The 54 year old warm mother of three shares her encounter during her early motherhood days. Juggling a load between maternal instincts and career, she needed domestic help at home while she worked as a personal assistant in a HR firm. She recalled turning to a maid agency in hopes of seeking someone suitable to entrust her children with, however, felt disappointed with its management and structure. “There was no documentation, and a lack of system was evident which resulted in tedious employing procedures”, said Mrs. Elizabeth Pooh.

In recent generations, the rate of working-mothers has become increasingly prominent. The requirement of such services, have shifted from a hierarchal position in the olden days to a common necessity. Elizabeth took note of this significance and decided that she would provide a better service for this growing demand.

In 1986, she left her job of 15 years and established Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd, geared towards improving the standards of the industry and finding suitable foreign domestic helpers catering to the different needs of employers.

Now, another 25 years on, her children are well on their feet but one of them with an affinity for business, Edmund, has come on board to help his mother with the development of the company. With new blood, Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd is looking at expansion on a larger scale and taking the company to a whole new level. “More than just expanding in terms of manpower, we want to differentiate ourselves from competitors and excel beyond expectation”, Edmund related.

While they have satisfied clients and provided home solutions, they also have improved the lives of many foreign domestic helpers. At times, the industry may not be as just to these hard labourers as they are to the employers, therefore, Elizabeth and Edmund hopes to be instrumental as a whole in providing a better “voice” for these foreign domestic helpers.

“There are many responsibilities that come with entrepreneurship but don’t let it stop you from daring to live your dream.”