19-year-old Victoria Cheong has achieved a milestone that will go down in history as a beacon of resilience and passion. The final-year student from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) is Singapore’s first-ever gold medallist in Visual Merchandising at the prestigious 47th WorldSkills Competition (WSC) in Lyon, France. Her stunning “Under the Sea” themed display clinched the top spot at this global event, putting Singapore on the map for visual merchandising excellence.
A Journey of Dedication and Hard Work
Victoria’s path to the WorldSkills stage wasn’t an easy one. Just months before the competition, she was working with a completely new material for window displays—a crucial shift from the foam boards she had previously used. Despite the challenge, Cheong’s training regimen intensified, with her dedicating up to eight hours a day, seven days a week to perfect her craft.
The competition itself was grueling. The theme, “marine biology and beauty,” pushed Cheong’s creativity to the limits. She admits that at first, the sea-themed concept felt daunting. But with determination, Cheong dove into the challenge, crafting two magnificent sea horses that embodied both elegance and simplicity—a display that would ultimately win her the gold.
Image from Mothership (Photo by Natalie Ong)
Overcoming Self-Doubt
While Cheong was confident in her skills, there were moments of doubt. The pressure of competing on a global stage led her to question her abilities. “Every time I create a window display, I’ll ask my friends to be honest, and sometimes they say it’s really ugly,” Cheong revealed. “I didn’t want to embarrass myself, and I almost considered giving up.”
But the support from her family, friends, and lecturers at NYP helped her push through. Wayne Oh, her lecturer and Chief Expert for Visual Merchandising at the competition, noted Cheong’s growth – “She remained calm and composed even in the face of challenges.” Her journey is a powerful reminder that resilience and support can turn self-doubt into confidence.
Tips for Parents and Kids Inspired by Victoria’s Story
- Embrace the Learning Process – Just like Victoria, children should be encouraged to embrace learning, even when faced with challenges. Failure is often a part of the journey and shouldn’t be feared.
- Support and Encouragement – For parents, being present and supportive during moments of self-doubt can make a huge difference. Cheong credits the encouragement from her family and friends for helping her overcome tough moments.
- Explore Creative Interests – Parents can help nurture their child’s creativity by allowing them to explore hands-on projects, whether it’s crafting, drawing, or building. Cheong’s love for design started early with her secondary school projects, and this creative freedom built a strong foundation for her skills today.
Image from Mothership (Photo by Natalie Ong)
The Future Ahead
Looking ahead, Cheong is already setting her sights on exciting opportunities, including working with luxury brands like Hermes or Louis Vuitton—two names renowned for their iconic window displays. She believes her “quirky” design style could find a home in these creative spaces, and she’s eager to keep pushing boundaries in the world of visual merchandising.
Cheong’s victory is not just a win in the WorldSkills competition, but a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. The next time you’re window shopping, take a moment to appreciate the artistry in those displays—you might just see a piece of Cheong’s world.
From an article by Natalie Ong, published on Mothership.