How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?
I took a leadership and neurolinguistic programming (NLP) course to reprogram my self-limiting beliefs. I have also been doing pro bono life coaching for over seven years, coaching other entrepreneurs and friends.
What characteristics do you look for in your talent or how do you decide who is right for a job?
First, people who want to join our team must have a legitimate interest in our business and the role rather than just for the money. Intent is important to both parties. We believe a candidate deserves to find a job they love rather than treating work as an obligation.
Second, someone who dares to speak up and show off. It shows that the talent really cares instead of just fulfilling an obligation.
Third, talented people who take pride in themselves and embrace their uniqueness. This way, the new talent can have a sense of belonging at work.
How do you think the industry you work in will evolve?
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries are increasingly fragmented as consumer demands become more complex. Consumers want a product that fits their diet and lifestyle and a brand they can identify with. Currently, consumers still don’t have much choice as the market is monopolized by a few big giants and innovation has been slow.
Thanks to the power of the Internet, the barrier to entry has been lowered and logistics costs have become lower and more convenient. I predict that the future of the FMCG industry will provide consumers with plenty of choices and brands to choose from.
With the ever-improving development of artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and automation, food prices will drop significantly as less labor is needed with automation and crop yield is higher with AI technology. With cheaper foods, companies won’t need to use artificial flavors to cut costs and can offer whole foods instead. With improved drones, food companies can quickly get products to consumers’ doorsteps, eliminating the need to add preservatives.
What advice can you offer to those looking to start their own career/business?
Always follow your heart and your intuition. Do something that brings you joy rather than focusing on the norm. Most of the time, the greatest rewards come from persisting in doing the things you love, over a long period of time. Quick money is short term – easy to make.
We all know the industrial revolution, are we going to experience a technological revolution? Your thoughts?
Certainly, technological innovation is progressing at a rapid pace. With 5G, AI, automation and drones, new companies are rapidly replacing traditional companies. Companies must change their culture and continue to invest in innovation. Today’s consumers are different, they want a ton of choice and convenience, and fast. Taking risks is the new game for businesses to stay relevant.
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional life?
As a leader, I have to control my intention when making a decision. I hired a personal mentor to keep me on track.
Keeping myself in check to make sure I don’t lose sight of my goals. It is important to ensure that my decisions are with the intention of abundance rather than scarcity. Feedback is always important so I can stay focused on my vision and goals.
What do you want to accomplish in the next five years?
I want Signature Market to become a lifestyle brand that could have a direct impact on our members. I wish I could champion the abundance mindset so that my members can continue to improve their lives and live happy, fulfilling lives. The lifestyles we want to impact consist of body, mind, and spirit.
The best career advice you’ve ever received.
Believe that everyone wants to see me succeed and is there to help me achieve my goal. After embracing this belief, my life was surrounded by angels. Everyone encouraged me and wanted to see success in everything I did.
The most admired business leader? Why?
Tony Robbins, because he is able to have a huge profitable business that changes people’s lives.
How do you stay on top of issues affecting your industry?
I always stay in the spirit of learning and regularly meet with industry players to share trends and insights. Being open to listening is one of the most important attitudes to have.
How do you think climate change policies will impact businesses in the future?
These days, all new businesses have a contribution to sustainability efforts in their DNA. Companies that practice a scarcity mindset, focus only on profit, and harm society and the environment will be shunned by society.
The most successful companies have been huge monopolies in the industry, so consumers have no choice but to buy from them. In a future of abundant choice, consumers will choose companies that are socially and environmentally responsible. No one likes supporting the big bully who is doing harm in the world. The war between Russia and Ukraine clearly shows this tendency.
If you could spend an hour with any thought leader in the world, who would it be and why?
Tony Robin. Anyone who has an hour-long conversation with him has a life-changing experience. He is lively and knows what questions to ask to get people thinking. He’s just incredibly powerful.
What was the biggest challenge you faced and what did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge was raising funds from venture capitalists. We’ve had so much rejection in this area and we’ve been stuck for four years.
Later, I realized that it was my limiting beliefs that held me back. The things I pursue don’t always have good results, but the things that come easily and naturally are usually the best option.
What man-made innovation baffles you? Why?
Smart phone and computers. These are two wealth-generating machines that I cannot live without. They are also the best investments because they give me unlimited possibilities and I spend the majority of my time on both.
Malaysia’s biggest brand.
The Petronas Twin Towers. It is an icon that appears all over Malaysia. Whenever a visual is needed to explain Malaysia, the Petronas Twin Towers will be there. The majority of buildings in KL are designed to face them and units that have a KLCC view command significantly higher prices. It is a brand that creates the most impact in Malaysia.
What are the top three factors you would attribute your success to?
• Whole and complete – feeling that I am good enough and proud of myself is the most important factor. Despite all the imperfections, I am unique and I am amazing.
• Creations – when I feel good and proud of myself, I am vulnerable enough to create creations that others can feel and understand. Every creation is an art form and it has elements of the best qualities in me. To enhance my creations, I engage in various life experiences.
• Contribution – with greatness comes responsibility. It is important to be a leader and to be the source of impact and change in this world. The more I contribute to this world, the more I feel like I belong in this world.
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