Elaine Chew
Elaine Chew — Brand Strategist and Creative Director in navy blazer
14x Award-Winning Brand Specialist

Elaine Chew

Brand strategist, creative director, and cross-border consultant bridging East and West — from Miri to Newcastle, Shanghai to Warsaw.

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The Journey So Far

The Journey So Far

Born in January 1993 in Miri, Sarawak, I am a 4th-generation Chinese-Portuguese creative whose perspective has been shaped by a truly global path.

I grew up in Brunei under the guidance of my wonderful, hardworking parents—Steven Chew, an Operations Sales Manager, and Iris Tan, a retired elementary educator. Raised in a multicultural Islamic country with exceptional public resources, I benefited from Cambridge-level schooling taught by top educators.

That strong foundation laid the groundwork for my career, leading me to earn a partial scholarship at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, where I graduated with a degree in Graphic Design (Visual Communication) in 2015.

Young Elaine Chew with her family and dog in Brunei, early childhood years
Asian woman working late in a design studio surrounded by colorful papers and city buildings at night
Career

From Agencies to Entrepreneurship

My design journey spans continents, starting in the UK with a summer internship at Paul Windle Design Studio working on brands like LEGO, Disney, and Warner Bros.

From there, I expanded into Asia's fast-paced markets:

  • Singapore & Brunei: Built foundation work in tech startups (42Race) and local F&B branding before heading back out internationally.
  • Shanghai, China (2017–2020): Led design initiatives at Viscosoft—a French/US e-commerce textile company serving global clients like PRIMARK across the US, France, and Spain—followed by agency work for major hospitality brands like IHG Hotels, Goose Island, and Boston Scientific.
Elaine Chew laughing and enjoying a meal at a restaurant table with food and drinks
Entrepreneurship

Building Something of My Own

Bright Design Studio

Founded in July 2020 over an inspiring Italian lunch at Mama Mia on Julu Road, Shanghai. The studio has since earned 14 international awards.

Zilla Tech (2025)

Expanded my entrepreneurial footprint into Europe by establishing Zilla Tech in Warsaw, Poland.

Elaine Chew celebrating with colleagues over wine and lanterns, marking the founding of Bright Design Studio
Beyond the Brief

Curiosity Beyond the Screen

01

Exploration & Culture

I love traveling, discovering new countries, and immersing myself in their history, culture, and languages.

02

Unsolved & Unexplained

Fascinated by true crime, psychology, and the deep "why" behind human behavior—especially the mysteries science can't fully explain.

03

Staying Curious

At heart, I just enjoy embracing a kid-like curiosity about the world and staying open to continuous learning.

"
I don't want to be just good, I want to be GREAT

— James Dean · Portrayed by James Franco in James Dean (2001)

Watch the scene here →
Values

What Drives Me

Design is my craft, but human dignity is my core purpose. Rooted in SGI Buddhist values, I am dedicated to pushing for a world grounded in empathy, equality, and global peace.

🤝

Human Equality

Firmly committed to ensuring all individuals are treated with love and respect, regardless of race, sex, or gender identity, while actively standing against xenophobia.

📚

Access & Advocacy

Championing women's fundamental rights to education and healthcare, alongside animal rights.

🕊️

Global Peace

Supporting the absolute abolishment of nuclear weapons and promoting non-violence globally.

Moments

Life in Frames

Elaine Chew at an awards and certificates ceremony, celebrating achievements on stage
Black and white photo of a social gathering at a bar with friends and colleagues
Three people enjoying a wine event together, raising glasses in celebration
Elaine Chew with George, a memorable moment captured together
Elaine Chew enjoying a relaxed outdoor picnic with friends
Elaine Chew with Faty, sharing a warm and joyful moment together
Elaine Chew at a Soka gathering, reflecting her Buddhist values and community
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Elaine Chew celebrating with close friends and family at a festive gathering, the foundation of her journey
Closing Reflection

The Foundation Beneath the Journey

Awards, global offices, and bold adventures across continents are milestones to be proud of, but none of them happen in a vacuum.

Behind every new city, every creative breakthrough, and every risk taken is a bedrock of unwavering support. Without the grounding love of my family and the steadfast loyalty of solid friendships, none of this—the moves, the ventures, or the milestones—would be possible.

Success is ultimately measured not just by where you go, but by the people who walk beside you along the way.

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