When you meet Shao Lun, Private Wealth Director and long-time client of CYC Tailor, one thing becomes clear: success isn’t just about numbers, it’s about presence. From his very first suit — a ready-to-wear piece that introduced him to CYC in 2022 — to his current collection featuring fabrics from Scabal, Thomas Mason, Carnet, Loro Piana and Holland & Sherry, Shao Lun has embraced tailoring as more than clothing; it’s become a reflection of his mindset. Whether he’s on stage leading a team, meeting clients who notice every detail, or unwinding on the golf course, he believes the right suit sets the tone for confidence, energy, and growth. In this candid conversation, Shao Lun shares how tailoring has shaped his personal style, the habits that fuel his career in finance, and why his latest Scabal Vision suit — inspired by Salvador Dalí — aligns so closely with his forward-looking philosophy.
Let’s start from the beginning. You first came to CYC in 2022 with a ready-to-wear purchase. Do you remember what drew you in that day?
Back in 2022, I was given a complimentary suit through AIA, and that was my first introduction to CYC. What struck me immediately was the quality of the craftsmanship — it felt refined without being over the top. I also noticed the wide variety of fabrics from renowned brands. They were comfortable, stylish, and tasteful, which suited me perfectly since I prefer something sharp but not too showy. That first impression left such a mark that I knew I wanted to come back, and over time I naturally became a loyal customer.
Looking back now, how would you say your style has changed since then — and in what ways has CYC been part of that journey?
My style has evolved quite a bit since I started working with CYC. Before, I was more focused on ready-to-wear, but being exposed to tailoring opened my eyes to what a difference a perfectly fitted suit can make. Many tailors struggle to match my body shape, but at CYC I found that the tailoring not only complemented my build but also gave me the confidence to experiment more with different cuts and fabrics. It’s been a journey of refinement — moving from “just wearing a suit” to truly expressing myself through tailoring.
In your role as a Private Wealth Director, you meet clients who notice every detail. Do you feel the way you dress influences how people respond to you?
Absolutely. In my line of work, every detail matters — from the way you present yourself to the impression you leave in the room. Dressing well positions me not only as someone trustworthy to clients but also as a leader to my team. It’s not just about sales; it’s also about talent acquisition. When I look sharp and polished, I’m not just selling financial solutions, I’m also setting an example that attracts like-minded professionals who want to be part of a winning culture.
You keep a very busy schedule. What does a typical work week look like for you — and when the week ends, how do you usually recharge?
My weeks are intense — I usually have at least three meetings a day, sometimes more. Each one requires me to be fully present and engaged, whether it’s with clients or my team. That said, I make it a point to carve out time for the things I enjoy. Golf and badminton are my go-to hobbies; I try to play weekly because they keep me active, help me clear my head, and remind me that balance is important. Those moments on the course or court are where I recharge and reset for the week ahead.
Everyone has their own success habits. What’s one mindset or routine that’s really helped you in finance?
For me, it starts with the morning. Waking up every day and feeling great sets the tone. It may sound simple, but having that positive energy makes all the difference. In finance, so much of what we do is about energy transfer — clients feel it, colleagues feel it. When I dress up, take care of myself, and put on a well-tailored suit, I’m not just presenting an image; I’m reinforcing that mindset of being a winner. That energy, in turn, gives clients the confidence that they’re in good hands.
On a lighter note, do you have any hobbies or passions outside of work that people might be surprised to learn about?
I’ve always had a love for the sea. Growing up, I actually wanted to be a marine biologist. Unfortunately, Singapore didn’t have strong programmes for that field, and going overseas was too costly, so I chose a different path. Still, that love for the ocean has stayed with me. On another note, I’ve also dabbled in the performing arts. I once took part in a play — Hairspray — which meant I had to learn to sing and dance. It was completely outside my comfort zone, but such a memorable experience that reminded me of the joy of trying something new.
Do you have a book, podcast, or mentor that has influenced the way you think about life or business?
Yes, the book 30 Lessons in 30 Years had a big impact on me when I first entered the industry. It shifted my perspective on how to approach both work and life. The lessons resonated because they were practical, honest, and gave me a framework to grow in a demanding environment. It wasn’t just theory — it was guidance I could immediately apply, and it still shapes the way I operate today.
Let’s talk about Jessica. Do you remember your first impression of her, and how has she shaped the way you approach tailoring over the years?
From the very first meeting, Jessica stood out as warm, approachable, and genuinely attentive. She has a natural ability to connect, which made the experience of tailoring with CYC feel very personal. Over the years, she’s guided me with fabric and style choices I might not have considered on my own, and that has shaped how I view tailoring — not just as clothing, but as an extension of who I am. Her advice has helped me refine my style and be more confident in my selections.
We’ve noticed you’re quite adventurous with your choices — from Thomas Mason, to Scabal, Carnet, Loro Piana and Holland & Sherry. What makes you want to keep exploring different brands instead of sticking to just one? And which one has been your favourite so far?
I enjoy variety. My work often takes me on stage or into settings where I meet many people, and I don’t want to be in the same suit every time. Exploring different brands allows me to build a wardrobe that feels fresh and exciting. Each brand has its own strengths, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be Scabal. Their fabrics have consistently impressed me — they’re reliable, stylish, and always deliver the kind of presence I want when I walk into a room.
For your latest suit, you chose a fabric from Scabal’s Vision collection. What made that fabric stand out to you?
What immediately caught my eye was the colour and design — it felt fresh, something I hadn’t tried before. Beyond the aesthetics, the story behind the Vision collection really resonated with me. It’s about looking forward and continuous improvement, which mirrors my personal philosophy. In both life and business, I strive to grow, to evolve, and to become better not only for myself but also for my clients. The fabric felt like a reflection of that mindset.
The Vision collection has such an interesting story — inspired by Salvador Dalí’s futuristic paintings from 1971. How does it feel knowing your suit carries that kind of artistic legacy?
It’s amazing. To me, it’s not just about wearing a suit — it’s about carrying a story, a piece of art with me. Knowing that the design was inspired by Dalí’s vision of the future makes it even more meaningful, because it ties back to the idea of pushing boundaries and thinking ahead. It’s something I can personally relate to, and it adds a layer of depth every time I put the suit on.
After tailoring a number of suits over the years, what advice would you give your younger self when investing in your very first tailored suit?
I’d tell myself to choose a suit that makes you feel proud and confident every single time you wear it. It’s not just about practicality — it’s about the way it makes you carry yourself. That first suit sets the tone for how you approach dressing, so it should be something you’ll always feel great in, whether it’s for a meeting, a presentation, or a special occasion.
And lastly, what advice would you give to someone starting out in finance who wants to succeed in the industry?
I’d suggest looking at your career in cycles of five years. Every five years, think of it as earning a “day off,” which symbolises the milestones you should be achieving. Within those cycles, focus on building good habits, sharpening your skillset, and accumulating knowledge. Make it a point to meet and learn from all kinds of people — it broadens your perspective and sharpens your ability to connect. And most importantly, start talent acquisition as early as possible. Building a strong team from the beginning sets the foundation for long-term success.
Begin Your Own Tailoring Journey
Shao Lun’s story shows how the right suit can do more than just fit well — it can shape confidence, set the tone for success, and tell a story of growth. From his very first ready-to-wear piece to his adventurous choices across world-renowned mills, tailoring has become part of his professional identity and personal journey. Every stitch has added not just style, but presence and purpose.
Now it’s your turn. Discover how a CYC suit can transform the way you look, feel, and lead.