Entrepreneurs in Action

Goh Sok Koon [https://i0.wp.com/www.asiabizstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Goh-Sok-Koon.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1]Goh Sok Koon Goh Sok Koon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sok-koon-goh-84218644/] 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, [https://bdsociety.co] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sok-koon-goh-84218644/] on LinkedIn Business Development Society [https://bdsociety.co] 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) The post EIA 070 Goh Sok Koon Insights: Unveils the Role of a Company Secretary [https://www.asiabizstories.com/eia-070-goh-sok-koon-insights-unveils-the-role-of-a-company-secretary/] appeared first on AsiaBizStories [https://www.asiabizstories.com].

Neville J McKenzie [https://i0.wp.com/www.asiabizstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Neville-1-Halo-400-x-400.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1]Neville J McKenzie Neville J McKenzie [http://linkedin.com/in/njmckenzie] the usual host of AsiaBizStories Entrepreneurs in Action is asked the questions by Chris Pardey [http://linkedin.com/in/chris-pardey-0343a129] 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 [http://linkedin.com/in/njmckenzie] on LinkedIn Chris Pardey [http://linkedin.com/in/chris-pardey-0343a129] on LinkedIn Brunel Alumni Singapore [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/alumni/International-Alumni-Relations/Singapore-Alumni-Association] Web page Brunel University Alumni [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/alumni] Web page Show Notes: Title: Asia Biz Stories: Entrepreneurs in Action (Partnered with the Brunel Alumni Association Singapore) Host: Chris Pardey [https://www.asiabizstories.com/eia-065-chris-pardeys-journey-through-sports-charity-and-business/] 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 [https://www.asiabizstories.com/eia-066-stanley-mak-a-multilingual-marketer-in-singapore/], CJ [https://www.asiabizstories.com/eia-067-cj-tans-evolution-lessons-from-a-quality-assurance-director-turned-realtor/], Kelly [https://www.asiabizstories.com/eia-068-kelly-shans-breakthrough-transformation-from-nursing/], and Lawrence [https://www.asiabizstories.com/eia-062-laurence-barrett-journey-from-engineer-to-aerospace-ceo-and-founder/], 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. The post EIA 069 Neville J McKenzie on Volleyball, Teamwork, and the Podcasters Entrepreneurial Mindset [https://www.asiabizstories.com/eia-069-neville-j-mckenzie-on-volleyball-teamwork-and-the-podcasters-entrepreneurial-mindset/] appeared first on AsiaBizStories [https://www.asiabizstories.com].

Kelly Shan Guojiao [https://i0.wp.com/www.asiabizstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1516631566938.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1]Kelly Shan Guojiao Kelly Shan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-shan-guojiao-9b85a936/] 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 [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/alumni] (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 * Kelly Shan Guojiao [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-shan-guojiao-9b85a936/] on LinkedIn * Kelly Shan Guojiao [https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5ca1050c0000000016026388] on XiaoHongShu * Kelly Shan Guojiao [https://www.instagram.com/joyingod_design/?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM%3D] on Instagram * Brunel Alumni Association [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/alumni] Webpage The post EIA 068 Kelly Shan Guojiao’s Breakthrough Transformation from Nursing [https://www.asiabizstories.com/eia-068-kelly-shans-breakthrough-transformation-from-nursing/] appeared first on AsiaBizStories [https://www.asiabizstories.com].

CJ Tan [https://i0.wp.com/www.asiabizstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CJ-Tan-ERA-300x300.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1]CJ Tan CJ Tan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-tan-407bb6b/] 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 [https://www.facebook.com/tancheokjoo?mibextid=ZbWKwL]). 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: * CJ Tan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-tan-407bb6b/] on LinkedIn * CJ Tan [https://www.facebook.com/tancheokjoo?mibextid=ZbWKwL] ERA Realtor on Facebook * Brunel Alumni Association [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/alumni] Webpage The post EIA 067 CJ Tan’s Evolution: Lessons from a Quality Assurance Director turned Realtor [https://www.asiabizstories.com/eia-067-cj-tans-evolution-lessons-from-a-quality-assurance-director-turned-realtor/] appeared first on AsiaBizStories [https://www.asiabizstories.com].

img Stanley Mak [https://i0.wp.com/www.asiabizstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Stanley-Mak.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1]Stanley Mak Stanley Mak [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanley-mak-06a200/] is a regular member of the Brunel Alumni Association [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/alumni] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismartcommunications/]. 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanley-mak-06a200/] iSmart Communications [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismartcommunications/]. Brunel Alumni Association [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/alumni] 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. The post EIA 066 Stanley Mak: A Multilingual Marketer in Singapore [https://www.asiabizstories.com/eia-066-stanley-mak-a-multilingual-marketer-in-singapore/] appeared first on AsiaBizStories [https://www.asiabizstories.com].