Entrepreneur Series #1

I have been reading some articles on qualities of an entrepreneur recently. It got me thinking for quite abit on the qualities that I have. I started to look back at my journery over of almost 3 years. I shared some bits of it before. I decide to compile those and start this mini series of post to talk about being entrepreneur, and living as one. I will try my best to recall my journey, the special moments in time I can remember now… enjoy

When I was a kid…
When we were young, we often heard about our elders asking us what do we want to be in future. The typical answers at that time were policeman, teachers, businessman (those that wear ties) and etc. No one really asked me that question before. I was 6 or 7 I think. But as far as I remember, I always wanted to be a stock broker then. I wanted to work in Shenton Way, with my tie and long sleeve and suit. It looks pretty cool on TV then to me. (I could hardly remember my age then, so I was pretty young, so stop laughing at my naiveness… ;p  hahaha) I thought working as a broker will earn me lots of money then. I was pretty influenced by this show, “Da Shi Tie” by Adam Cheng at that time that talks about stocks in the Hong Kong Market. TV shows do play a big part in influncing me then. So there I was, as a kid, I wanted to be a stock broker.

First thought at business…
As far as I can remember, my first comment I actually made about doing business was in primary 5, when I was chatting with buddies, HZ, LW and ES then. I was 10 then. We remember talking about borrowing money from one of our parents and we will each start a company of our own in future. Hahaha. That was pretty funny when I look back now.

First industry I set my mind on…
It got to be Food and Beverage… hahahaha. I was 14 then, when I said that I wanted to be my own boss in future and my mind was set on particularly FnB. If I recall correctly, I wanted a place where all my friends could meet after work. I was also very keen on pastry as well. That was when I started learning how to bake. NOT because I wanted to chase girls as some of my friends insisted why I learn baking… ;p hahaha

First Name…
I was in Student Council during my JC days. I was 18 then. And I had fond memories from then. We even got a song which one of us composed, entitled “Thank You”. You got it, I wanted to name my Pub/Rest. “Thank You” or TY. That is to my friends who have been there for me all these time. Never will I know that when my journey actually started… they were truly there for me as well.

My first experience with business…
It was a dramatic change in things in University then that actually quicken my pace towards my first experience with real businessman then. I was 22 then. And due to some unpleasant matters, in fact a few, that shifted my efforts and energy into a business club instead of some other clubs. Personal matters in life have also quicken the pace and stengthen my determination.

I joined an entrepreneurship club and focused my energy in helping out with their activities. I met many like minded people, I met real businessman, and I had my first opportunity to jump into business.

My first business…
At 23, 2006 I started my first business into an unknown industry. And a new chapter began…

Lee

Quick Updates

It’s been a long time since I last blog. Things have definitely moved on. If I could sum things up in three words, it will be ” Life Moves On”. No matter what happens, time waits for no man.

Almost three years into the field of business and knowledge of several industries, I am up with the latest installation of a new start up. A chance to put all my experiences into new context and practises. And this time, I am more confident then ever to make this venture a success beyond any I have done before.

Change is in the air and there will be more to come in the coming months…

Cheers
Lee

Back to Books

I finally manage to curb my PSP habit and return back to my books over the past few weeks… Well, it was kind of a seasonal thingy. I was reading so much then, and totally didn’t use my PSP, then next thing was I thought it was a waste and I started playing again, and well… erm… ya, I got hook back on it. Hahahaha. But I finally got rid of the habit, partially, that is. I still play, but only when I’m at home at night. Other then that, I’ll be with my book on advertising.

Well, not too bad, just after starting back on books, I got quite abit out of it. I’ve been focusing my time on Marketing and Advertising related books of late and trying to increase my knowledge in this industry so as to aid my business. From it, I’ve actually got some interesting facts about how and why people buy. I was discussing this with JM only the other day that how cigrette warnings in fact increase people’s craving to smoke instead of detering them. And how the classic Pepsi and Coke Challenge had so much talk about over the last few years and still remains so.

Yawn… Did you feel like yawning when you actually read the first word? Well, at least most do yawn or actually suddenly have the urge to do so. This is a form of advertising that is becoming more and more powerful and yet more and more subtle in our lives. There are lots of interesting facts and figures I got from the book, but I’m only half way through. More to come.

Anyway, there was this CLEARANCE SALE at HARRIS SUNTEC till 17 May. 25% storewide and up to 50% for selected books. (Thanks to AW’s email. ) I got myself one advertising one again and was so excited about it. Hahaha, I spent pretty much to 2 hours inside chosing and reading through the books. pretty nice collection, might want to go down to check it out. I’ll most likely be dropping by to get another book which I saw.

Cheers

With Birds and Crumbs

Been at Wheelock Starbucks regularly over the past one month working. I found another few places which I can work in town, including centre point and here. Each Starbucks prensents a different crowd, and here, you see lots of working foreigners and expats in the morning having breakfast and tea, and as we move into the afternoon, we see more locals streaming into the “my mobile office”. Well, you do see quite a few “tai tais’ as well here. The special thing here is that pigeons and mynas hang out just outside the store. And whenever people leave crumbs of cakes around, you them flogging in like bees to honey. Sitting by the window side, I caught sight of occasional interesting sights such as bird droppings on people. hehe. Oh, and there were a few times when the birds flew into the store and standing “walking” around. And you get this few female students screaming for help… hahahaha.

I was here at the same spot for more than 10 hours just yesterday working on some stuff. Housekeeping was more or less done and we are finalising some details now. Marketing materials were also prepared over the past few weeks and revised for feedbacks. New prospect has been identified and approach and new formed partner companies relationship has also been established.

New plans ahead look challenging and exciting. Looking back, there was frustration, anger, sadness, and there were also happiness, excitement and most of all experience. There has definitely been growth in person and company as we surge forward to a brighter future and challenging one.

Work has brought me to a new level of commitment and volunteer work has also taken on new roles and responisbility. But it is starting to get fustrating working with some people and red tapes are starting to take it’s toll on me. And my experience is starting to transcend the working environment. Maybe hindering others? I was wondering what’s next beyond NYC for me?

SHINE 09 has brought me far in terms of identifying my passion to help youths. Which I feel link back to my past… Perhaps it is time to explore beyond… Back to my alumni in NYJC? Or join OVA?

Or even more challenging, my own NGO to help the youths I always wanted?

Regards,
Lee

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Anger…

I totally hate it when someone start looking down on me… Deep down inside, I know what I am capable. Especially by someone that has yet to show anything but talk only. Though this person can be older and more experience than I am. But not puting them into good use ain’t helping me much. There is a time when experience starts to hamper progress. I make sure I learn this well as well, so that I will not make the same mistake.

I know I can. Watch me.

…

Birthday

I got one of the most memorable birthday celebration I ever had in my life till this day. And I’ll like to thank my friends for making it so enjoyable. and of course to my dearest aiwei for planning all these for me.

I woke up today feeling so refresh and ready for the world once again. The energy level was high again and I was roaring to go just like a “white tiger” hahahaha. I feel very rejuvenated and ready once again.

Thank you
Lee

Updates

It’s been quite awhile since I last blog about something. Mmmm… Well, it’s not that I didn’t have the time, but I didn’t feel like bloggin about things that’s all.

I was fairly sad that we couldn’t get the tickets to Tioman for this coming weekend trip, as I thought I needed a short getaway. Work has been piling and life’s coming to be slightly mandate and I’m drained as well from the work I am having. I’m like kind of going through a roudh patch now as well, and I spent lots of time thinking and considering my options… I needed to get rejuvenated again and now that my trip is canceled, I needed to find new ways.

I manage to come closer to knowing why I am so passionate about helping youths as I crystalise my thoughts while working on a NYC project now, SHINE. But sadly, not everyone share my vision and passion. And I’m met with challenges to convince the others.

My partner is back in town to discuss new projects and development. Things are working out well so far, but my pocket has been strained really badly. I am facing pressure at home as well on this…

I need a getaway…

sk

Personality Test

OK, Thanks Yanling for the link. Hahaha, I took the test as well. Here’s the link: Personality Test

Your view on yourself:

You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:

Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.
Your views on education

You may not like to study but you have many practical ideas. You listen to your own instincts and tend to follow your heart, so you will probably end up with an unusual job.
The right job for you:
(Mmm… This part just doesn’t make sense to me though)

You’re a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you’ll be set for life.
How do you view success:

You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.
What are you most afraid of:

You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.
Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

Make Love Not War; But Why Is Sex Censored More Than Violence?

I hope the title got your attention for this post. I was talking to some TOC members just the other day about the NTU double passings recently, and I got some pretty new perspective to them. Things that ST did not report. I’ll talk about it abit later. Disclaimer, ST means Stupid Times ok? Oh well, and the next thing you know, ST reported on Warcraft having an impact on people due to the over exposure to violence… Oh com’on… I’m actualy fine if they reported on this alone as an article, BUT not when the incident of the NTU student just happened? Are they trying to draw a link to him playing too much Warcraft and the Violence? PLEASE…. I wonder who’s the Stupid one here, ST or ME? Well, maybe I’m just too stupid to understand their eloborate theories….. Coz I’m not a scholar anyway.

 As some of you know, I’ve been helping out with TOC, the online citizen, since last year. TOC is a citizen journalism website that reports on issues from a different perspective. Well, I wish to clarify that this does NOT mean it is anti government in any way. It just present issues from another perspective which ST often tend to “conveniently” forget.

Alternative Media: Different Perspective:
During one of the close door seminar with IPS, some research fellow did a research on new media and the impact. I was disturbed by his notion that Alternative Media are Anti-Goverment.

1) Readers’ comments are different from the reports done by Alternative Media (AM). As Readers have no means of expressing themselves on ST, as they will “sometimes” filter off such comments, Readers can only voice them out on AM sites. This does not mean that AM sites are Anti.

2) Well, perhaps the Govt and ST should ask themselves why are people expressing themselves elsewhere and not to them? Or perhaps it is a conspiracy to discredit AM?????? Mmmmm………

3) The reporting are most of the time objectively reported by citizens. That is the essence of citizen journalism. In fact, I have more faith in them reporting than those with a conflict of interest with the govt.

NTU case, new developements NOT reported:
I’m sure everyone knows how the ST reports. and how David has been very much been potrayed as the guilty party. But here are some doubts to the case that were not reported or doubtfully reported by “some papers”

1) According to David’s brother, there was NO slash on the wrist. How did “some papers” reported that there was a slash?

2) According to some sources, there was a “red line” on the neck of David, the question here was whether it was sustained during the so call  jump? Or did he get it BEFORE?

3) Base on the ST reporter who reported this, he got the information from the fellow collegues, other profs. How did the other Profs have such a clear idea of what happen when the 2 were supposed to be alone? Will it be possible that the Profs made speculation? Or do the Profs have something to hide?

I understand that sex has other repurcussions to it as well if not censored, but then again, I don’t see how censorship of sexual issues are helping as well with increasing teen pregancy rates. So I guess censorship isn’t really working huh?

I AM NOT ANTI, so please stop saying that I am, I am just a normal concern citizen trying to make sense out of the complex local workings.

I have questions for the local media, and I’m voicing them out. It’s simple.

Best Regards,
Song Kwang