For the first few years, he worked from 7 am to 2 or 3 pm, from Monday to Sunday, and survived on instant noodles. It was only when the business got better that he would drop by Chinatown restaurants with his workers to eat chicken.

"I must have eaten too much as I often dream of being chased after by chickens," he laughs.

Besides excellent craftsmanship, he tells aspiring designers to be courteous and tolerant if they want to be successful. And if possible, he advises, go traveling to meet different people and also derive inspiration from different sources.

"The largest group of international students in Britain used to be Japanese, and now it is Chinese students. I know many of them are already professional designers in China and create beautiful designs. I believe Chinese designers will grow into a conspicuous force in the near future," he says.

Choo's creations have adorned the feet of royalty, celebrities and pop stars alike, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kylie Minogue, Michelle Yeoh and the late Princess of Wales, Diana, whom Choo refers too often.

He nostalgically recalls the first shoes, a red high-heeled pair, he made for "Lady Diana" and the sleepless nights he spent before being received by her. "She was committed to promoting Britain's designers. She helped me a lot," he says with obvious gratitude.

No Chinese celebrity is right now on Choo's couture list, but he is sure of future cooperation, especially as more Chinese stars become known internationally.

Choo has many trophies under his belt including those from his hometown. In 2006, he was presented a lifetime achievement award at Malaysia International Fashion Week. A year later, he received Special Recognition from the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Malaysia.

To live up to those honors, he plans to set up a design institute, a shoemaking factory and an education scholarship foundation in Malaysia. "I still have a long way to go. I am learning new things every day," he says humbly.

(China Daily July 24, 2009)