 During her four-year stay in England, Choy studied domestic science at the Northern Polytechnic (now the University of North London) and taught at a London council school.Intent on studying art but without the finances for this venture, Choy began a stint as an artist's model, posing for two sculptures, Serene Jade and Flawless Crystal, by the sculptress Dora Gordine.On returning to Singapore in 1949, Choy resumed teaching, and became involved in the political developments preceding Singapore's independence.