Living, Not Just Retiring: Diane Chia is Changing the Game for Senior Living

As the ageing population grows, the need for purposeful senior living has never been greater. Diane Chia, Co-founder of L1vin and Executive Director of Millennia Village, is reshaping the narrative around ageing, moving beyond care to empowerment. At Millennia Village, she and her team are building more than a residence; they are fostering a vibrant community where seniors can thrive with independence, well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

 Diane’s career began in real estate, a field traditionally dominated by men. Working as a real estate agent for 10 years in China, she quickly learned to navigate the industry’s fast-paced and high-stakes environment – simultaneously facing the challenge of proving herself in a fiercely competitive market.  “As a woman in real estate, especially in China, I had to work twice as hard to gain credibility,” Diane recalls. “The industry is tough, and you are constantly proving yourself. But I learned that success comes from knowledge, confidence, and persistence.”  Her years in real estate gave her a strong foundation in building communities, but it was her time in China that sparked a deeper awareness of health and wellness. Living in a country where air pollution was a constant concern, she became increasingly conscious of the importance of well-being. This personal awakening, further reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic, led her to explore holistic health solutions, not just for herself, but for others.  Initially, Diane joined L1vin, a natural health and wellness product company who believe in nutrition as a preventive medicine, as an ambassador, drawn to the brand’s mission of promoting natural health solutions. Her passion for wellness and ability to connect with people made her a natural advocate. Seeing her dedication, L1vin’s co-founder proposed a partnership, recognising her potential to help expand the brand’s product line and reach.  “At L1vin, we don’t just sell products; we educate people about wellness,” Diane explains. “We work with nutritionists, doctors, and fitness experts to help people integrate health into their daily lives. That same philosophy applies to Millennia Village.”  By merging her expertise in real estate with her commitment to wellness, Diane has helped shape L1vin into more than just a product brand, it’s a movement centered around holistic living. Now, she brings that same vision to Millennia Village, creating a senior living experience that prioritises health, independence, and a strong sense of community. 

A Vision Rooted in Legacy and Purpose  

Millennia Village was born from a deeply personal vision, to transform an old idle quarry site in Seremban, Diane’s hometown, into a sanctuary for senior living. Once a bustling mining site, the land had remained unused for two decades. Instead of letting it go to waste, the founders of Millennia Village envisioned a senior living space where they themselves would want to reside.   “My dad and his friends often talked about where they’d like to live when they got older,” Diane shares. “They wanted a place where they could still be active, where they weren’t just waiting for time to pass. That’s what sparked this whole idea.”   This project was never just about building another retirement home, it was about creating a meaningful space where seniors could live life on their own terms. Recognising a gap in the industry, the team sought to go beyond care facilities by establishing a vibrant, empowering community.  

Bridging the Gap in Senior Living  

Unlike traditional senior care facilities, Millennia Village is designed for active, independent seniors rather than those requiring assisted care. This distinction sets them apart. While ensuring accessibility with wheelchair-friendly ramps, spacious corridors, and support bars in washrooms, the village is built for residents who want to maintain an active and engaging lifestyle.   “We want to change the narrative around senior living,” Diane emphasises. “It’s not just about ‘where do I go when I can’t live alone?’ It’s about ‘where can I go to truly live my best years?’”  

Overcoming Challenges and Changing Mindsets  

Building Millennia Village came with its fair share of challenges. Constructing on a former quarry site required extensive modifications, significantly increasing costs and logistical complexities. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the project, pushing its official launch to June 2024.   But the biggest challenge? Shifting public perception. Many still see senior living as a last resort rather than an opportunity for a fulfilling lifestyle.   “There’s a stigma around senior living communities,” Diane acknowledges. “People think of them as a place you go when you have no other choice. But we want to show that it can be a conscious, empowering decision, one that allows seniors to maintain their independence while having a supportive community around them.”  

Balancing Compassion and Business in Senior Care  

Running a senior living community requires more than just operational efficiency, it demands genuine compassion. Diane emphasises the importance of hiring the right people, those who not only have hospitality skills but also possess a deep empathy for the elderly.   “It’s almost like a calling,” she explains. “You need people who are patient, kind, and willing to listen. The elderly have lived full lives, and they deserve to be heard and respected.”   Beyond residents, this philosophy extends to staff as well, fostering a workplace culture that prioritises care and community.  

A Future of Thriving Communities  

As Millennia Village grows, Diane hopes to change the way people view ageing. She envisions a future where senior living is not just about care, but about connection, activity, and purpose.   “With an ageing population, we need to start thinking differently,” she says. “It’s not just about creating places for seniors to live, it’s about creating spaces where they can truly thrive.”   Millennia Village is more than just a residence; it’s a movement towards a new way of ageing, one that celebrates independence, well-being, and the joy of community. As the landscape of senior living evolves, Diane’s work is paving the way for a future where growing older is not about limitations but about new opportunities to live fully, with purpose and dignity.  

Advice for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs  

When asked about her experience in leadership and what advice she would give to aspiring entrepreneurs, Diane shared four key lessons:   Validate and Just Start  “If you are passionate about something and have done an initial assessment of its viability, just start. Make sure there is demand, but do not wait for everything to be perfect. Any industry will evolve, and you need to be agile. Once you begin, you will receive feedback that helps refine your idea and make it even better.”   Find the Right Co-founder  “Entrepreneurship can be lonely, especially if you are doing it alone. Having the right co-founder, even if it is just one or two people, is invaluable. They provide a sounding board, bring complementary skills, and help navigate challenges together.”   Prioritise Your Health  “Without good health, your work will suffer. Whether it is sleep, proper nutrition, or supplementation, taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial. The most successful people prioritise their health because they know it directly impacts their performance.”   Build a Strong Community  “A supportive community is essential. Surround yourself with people who challenge and uplift you. Whether it is mentors, peers, or industry networks, having a strong support system will make the entrepreneurial journey more rewarding and sustainable.”   With her unwavering commitment to purposeful living, Diane Chia is not just reshaping senior communities, she is inspiring a new way of thinking about life, business, and ageing. Through Millennia Village and beyond, she continues to champion a future where people can age with dignity, vitality, and a true sense of belonging.