How shall I describe your business?
I am in the hawker business, specifically the provision of cooked noodles.
How did you get started in this business?
It is a family business which was passed down to me from my grand father.
What business were your parents in?
They were running the eating house before passing it down to me.
Does your wife work?
Yes, in a travel agency.
Why did you choose this location?
This location has been here ever since the time of my grand father.
Did you have to get a license to do business here?
Yes, of course. I had to obtain licenses from the Ministry of Environment to ensure that food preparation is done safely. The license also states the various grades of cleanliness being employed.
How easy was it to get this license?
Getting the license was easy, but getting a good grade was difficult as there are many restrictions to take into account. Especially so during busy times, where the food has to be prepared as fast as possible to satisfy my customers.
How long do you think you will work in this line?
I will continue to run the business until I can find someone trustworthy to take over the reins.
Who are your main customers?
I cater mainly to the working population such as the office and construction workers.
Do you have any partners?
My brother-in-law helps out with the eating house as I cannot handle it alone.
Tell me some stories that would give me an idea of the hardships involved in starting a business from scratch. What are some of the things you have had to overcome to succeed?
Starting out is never easy. When I started out, I had to endure many complaints from customers who claim my culinary skills are not as good as my Dad's.
Tell me about some of the best times in your business.
My business seems to follow the economy. When times are good, people tend to eat out more and order more side dishes which help me generate more profit.
What about the worst times?
Whenever there is talk of retrenchment and the economy being in a bad state, my daily business would always suffer.
Ever felt like giving up before, how many times, when does it happen and why?
Definitely. But whenever I think of why am I in this business, I'm reminded that it was because I was trusted to do so and that I have the responsibility to provide for my family.
Who would you say are your competitors?
Any stall which provides food would be my competitor.
Have you ever thought of banding together with one of them to start a joint venture?
Yes. But it is quite unrealistic for my industry as everyone is too caught up with trying to outdo one another.
Did you start as a businessman as a child selling things to your friends and family?
No.
When you started what did your wife or family think?
I was already in the business when I got to know my wife. My family were very supportive of me joining the business because it was their intention all along.
Do you have children in business?
No.
What are your own values in doing business and what do you like to pass down to your children?
My believe that one must be hard working to succeed. With hard work, I believe my children will be able to succeed in any field which they may choose.
What would happen if you got sick, who would run your business?
My brother-in-law will take over the running of the business.
What qualities that you have do you think differentiates you from someone who works for others?
I am hard working.
What qualities does it take to succeed?
Hard working and a bit of luck are ingredients for success.
How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be in business on your own?
About 19 years old.
Did your family and friends encourage you?
My family did. But my friends were constantly telling me that there is no future in the hawker business.
When was the moment you realized that the business would work and support you?
When my Dad entrusted me with the business, I could more clearly see the daily sales and how it could provide a relatively comfortably life for me and my family.
What would you advise young people to do today in starting a business?
Be prepared to work hard and constantly improve yourself.
Do you have a role model or mentor?
Bill Gates, because of his ability to foresee trends and make a considerable profit out of it.
Do you have any retirement plans?
Yes. I invest in insurance and commit to saving regularly.
If you are chosen as one of the 38 winners will you attend the prize presentation ceremony?
Yes.
Will you be comfortable with the press and TV asking you many of the same questions if you are a winner?
Yes.
Do you have any objection to this interview being posted on the Internet (which will be put up by NTUC Income by next year) or published in the newspaper prior to being chosen?
No.
Who do you admire in business?
Bill Gates.
Before I go any other story you would like to tell me?
Hard work is very important
