Chan recalls her once-demanding schedule that involved working seven days a week, and traveling up to eight months a year. Because of this, she made the decision to send her children to boarding schools in the United Kingdom.

"This is supposed to be the main regret - that you have no time for your children. This is one part about working women," she says. "I spent my time building up wealth for my children so they could have the same lifestyle I had when I was a child. Everything must be planned for the best of my children."

Ten years ago, Chan decided to take a step back to a quieter life, and handed over the day-to-day reins of The Hour Glass to her brother and her son Michael.

With no plans for retirement, Chan, who turns 69 in May, sees herself as in her prime. "My life is just starting. I always laugh and tell my friends I'm going to live until 118," she says. "In fact, it's a perfect stage because we make all the mistakes we have made and we know how to play in this marketplace."

Today, she is investing in new businesses from biotechnology to sustainability, supporting reforestation projects to combat global warming.

Ma Xuejing / China Daily

JANNIE CHAN

Co-founder and executive vice-chairman of The Hour Glass

Career Milestones:

2011-2013: Chairman of the Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Associations

2009: Named Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by Enterprise Asia

1979: Cofounded The Hour Glass in Singapore

1971: Graduated with a master's degree in pharmacology from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

Quick takes:

What is your favorite watch collection?

Gerald Genta and Rolex. My latest collection includes a Rolex Submariner and Daytona.

What is your advice for budding entrepreneurs?

They need to have passion in what they are doing. They must love the products they sell and the people who they are working with. They must know it's a seven-day-a-week, 24-hour-a-day job. There are no shortcuts so you can make a quick buck.

What is a typical day like for you?

I wake up, have breakfast at 8 am and go to work. I take it easy in the afternoon, but I work 24 hours through my Blackberry.