Mother's Day Moments: Phanni “Rose†Saeki & son Tokito
Already deemed a ‘female samurai’ within Thailand’s automotive industry, Phanni “Rose” Saeki had no idea she would be the one leading her husband’s automotive components business to world-class standards during their married life. Having already made a name for herself before she fell in love with the Japanese-born Toshihiko Saeki, she was quite content with staying home and raising a family.
Yet her acumen for business did not disappear once the couple settled down and had kids, nor did her visceral instinct for being a good and loving mother. Rose, now serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors at R.R.D Automotive (Thailand), a fully-fledged manufacturer of automotive components to the world’s top five car and motorbike brands, is a perfect example of a woman who can balance both work and being a good mother.
“Everything I do, I do for the future of my kids. I work hard every day, because I want to, and I also come home and spend time with my family, cooking for them and being there as a firm pillar of support.” Her eldest daughter is now studying hard at Babson College in Massachusetts, while her youngest son is currently attending Bangkok Patana School.
“My son Tokito, or “Toki” – which is Japanese for “the best” – has an avid interest in sports, particularly in basketball, and most recently won a national basketball tournament for Thailand in Udon. He takes after his father, who used to be on the Japanese national football team – can you believe?! His father is so supportive of his playing, and it’s very beautiful to see how similar they are. As for what Toki and I have in common, I think he has a kind heart, and like me, he never talks badly about others.”
Spending time together isn’t just reserved for special holidays like Mother’s Day, as the Saeki family regularly takes trips to the seaside when time allows. “With my son, we love eating together, watching movies, and going to the beach,” she says. “This is how we spend our time usually. Toki, like his father, isn’t one to shop; this is an activity I enjoy more with my daughter, on top of design and interior decorating.” As she says this, she gazes at the glistening Fendi chandelier at DMHome and comments on how gorgeous it is.
We also caught up with her son Toki to find out more about his relationship with his mother. “For those who don’t know her, I’d say she is super funny and of course, she loves to shop! But more importantly, she’s so hardworking, more than anyone I know. Everything I have, everything I am able to do, I owe it to her. I am so proud to have her as my mum.”
At school, Toki’s favourite subjects are maths, geography and economics, and if his mother’s predictions are correct, he’s destined for Boston College, or maybe even Harvard. “A valuable lesson I have learned from my mum is to never follow the crowd and do what others do, as it could push you far away from what you’re actually meant to do.” Read More…
