Entrepreneurs in Action

Category: Audio Interviews

Audio Interviews

  • Neville J McKenzie: Turning Experience into Clear, Compelling Business Stories (With Craig DeLarge)

    Neville J McKenzie: Turning Experience into Clear, Compelling Business Stories (With Craig DeLarge)

    Guest: Craig DeLarge

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    Turning the Microphone Around [00:03 — 01:16]

    • Neville steps away from his usual role as interviewer and becomes the person answering the questions.
    • Friend and colleague Craig DeLarge takes on the interviewer role.
    • The conversation explores the thinking behind Neville’s work with founders, entrepreneurs and independent businesses.
    • Neville introduces the central idea that effective storytelling starts with clarity, real experiences and asking the right questions.

    Who the Storytelling Services Are For [01:17 — 01:53]

    • Neville works with founders, entrepreneurs, microbusinesses and SME owners.
    • His audience also includes coaches, consultants and independent experts.
    • Senior professionals can use storytelling to strengthen their authority and personal brand.
    • Organisations interested in podcasting, video and audio content are another potential client group.

    The Problem: Explaining What You Really Do [01:54 — 02:51]

    • Many business owners struggle to communicate clearly what they do and who they help.
    • Neville identifies four important questions: who do you help, why does your work matter, what makes you different and why should customers trust you?
    • Business owners may possess the answers without being able to articulate them.
    • Guided questioning can uncover knowledge, experience and value that clients may not initially recognise in themselves.

    A Human, Interview-Led Approach [02:52 — 04:27]

    • Neville explains how his approach combines strategic thinking with human, interview-led conversations.
    • Clients do not need to arrive with a finished script or know how to present themselves perfectly.
    • Carefully chosen questions reveal experiences, purpose, personality and values.
    • His approach draws on his experience with entrepreneurs, teaching creative industries entrepreneurship and understanding technology.
    • Technology becomes an enabler that can help SMEs communicate and promote themselves more effectively.

    The Business in One Sentence [04:28 — 05:11]

    • Craig challenges Neville to explain his business as a short elevator pitch.
    • Neville describes helping founders and business owners build trust, strengthen authority and attract the right opportunities.
    • Their existing knowledge and experience become the raw material for clear, compelling stories and content.
    • The purpose of the short explanation is not necessarily to say everything, but to stimulate a deeper conversation.

    Choosing People Rather Than Industries [05:12 — 07:01]

    • Neville does not define his ideal clients primarily by industry sector.
    • He is more interested in the type of founder or business owner behind the company.
    • His experience in Chinese co-working spaces exposed him to entrepreneurs from many different industries.
    • He became particularly interested in non-tech founders and businesses that use technology without making technology itself their primary product.
    • The emphasis is on people with interesting knowledge, experiences, missions and stories.

    A Founder Story from China [07:02 — 09:11]

    • Neville recalls interviewing a Shanghai entrepreneur creating cosmetics from traditional Chinese plants and herbs.
    • The founder travelled to Tibet and worked with local farmers before bringing ingredients back to Shanghai.
    • The business demonstrated how traditional knowledge could underpin a contemporary product and entrepreneurial story.
    • Neville was particularly interested in the founder’s passion and desire to educate people about an aspect of China beyond technology.
    • Rather than pursuing global domination, the founder wanted a manageable business serving a clearly identified niche.

    Where to Connect [09:12 — 09:49]

    • Craig asks where people can find Neville and learn more about his services.
    • Neville identifies LinkedIn as his primary online platform.
    • Other platforms remain experimental, while LinkedIn is where he maintains his most consistent presence.
    • Craig closes the interview after turning the questions back on the person normally asking them.

    Storytelling Is More Than Creating Content [09:50 — End]

    Neville concludes that this principle sits at the heart of the work he wants to continue doing with founders, entrepreneurs and independent businesses.

    Neville reflects on the experience of becoming the interviewee rather than the interviewer.

    He thanks Craig DeLarge for asking questions that challenged him to explain his own work more carefully.

    Storytelling is framed as helping people understand what you do, who you help, why your work matters and why they should trust you.

    Strong communication comes from moving beyond simply performing and beginning to tell genuine stories.

  • Premal Patel: Building Better Human Connections in a Digital Age

    Premal Patel: Building Better Human Connections in a Digital Age

    Premal Patel

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    Premal Patel is a customer loyalty, customer success and engagement specialist with around 30 years of experience across financial services, retail and agency environments. Premal explains how his business helps corporate leaders and entrepreneurs build stronger human connections as AI and digital technology reshape the workplace. Drawing on his book, Yanga Unplugged, he offers workshops for leaders and aspiring leaders alongside strategic consultancy for enterprises, start-ups and scale-ups. The conversation explores his target audience, practical frameworks, professional experience and commitment to supporting younger people facing difficult career conditions. Premal’s central message is that organisations must not allow the pressure to adopt new technology to weaken authentic relationships, because human connection will become increasingly valuable as the world grows more complex.

    Takeaways

    • Premal Patel helps corporate leaders and entrepreneurs create better human connections in a digital age.
    • His services combine leadership workshops with strategic consultancy in customer loyalty, customer success and engagement.
    • The workshops developed from ideas and frameworks featured in his published book, Yanga Unplugged.
    • His programmes are designed for enterprises as well as start-ups and scale-ups at different stages of development.
    • AI and rapid digital change can cause leaders to neglect important relationships inside and outside their organisations.
    • Premal helps leaders reframe their thinking so they can balance technological progress with authentic human connection.
    • His approach is informed by approximately 30 years of experience across financial services, retail and agency environments.
    • His frameworks combine lessons from both professional successes and situations where he failed fast and adapted.
    • The business aims to keep its methods simple, immediately applicable, accessible and affordable.
    • Premal also supports younger people through pro bono work as they navigate increasingly challenging career conditions.

    Sound bites

    “Helping leaders create and build better human connections in a digital age.”

    “We keep it simple, we keep it accessible and we keep it affordable.”

    “I think the opportunity is huge right now in terms of creating and building better human connections.”

    Chapters

    00:06 Introducing Premal Patel and a New Interview Approach

    00:45 Premal’s Preferred Name

    00:58 Helping Leaders Build Better Human Connections

    02:13 The Businesses and Leaders Premal Serves

    02:51 Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Relationships

    03:39 Thirty Years of Experience and Practical Frameworks

    04:42 Describing the Business in One Sentence

    04:57 Where to Find Premal and His Work

    05:38 Industries and Professional Sectors

    05:44 Targeting Loyalty, Marketing and HR Leaders

    06:29 Supporting Graduates Through Challenging Career Times

    07:06 Closing Thoughts and Thanks

    07:19 How Listeners Can Connect with Premal

    Links

    LinkedIn: Premal Patel

    Website: https://www.premalpatel.co.uk/

    Website: https://www.tkopworld.com

    YouTube: The Wellbeing Majlis

    Book: Yanga Unplugged

  • Podcasting in the Age of AI: An Experiment

    Podcasting in the Age of AI: An Experiment

    Human and AI Host Interacting on Podcast
    Human and AI Hosts Interacting on Podcast

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    • Neville McKenzie discusses the rapid development of AI technologies and their integration into his production processes. He notes that new AI tools are constantly emerging, requiring continuous learning.
    • The AI Threat: The concern about the potential for AI to make podcasters redundant, necessitating a “radical readjustment” in the podcasting field. He mentions a peer already using AI platforms to produce podcasts without human guests.
    • Experiment: Neville conducts an experiment using a recently launched AI platform to produce a podcast based on his own career documents. He acknowledges that the AI-generated content may contain errors or “hallucinations” that might seem real to unfamiliar listeners.
    • The Experiment: A deep dive into Neville McKenzie’s Career with the podcast transitioning into a discussion of Neville’s career, analysing his diverse experiences and entrepreneurial journey Neville’s Early Work Career as an electronics test engineer, then into IT and Project Management. His Career path changes with a move to China where he immerses himself into the culture, even learning 600 technical Chinese words.
    • The move to Singapore and AsiaBizStories are discussed and the Use of AI in Podcasting to streamline podcast production, such as refining show notes and generating interview questions.
    • The Educator: As an adjunct lecturer at the University of Newcastle in Singapore, teaching creative industries entrepreneurship.
    • Athletic Background: Neville’s is also revealed to be a professional volleyball player for the England national team, earning 71 international caps. Where he developed as an athlete, such as discipline and resilience, that have contributed to his entrepreneurial success.

    Key Takeaways: The show notes suggest several key takeaways for the future of podcasting: AI integration is becoming inevitable, requiring podcasters to integrate AI technologies into their production processes. This integration may lead to a “radical readjustment” of the field, potentially impacting the role of human podcasters. Despite AI advancements, human creativity remains essential, particularly in creative industries. Podcasters will need to engage in constant learning to adapt to new AI tools and platforms. Experimentation with AI can reveal valuable insights, but podcasters must be aware of potential errors or “hallucinations” in AI-generated content which are present in this experiment.

     

  • Goh Sok Koon Insights: Unveils the Role of a Company Secretary

    Goh Sok Koon Insights: Unveils the Role of a Company Secretary

    Goh Sok Koon
    Goh Sok Koon

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    Goh Sok Koon is a company secretary a vital role in any business in Singapore. I am fortunate to have met her as she has been extremely helpful to me in getting my business up and running. Even before that, I was trying to get her to appear here on this podcast. By her own admission she has been reluctant, preferring like many people to work diligently in the background of the many businesses that she is a part of. But as a business founder of her own, specifically Lioness Corporate Services, and additionally as she plays a more active role in business groups she is a member of she now feels ready and the need to appear on her first podcast.

    As well as:

    • Goh Sok Koon introduces herself as a company secretary for Lioness Corporate Services with over five years of experience.
    • Describes the importance and main role of a company secretary for a businesses in Singapore.
    • Qualifications required to become a company secretary depend on whether one is an accountant or a lawyer, with a usual completion time of two to three years.
    • The route taken to become a professionally qualified company secretary in Singapore
    • Reasons for moving to Singapore and the impact it had on her career.
    • Changes that need to be kept up with in order to be a successful company secretary in Singapore.
    • What are the additional important areas that need to be understood beyond the core duties of a company secretary.
    • Key advice entrepreneurs need before starting a business.
    • What makes a good company secretary.
    • Goh Sok Koon hopes for her business in the future.
    • The extended role of reminding directors and CEOs of their obligations and providing guidance and support.
    • The benefits of  Business Development Society, a supportive networking group focused on learning and sharing experiences.
    • How her experience and knowledge gained as a business owner help her assist others, especially foreigners, in starting businesses in Singapore.
    • The enjoyment from her job demonstrates how in depth Sok Koon is willing to go to help people understand the process of starting a business and providing guidance along the way.

    Contacts and Links Mentioned:

    Goh Sok Koon on LinkedIn

    Business Development Society website

    Podcast Show Notes:

    [Introduction] (00:00.0)

    • Neville J McKenzie introduces the podcast Sok Koon, Goh Sok Koon, a company secretary.
    • Mention of Sok Koon’s helpfulness in getting the Neville’s business up and running.
    • Mention of Sok Koon’s initial reluctance to appear on the podcast.

    Question 1: Can you introduce yourself? (00:57.7)

    • Sok Koon introduces herself as a company secretary for Lioness Corporate Services.
    • Mention of her experience in the field for over five years.
    • Previous work experience as a company secretary in small firms.

    Question 2: Tell us about your job as a corporate service executive or company secretary, which do you prefer? (01:20.0)

    • In Singapore, Sok Koon’s role is typically referred to as company secretary.
    • Main role is to ensure businesses comply with legal requirements and regulations.
    • Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with company laws, preparing financial statements, submitting tax returns, and assisting different types of business entities.

    Question 3: How important is the role of a company secretary? (02:59.0)

    • Company secretary is an important role recognized in the company’s act.
    • Every company in Singapore must appoint a company secretary.
    • Duties involve ensuring compliance with regulations and providing advice to the board of directors.

    Question 4: How long does it take to qualify as a company secretary? (03:54.4)

    • Time required to qualify depends on whether the individual is an accountant or a lawyer.
    • Generally, it takes two to three years to complete the necessary course.
    • Recent changes in the syllabus allow individuals to obtain a certificate, partial qualification, and then a full professional qualification.

    Question 5: Can you share some interesting events in your career that have led to where you are today? (04:59.6)

    • Sok Koon initially aimed to become an accountant but ended up studying business administration due to admission limitations in Malaysian universities.
    • Collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (UK) helped her obtain a professional qualification.
    • Started as an admin assistant but desired a more specialized and professional role, leading her to become a company secretary.
    • Decision to move to Singapore was driven by the desire for a better learning environment, improved English language skills, and greater opportunities.

    Question 6: What is the biggest impact that coming to Singapore has had on your career? (07:19.6)

    • Notable impacts include improved English proficiency and a conducive working and learning environment.
    • Accessible learning materials and online resources facilitated faster learning and adaptation to changes in policies, laws, and business practices.

    Question 7: What is a key goal for your business or profession in general? (07:57.7)

    • Key goal is to continue adapting to changes in Singapore, including policy, laws, and business practices.
    • Recognizing the importance of personal data protection, cyber security, accounting, taxation, and human resources.
    • Guiding clients in proper tax planning and encouraging fair employment practices.

    Question 8: What advice or anecdotes would you give someone before starting a business in Singapore? (09:59.2)

    • Emphasize the importance of thorough planning and studying the chosen business area.
    • Gain relevant experience through employment before starting a business.
    • Encourage learning in multiple areas to become a well-rounded business person.

    Podcast Show Notes:

    Question 9: What advice would you give someone before starting a business in Singapore?(Start: 09:59.2)

    • Before starting a business in Singapore, it is essential to do a lot of planning and study about the specific area of business.
    • Gain experience through employment and try to learn as many areas as possible to become a well-rounded business person.
    • When starting a business, it is crucial to learn about markets, hiring, and different areas beyond your specialization.
    • A switch in mindset is necessary when transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship.
    • Take on challenges outside your comfort zone and be willing to learn various aspects of running a business.

    Question 10: What makes somebody good at being a corporate secretary? (Start: 11:25.6)

    • Being a corporate secretary involves more than completing forms and compliance tasks.
    • A good corporate secretary must possess business acumen and understand their clients’ business and management.
    • Understanding various legal areas such as business law, contract law, and employment law is crucial.
    • Adaptability to changes in legal requirements, policies, and compliance is important.
    • A corporate secretary should help clients beyond compliance and offer guidance in their business operations.

    Question 11: What are your hopes and aspirations for your personal and professional life?(Start: 13:08.8)

    • Sok Koon’s hope is to grow the business and achieve sufficient profits to hire staff.
    • Also aspire to pass down her work experience and teach younger generations about being a good company secretary.
    • The demand for qualified and experienced company secretaries is high in Singapore.
    • The supply of such professionals is limited due to the lack of awareness about the role and its importance.
    • Sok Koon aims to instill interest in the role of a company secretary and meet the demand in the market.

    Question 12: Is part of your role as a corporate secretary to remind directors and CEOs of their obligations? (Start: 16:01.0)

    • Yes, part of the role is to send timely reminders to clients about compliance requirements.
    • Sok Koon emphasizes the importance of compliance while also encouraging clients to develop their businesses.
    • To actively link clients with one another to share experiences and expand knowledge.
    • Reminding directors and CEOs about their obligations is a way to guide them in fulfilling their responsibilities.
    • Sok Koon’s goal extends beyond being a company secretary  and to support and facilitate her clients’ overall business growth.

    Question 13: Can you tell us about the business groups you belong to? (Start: 17:16.1)

    • Sok Koon attended various business networking sessions when starting her business.
    • She discovered the Business Development Society through the Meetup platform.
    • The Business Development Society is a supportive and non-aggressive networking group focused on learning from and supporting each other.
    • The group allows for learning from others, understanding different businesses, and making genuine connections.
    • Sok Koon also enjoys helping newcomers and providing them with free advice, even if they don’t become customers.

    Question 14: Does your business experience help you assist foreigners when they come to Singapore to start a business? (Start: 19:16.3)

    • Sok Koon’s business journey has allowed them to learn from various people and experiences.
    • She can pass this knowledge and experience to new business owners and assist foreigners in navigating the Singapore business environment.
    • Foreigners often have limited knowledge about starting a business in Singapore, and Sok Koon can provide guidance.
    • Sharing information, knowledge, and experiences helps foreigners obtain a business pass in Singapore and become successful business owners.

    Question 15: Do you enjoy your job? (Start: 20:02.9)

    • Sok Koon enjoys meeting and helping people.
    • She guides people on starting a business and informs them about the process.
    • Helps individuals understand the different business entities and the risks involved.
    • Advises on whether limited liability or sole proprietorship/partnership is suitable.
    • Discusses factors to consider when partnering with others.
    • Emphasizes the importance of clear written agreements to avoid conflicts.

    Question 16: What advice does Sok Koon give for partnerships in business? (20:02.9 – 21:49.0)

    • Partnering with friends may lead to conflicts and differing ideas.
    • Encourages having written agreements or email understandings.
    • Suggests discussing profit sharing and contributions in advance.
    • Mentions the option of buying up partner shares to own the business completely.
    • Recommends anticipating conflicts and discussing them beforehand.
    • Emphasizes the need to be fair to both partners during conflicts.

    Question 17: How can listeners get in touch with Sok Koon? (21:49.8 – 23:07.4)

    • They can contact Goh Sok Koon through LinkedIn.
    • Sok Koon can be found on LinkedIn under “Goh Sok Koon.”
    • The show notes will include links to Sok Koon’s LinkedIn profile.
    • The Lioness Corporate Services website is currently under construction.

    Question 18: Any additional information or announcements? (23:11.7 – 23:57.5)

    • A special thanks to Goh Sok Koon
    • Sok Koon wishes everyone the best and looks forward to future interactions.
    • If interested in opening a business in Singapore, reach out to Goh Sok Koon directly
    • The Lioness Corporate Services website will be added to the episode’s page on asiabissstories.com in the future.
    • Entrepreneurs living in Singapore are invited to attend meetups.

    End: (23:58.2 – 24:11.2)

  • Neville J McKenzie on Volleyball, Teamwork, and the Podcasters Entrepreneurial Mindset

    Neville J McKenzie on Volleyball, Teamwork, and the Podcasters Entrepreneurial Mindset

    Neville J McKenzie
    Neville J McKenzie

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    Neville J McKenzie the usual host of AsiaBizStories Entrepreneurs in Action is asked the questions by Chris Pardey the lead of the Brunel Alumni Association, Singapore .

    Neville grew up in London. At school he wanted to be a scientist but became a Radar Test Engineer after gaining an HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He then moved into the world of Information Technology Systems as a Field Engineer, before leaving work to study a degree in Computer Studies with Business Studies. Up until this point he played volleyball first as a junior international and then as a senior international for the England. After graduating He worked for 10 months before the Dot-Com crises forced him out of work in October 2001. In February 2002 he was teaching in China where I remained for over fourteen and half years before moving to Singapore in 2016 where he now resides.

    As well as:

    • Discussion of the cultural differences between China and Singapore and the personal difference of becoming an entrepreneur in China.
    • The hopes and dreams for the future in Singapore.
    • Neville talks about his involvement with the Brunel Alumni Association in Singapore and how it helps him network and connect with people who have a common connection.
    • Neville explains his podcasting journey, how he started in 2014 in China, and how it is evolving into a business.
    • Helping the Brunel Alumni Association, Singapore to win the Alumni Association Award of the Year by committing to podcasts, has now led to being nominated for the International Alumni of the Year award.
    • The events in the decision to pursue a degree after seeing an education shop while driving leading to acceptance to study Computer Studies with Business Studies from 1997 to 2000 at Brunel University.
    • Neville talks about his experience playing volleyball for England, coaching, and the impact it had on his career as an engineer.
      Insights into his start and end in coaching in China but none in Singapore.

    Neville J McKenzie on LinkedIn

    Chris Pardey on LinkedIn

    Brunel Alumni Singapore Web page

    Brunel University Alumni Web page

    Show Notes:

    Title: Asia Biz Stories: Entrepreneurs in Action (Partnered with the Brunel Alumni Association Singapore)
    Host: Chris Pardey
    Guest: Neville J McKenzie

    Introduction: [0:00:00 – 0:03:45]

    – Neville J McKenzie introduces himself as the guest on the podcast.
    – Mentions his background growing up in London, pursuing a career in engineering, and later transitioning to Information Technology systems.
    – Talks about his experience playing volleyball for England and his move to China in 2002 to teach.

    Living and Working in Singapore as an Entrepreneur: [0:03:45 – 0:09:20]

    – Neville discusses the cultural change he experienced after moving to China and how he enjoyed the teaching and learning opportunities there.
    – Compares his life in China to his life in Singapore, stating that Singapore feels like a combination of Shanghai and the UK for him.
    – Shares his perspective on Singapore being a favourable place for starting a business and entrepreneurship but personally finding China more suitable for individualistic endeavours.
    – Talks about his unconventional education path and how it shaped his entrepreneurial journey.

    Hopes and Dreams for the Future: [0:09:20 – 0:14:40]

    – Neville expresses his desire to stay in Singapore and mentions that going back to the UK doesn’t appeal to him.
    – Discusses the challenges of networking and making friends in Singapore compared to China.
    – Highlights the importance of the Brunel Alumni Association in providing a common connection and affinity among members.
    – Mentions specific conversations with Stanley, CJ, Kelly, and Lawrence, sharing his curiosity and interest in their journeys.

    Contribution to the Brunel Alumni Association: [0:14:40 – 0:17:10]

    – Chris acknowledges Neville’s contribution to the association through his podcasting work.
    – Mentions Neville’s involvement in the Asia Biz Stories podcast, which has covered 68 stories so far.
    – Notes that Neville is the 69th podcast guest and discusses the impact of his involvement on the association’s recognition.

    Podcasting Journey and Impact: [0:17:10 – 0:23:30]

    – Neville shares his journey into podcasting, starting as a hobby in 2014 and gradually realizing its potential as a business venture.
    – Talks about the work he has done for the Brunel Alumni Association and expresses his hope that winning the International Alumni of the Year award would validate his efforts and help his podcasting business.

    Getting into Brunel University: [0:23:30 – 0:26:45]

    – Neville narrates how he stumbled upon the idea of pursuing a degree at a later age and applied to various universities.
    – Shares his surprise at being accepted by every university except one, but after explaining his situation, he received acceptance from Brunel.
    – Explains his decision to choose Brunel due to its reputation as an excellent engineering university.

    Volleyball and Sports: [0:26:45 – 0:30:15]

    – Neville discusses his passion for volleyball and how he started playing at a young age.
    – Talks about playing for the England national team from 1981 to 1990 and the lessons he learned about teamwork and dedication.
    – Mentions his coaching experience in youth centres and Dulwich College in the UK.

    Conclusion: [0:30:15 – 0:31:50]

    – Chris expresses gratitude to Neville for his podcasting work with the Brunel Alumni Association.
    – Acknowledges Neville’s nomination for the International Alumni of the Year award and discusses the potential impact on his podcasting business.
    – Thanks Neville for his contributions and concludes the interview.

  • Kelly Shan Guojiao’s Breakthrough Transformation from Nursing

    Kelly Shan Guojiao’s Breakthrough Transformation from Nursing

    Kelly Shan Guojiao
    Kelly Shan Guojiao

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    Kelly Shan is an experienced healthcare professional in the areas of nursing and public health. She started as a scrub nurse in the operating theatre before transferring to a pre-operative anesthesia assessment clinic,
    “after a few years in the Outpatient Clinic you realize that a lot of even higher education background you know even there are lawyers or teachers they don’t have much knowledge about what is the meaning of the blood pressure the two numbers right so they do not understand what is the meaning or about diabetes they don’t really know much even they have higher educations “
    This inspired her to take a specialist diploma in nutrition and health promotion and pursue a Master’s in public health and health promotion at Brunel University in the UK.
    After returning to work in Singapore, Kelly is now looking for a career change to expand her horizons further. She has elicited the help of the Brunel Alumni to help her with this.
    “I would just send a message in a group I didn’t really expect any reply but yeah Mario is one of our member I think that afternoon he messaged me for a quick call yeah to just know a little bit more what I want to do because he’s the international head of HR department”

    This conversation is the seventh in the pilot for the Brunel Alumni Association (Singapore).
    The format is based on Entrepreneurs in Action and we are looking to evolve it into a stand-alone podcast series focused on Brunel Alumni based in Singapore
    Send your ideas and suggestions to me on LinkedIn, or in person at the next Brunel Alumni Association meetup in Singapore
    So now without further delay lets begin

  • CJ Tan’s Evolution: Lessons from a Quality Assurance Director turned Realtor

    CJ Tan’s Evolution: Lessons from a Quality Assurance Director turned Realtor

    CJ Tan
    CJ Tan

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    CJ Tan is a regular member of the Brunel Alumni Association. He has extensive experience in manufacturing and quality management, including start-ups and high-volume production. He is skilled in building quality systems and ensuring the safety of employees and the environment. CJ has led initiatives to improve quality  company wide and worked closely with manufacturing partners to maintain quality standards. He actively engaged with customers to support their engineering and quality initiatives.

    “It is true you know you always been treated as a bad guy in the the company a stopper in a company right and then when the quality is not right we tend to be more aggressive and stop the production from going on”

    He has worked in QA for some of the biggest names in the Semiconductor industry. CJ’s last role as a quality director ended in 2016. After taking some time out he started a fresh new career as a realtor (CJ Tan, Realtor). His motto is “Customer Comes First”.

    “semiconductor Manufacturing in Singapore there is less and less uh jobs or rather demand for the kind of skill set that I have you know there are jobs out in the market but outside for the kind of skill set that I have”

    CJ Tan is the second in this series to have graduated from the Henley Brunel MBA Program.

    Contacts and Links Mentioned:

  • Stanley Mak: A Multilingual Marketer in Singapore

    Stanley Mak: A Multilingual Marketer in Singapore

    img Stanley Mak
    Stanley Mak

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    Stanley Mak is a regular member of the Brunel Alumni Association Experienced entrepreneur with a rich history of working in the marketing and communications industry. Skilled in Inbound Marketing, Digital Marketing and Integrated Marketing Communications. With an MBA from the Henley Brunel MBA Program.

    Originally from Hong Kong he moved with his then employer to Singapore in 1986. Eventually the desire to build his marketing own company took over. Today he leads iSmart Communications. He has successful navigated the innovations that have radically changed marketing and has an insatiable appetite for innovations to come.

    “and then in the second and third year the business really boomed then I said wow Hallelujah never look back then during the.com boom period I I saw the opportunity of the internet”

    He was also Vice-president of the Hong Kong – Singapore Business Association. He was the original president of the Henley Brunel MBA Alumni Association which which has now been renamed to the Henley Alumni Association and no longer affiliated to Brunel University.

     “some people even say that why don’t you become president forever I said no no no I don’t want I’m not Lee Kuan Yew I don’t want to be become a president for life”

    His outside interests include being a keen language learner based on his professional languages use and recreational travel.

    Contacts and Links Mentioned:

    Stanley Mak

    iSmart Communications.

    Brunel Alumni Association

    Introduction and Background [00:00.7]

    • Stanley Mak is a member of the Brunel Alumni Association with a background in marketing and communications.
    • He moved from Hong Kong to Singapore in 1986 and eventually started his own marketing company, iSmart Communications.
    • He has successfully adapted to the changing marketing landscape and has a passion for innovation.

    Starting iSmart Communications [02:05.5]

    • Stanley shares how he transitioned from working in multinational advertising agencies to starting his own business.
    • The initial years of the business were challenging, but it eventually boomed.
    • Recognising the potential of the internet, he made the decision to switch from traditional advertising to digital marketing.
    • Despite lacking a background in computer engineering, Stanley partnered with a computer engineer to complement his expertise.

    Adapting to Industry Changes [08:00.1]

    • Stanley discusses the changes and challenges faced by the marketing industry, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • He highlights the high costs of operations in Singapore and the need to find innovative solutions to maintain profitability.
    • Outsourcing and working with partners in other countries became a strategy to control costs and provide quality services.
    • Stanley predicts a major shakeout in the industry and believes that digital marketing will continue to be a driving force.

    Henley Brunel MBA and Alumni Associations [15:04.6]

    • Stanley shares his educational background, starting with his accounting qualification and then pursuing an MBA with Henley Brunel in Singapore.
    • He discusses the differences between the Henley and Brunel alumni associations, including their demographics and focus.
    • Stanley expresses his admiration for Chris, the founder of the Brunel alumni, and his active involvement in both associations.

    Language Learning and Community Involvement [21:21.1]

    • Stanley reveals his passion for learning languages and how it has enabled him to communicate with people from different countries.
    • He mentions his current focus on learning the local dialect Hooken and the Filipino language.
    • Stanley emphasises the importance of community involvement and voluntary services in building networks and friendships.

    Contacting Stanley Mak [24:12.8]

    • Stanley mentions that he is active on LinkedIn and encourages people to connect with him there.
    • He expresses his willingness to share experiences and knowledge with others and highlights the value of sharing and continuous learning.
  • Chris Pardey’s Journey Through Sports, Charity, and Business

    Chris Pardey’s Journey Through Sports, Charity, and Business

    Chris Pardey

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    Chris Pardey is the Brunel Alumni Association Representative in Singapore. Chris grew up and was educated in the UK. He has spent over 40 years working in the commodities industry. Spending 20 years with one company, working in the UK, Switzerland and Germany.

    His move to Singapore saw him eventually being in the right place at the right time co-investing in a company and taking the role of CEO/Director.

    “the banks like to spread their risk em and so it’s you know so it I think our Peak we were we were borrowing around 350 million dollars”

    After cashing in, again, at the right time, he is currently Head of Agribusiness at R1 International PTE LTD.

    From the beginning he has been a sports enthusiast starting as Captain of the Brunel University Football team and member of the Cricket Team, he now makes time to watch sports of all kinds. He links his work, love of sport, Brunel Alumni Association and current students to his charity work as Trustee with the Bali Sports Federation.

    “So it’s basically been my initiative with Brunel but it’s partly what the University alumni is looking to achieve in terms of providing work experience opportunities for students ”

    As Well As:

    • 0:02:05 Chris Pardey introduces himself.
    • 0:02:10 Over 40 years of experience in the commodity business and living in Singapore since 2005.
    • 0:02:21 His passionate for sports and involvement in charitable activities in Indonesia.
    • 0:02:31 Becoming the Brunel alumni representative in Singapore.
    • 0:03:13 Chose an international career for job opportunities and to experience Asia.
    • 0:03:40 Passionate about football and cricket, ran a football team in Singapore.
    • 0:05:09 President of Brunel Alumni Association.
    • 0:05:35 Creating the association and the connection to Brunel’s 50th anniversary and his reason.
    • 0:09:44 His commitment to the Bali Sports Foundation, and the provision of sports opportunities for disadvantaged individuals in Bali.
    • 0:10:38 Creating the link between Brunel and BSF.
    • 0:11:20 The role for Brunel students within BSF from 2016, and the two years due to COVID-19.
    • 0:12:16 The commitment BSF places on students for the charity and helping disabled individuals in Indonesia.
    • 0:18:35 Chris’s after university, selected based on his involvement in sports.
    • 0:18:57 His Work for 20 years in Geneva, Germany, and the UK, before he moved to Singapore.
    • 0:19:01 Investing in RCMA with two colleagues, a commodity business and taking the role of CEO then selling in 2018 to a Chinese company.
    • 0:19:46 Getting lucky and diversifying into other products and services
    • 0:20:33 His current role working for another Chinese company.
    • 0:21:58 The risk involved in taking on the role of CEO and learning along the way.
    • 0:23:44 Why the business needed to deal with the 12 different banks.
    • 0:24:52 Asking for money from the banks, relationships and not being nervous.
    • 0:27:20 The reasons for selling and the outcomes for everyone involves.
    • 0:28:17 Being able to walk away from the business.
    • 0:28:40 Thanks to Chris for a great chat
    • 0:28:42 If you have interest in the Brunel Alumni Association, are a Brunel student looking to get involved with the Bali Sports Foundation reach out to Chris on LinkedIn or visit the webpage.

    Contacts and Links Mentioned:

    Brunel Alumni Association

    Bali Sports Federation

    Yaya San kahaya Mutiara Ubud

  • Ben Clark Adapting Olympic Potential to Perform

    Ben Clark Adapting Olympic Potential to Perform

    Ben Clark
    Ben Clark

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    Ben Clark in 2010 whilst on a break from training for the London Olympics as a swimmer dove into the sea and broke his neck changing his life forever.

    Despite having 75% of his body paralysed he was determined to not let it defeat him and set out to live his life to the full.

    That thinking led him to Adapt To Perform which Ben started as a way to help himself and others get fit and healthy no matter their circumstances, a first of kind!

    “also make sure they’ve got the right equipment and the right trainer on the door and so that if somebody comes along they’re not just “umming and ahing” what to do they are there to be like oh welcome we’ve got a we’ve got a program this guy knows how to show you around the gym tell you what you can do Etc…”

    Adapt To Perform is now the world’s largest resource of adapted fitness helping over 10,000 individuals all over the world live their life to the fullest. Ben does this all through content creation via both the Adapt To Perform website and social media. Which now reaches places he didn’t expect or plan for

    “but I realized quickly that it went out to multiple places in the world and it was helping people that were in very very different situations to myself despite having the same disability so they would be maybe in India Indonesia even in parts of Africa or in the Middle East ??”

    This conversation is the third of a new venture with the Brunel Alumni Association (Singapore).

    The format is based on Entrepreneurs in Action and we are looking to evolve it into a stand alone podcast series focused on Brunel Alumni based in Singapore

    Send your ideas and suggestions to me on LinkedIn, or in person at the next Brunel Alumni Association meetup in Singapore

    one final thing at around five minutes 40 seconds I asked Ben about the accident, he does go into some details so if you are of a sensitive nature please skip forward to around seven minutes 45 seconds where I ask him about his recovery. Due to possible editing changes please visit the website for more accurate details

    so now without further delay let’s begin

    As Well As:

    00:00 Introduction

    02:35 Ben’s life before his accident

    03:41 The event and sport Ben trained for

    05:01 Was Ben the kind of athlete that needed to be pushed or did he push himself?

    05:41 the accident: what happened and the effect it had after thinking his life was over

    06:39 What saved his life?

    07:43 After the accident and the obvious changes, rehab, the new challenges and swimming

    09:31 The next swimming goal to make the Great Britain Paralympic Swimming Team 2012?

    09:56 How the Stable Disability rule was missed.

    11:07 The low point in around 2015?

    12:57 Re-evaluation based not on role but higher values and becoming a coach?

    13:30 The thought process behind becoming a coach, and success or failure?

    15:41 Taking the discovery that there was an empty niche and the desire to progress with it further

    17:48 Origin of the name of the company Adapt to Perform?

    18:39  Funding Adapt To Perform

    20:11 The biggest challenge for Adapt To Perform?

    22:44 The surprise after the start of Adapt To Perform?

    24:35 The future of Adapt To Perform

    27:56 Ben’s and Adapt to Perform’s involvement with with Brunel University?

    29:13 Posting the Bali trip on your YouTube channel?

    29:59 How people can contact you?

    31:09 Next episode Chris Pardey who is the Singapore Alumni Association president and Trustee of the Bali Sports Federation BSF

    Contacts: