Anastasia Tjendri-Liew Crowned Her World Woman of the Year 2025
Singapore celebrates a landmark achievement as Anastasia Tjendri-Liew, founder and managing director of Bengawan Solo, is named Her World Woman of the Year 2025. At 78, she has steered a home-based baking hobby into a bakery empire that now operates more than 40 outlets across Singapore. The award recognizes a lifetime of leadership, resilience, and community impact—qualities that have defined Tjendri-Liew’s approach to business and philanthropy.
From Humble Beginnings to a Bakery Empire
What began as a simple, home kitchen enterprise has grown into one of Singapore’s most beloved pastry brands. Bengawan Solo’s signature offerings, from traditional kuehs to contemporary cakes, have become staples for locals and visitors alike. Under Tjendri-Liew’s leadership, the brand expanded with a deliberate emphasis on product consistency, customer experience, and scalable operations, transforming a small home operation into a network of outlets that serve communities across the city-state.
A Leader Who Marries Craft with Scale
Industry observers note that Tjendri-Liew’s strength lies in balancing artisanal baking with disciplined business practices. Her approach blends hands-on product development with strategic expansion, ensuring that each new Bengawan Solo location upholds the brand’s heritage while meeting evolving consumer tastes. The result is a model of growth that remains rooted in quality and service, a rare combination in an industry shaped by rapid change.
Beyond Baking: Community Impact and Pro Bono Initiatives
Beyond the oven, Tjendri-Liew has made community engagement a cornerstone of Bengawan Solo’s identity. Her influence extends into mentoring aspiring bakers, supporting local suppliers, and contributing to charitable causes. The Her World award highlights how business success can translate into meaningful social impact, echoing a broader movement of entrepreneurs who give back to the communities that sustain them.
What the Honor Means for Women in Business
The Woman of the Year accolade is more than a personal achievement for Tjendri-Liew; it signals progress for women across Singapore and the broader region. By exemplifying long-term vision, financial prudence, and empathetic leadership, she challenges stereotypes about age and entrepreneurship, offering a blueprint for aspiring female founders who balance family, work, and community responsibility.
Looking Ahead for Bengawan Solo
With a robust footprint in Singapore’s dining landscape, Bengawan Solo is poised to continue its growth trajectory. Plans for product innovation, enhanced customer experience, and potential new markets are on the horizon, all guided by a founder who remains deeply connected to the brand’s roots and to the people who have supported its journey.
Final Thoughts
As Anastasia Tjendri-Liew accepts the Her World Woman of the Year 2025 honor, she embodies the spirit of perseverance, craft, and community leadership. Her story—one of turning a home kitchen into a national institution—serves as inspiration for entrepreneurs who believe in the power of durable, values-driven business growth.
