Multi-hyphenate Angie Ng hasn’t pursued six careers in her decades of life and work because she was bored. She's done it to challenge herself and grow, says the Hong Kong-based Malaysian model.

While studying law in her home country, the fashion industry in Hong Kong beckoned her to commit to a “fun” career change to model for magazines and top brands. If that wasn’t enough, Angie also committed to learning how to teach others how to box and work the spin cycle.

Speaking with The Beat Asia on a phone call, Angie is resolute in redefining what it means to be a mother in the fashion industry modelling. 

Hong Kongers have seen you in LOWE’s, Chanel, Vogue, but there’s more to your career. You’re a former law student, boxing instructor, indoor cycling guru, and dancer. What identity is most important to you?

This is a very interesting question, simply because my answer would be different a couple of years ago. Now that I'm a mother, motherhood has had such an impact on me, but I'm a little bit of everything.

Is this the continuation of your great story with multiple identities of who Angie is?

That’s an interesting way to look at this. I have always wanted growth and change. Motherhood is growth, not from me having a law degree to being a model to teaching boxing and spin, and beyond.

That part of me that has been, let's do something different and challenge ourselves, has always been at my core DNA. As children, we love to learn. When we reach adulthood, we don’t need to learn anymore. I want to.

What did you want to be in your youth in Malaysia? And how did you bring your passion for modelling and fashion to light?

I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer, but I began modelling simultaneously, pursuing my passion. Coming from a traditional Chinese family, finishing my degree was of utmost importance for my family. When I studied [law], I knew I didn't enjoy the rigidity of the situation. There are too many rules and laws that govern us.

I have always wanted to colour outside the box. Even as a fashion model in Malaysia and Hong Kong, I did not want to be any fashion model.

How did you make it in Hong Kong as a model in the industry?

I don’t know [laughs]! Part of it is luck and hard work. If you want to be a successful model, you have to have good skin, a good-looking body, skill on the catwalk, and that special magic to grow that connection with the clothes and space.

Especially now more than ever, you need friendships. Clients used to book me again and again, not simply because I was a model, but because I am who I am and of my identity.

What is your identity on the catwalk, modelling, and off-camera?

I am very different in front and off camera. Off camera, I'm not as extroverted as people would think.

My identity doesn't shift between different scenarios. I can't be the fashion model when I'm with my family. I can't be the mommy when I am working.

For the continuation of your modelling career as a mom, are there struggles to be a mom in the modelling industry in Hong Kong?

One hundred percent. The moment I became a mother, I know that my career trajectory changed. The perception towards you has changed, but also the perception of the world towards mothers.

The world is growing, and I'm growing with it, and I'm fine with it because I don't want to hold on to the fact that I'm never going to be constantly 20-something nonstop.

Do you think you're an inspiration for models to continue their career after or as they begin motherhood?

I think yes. Beyond me, there are so many women out there now. There are so many supermodels out there doing it.

What is it about boxing, dancing, cycling that attracts you? Is it the movement of your body that modelling can’t offer you with your drive to push yourself physically?

I think a little bit of both. With anything, it's the challenge to do it and do it well, and that takes practice, time and perseverance.

To put myself in a situation where you see there's a possible growth, but growth only comes with work, hard work and time. We only live once, and I don't want to live too mundanely. So, I challenge myself in growth to learn how to teach boxing and spin, learn how to swim, dance too.

What is the future for your motherhood, life in Hong Kong and career?

Hong Kong is not where I am home, but we love the city and live by the sea, it's so beautiful. Right now, Hong Kong is home, and we’re open to what is next.

It is nice to grow and try different things.

Follow Angie's journey balancing her career and motherhood on her Instagram account.