
On the other hand, her deep involvement in Kwek Leng Beng’s business affairs has made her a target. Whether she’s truly behind the billionaire family’s feud is up for debate, but one thing is clear—when you hold that much sway, you’re bound to ruffle some feathers.
As for the “diva” controversy? It sounds more like a workplace misunderstanding blown out of proportion. The tribunal’s ruling suggests there wasn’t much substance to the claim, but it’s a reminder that power dynamics in any workplace can get messy.
At the end of the day, Catherine Wu is a figure who fascinates, divides, and sparks endless speculation. Whether she’s a mastermind or merely caught in the crossfire, one thing’s for sure—she’s not stepping out of the spotlight anytime soon.
