Amanda Chaang: My first encounter came from my parents. I grew up in a very Asian household where my parents did not traditionally express it but instead, through actions like cutting fruits or buying us our favourite food. As an adult now, that’s what love looks like to me.

As time goes by, what do the both of you appreciate more about each other?
Jon Chua JX: 2020 really put a test on our marriage because we are both from different countries. We started our relationship long distance and even after our marriage, I would still travel for work and she would go back home to Malaysia. We spent almost every waking moment together understanding each other’s needs a little more. We give each other the space we need.

Amanda Chaang: As the days go by, I realise more and more what I love about him and what I don’t. Let’s be honest, that happens in every relationship. What I really appreciate about him and became obvious to me last year is his patience with me. Looking back on that, I thought, “Wow, this guy is amazing. He puts up with me and there was a lot to put up with.”

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Studies have shown that millennials are into equitable relationships — both of them wear the pants — is this something the both of you practice?
Jon Chua JX: We are a mix of a traditional and modern marriage. Things have obviously changed but we still have fun together or individually. And as much as possible, we try not to change each other fundamentally but of course, there are habits we do try to change to be our better selves.

Amanda Chaang: Love to me comes in many forms. My first encounter — actually all of ours — was love received from our parents. I grew up in a very Asian household which was still loving so it’s the balance where my parents did not traditionally express love but through actions like cutting fruits or buying us our favourite type of food. As an adult now, that’s what love looks like to me — I like serving the people that I love.

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How about the concept of “slow-love”?
Jon Chua JX: I think it’s an interesting concept because I’m still discovering new things about her. There are things that others might know that I don’t and it’s a constant process of learning for me.

Amanda Chaang: We definitely live in an age of instant gratification and our relationship was like that. We met on Instagram and got engaged after six months. It wasn’t the goal in the first place and it should never be one. We did it because we knew it was right and it still does. It’s not a feeling we feel everyday but at the end of it, I know we made the right decision individually and for us.

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Amanda, there is a famous tweet — “S/o to the women who aren’t afraid to date a man who’s a work in progress and help build him up. too many women want a finished product” — do you relate?
Amanda Chaang: Yes, because everyone is a work in progress, no? I never once thought that I would meet a partner and think, “This is it! I met my person and we’re going to live happily ever after”. I like to evolve with my friends, loved ones and Jon as our situations and environments inevitably change.

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Obama once said — “We’re a team, and how do I make sure that this guy is together enough that he’s paying attention to his girls and not forgetting the basketball game that he’s supposed to be going to on sunday?” — Jon, how do you make time for Amanda?
Jon Chua JX: Amanda gives me space and she definitely understands the way I function. I’ve never worked a desk job because I don’t like to turn my brain off at a certain time. There are times when I just want to go to the studio at night to write a piece of music based on a feeling or a vibe. She does understand that and I think when it comes to casual things — funny how you mentioned basketball because I do play it with my friends — she never has an issue with it.

Even this morning, we were both going to work out and I went to the gym while she did it at work. We understand how to give each other space and on my end, I do make a lot of time for her. It’s something that’s on my mind and I constantly think of ways to spend time with her.

For example, ending work on time so that I can go back to have dinner with her.

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For most couples, a Valentine’s Day gift is the classic trope of a bouquet of roses. If one gifts the special lady in his life the TOM FORD BEAUTY Limited Edition Rose Prick collection, the gesture becomes that much sweeter. Sweet is also the adjective that best describes the collection — the Private Blend Rose Prick Eau de Parfum (a piercingly beautiful & sweet blend of three different roses, $478), the Rose Prick Cushion compact ($58 for the case alone, with the option to be refilled with three different foundations) and the Rose Prick Eye Color Quad in Body Heat (a set of four sensuous Asian-flattering shades, $127). If one is wondering about the last product, the swatch is reflected on Amanda’s pouty lips — the Rose Prick Lip Color Satin Matte in shade 26 To Die For ($76) that smoothens and moisturises with a full-coverage long wearing finish.

The TOM FORD BEAUTY Limited Edition Rose Prick collection is available at all TOM FORD counters islandwide (TANGS Orchard & Takashimaya), or via TOM FORD BEAUTY AT HOME ADVISOR at +65 6732 5002 & Sephora.sg.

Enjoy a complimentary Private Blend scenting experience & a deluxe-sized Private Blend Rose Prick Eau de Parfum at TOM FORD counters now.