Jessica’s Platform Is Making Mental Healthcare Accessible
What’s your story?
When I was a teen, I struggled with my mental health – I wasn’t sure what was going on or how to get help. The lack of information, accessible help, stigma, and high costs of therapy were all major blocks. Fast forward to today, the same problems persist when it comes to mental healthcare in Asia. Mental health problems are now the #1 disability worldwide with an estimated cost of 1 trillion U.S. dollars to the global economy by 2030. I’m removing the barriers to access and addressing the unmet need for mental healthcare.
What excites you most about your industry?
Using technology to increase access and to help people in need. Telemental health is still in its infancy in Asia as well as in many parts of the world. I’m excited to develop a product that focuses on delivering a superior client help-seeking journey and become the most accessible option for anyone providing mental healthcare.
What is your connection to Asia?
I was born in China, grew up in Canada, and moved to Hong Kong 10+ years ago. My goal is to make a significant social impact in Asia, specifically in the area of mental health. There is a huge and persistent stigma, and a fundamental lack of education and understanding of mental health issues and how they intersect with physical, nutritional, and social well-being.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I do not have a favorite city for doing business because I am a fan of cross-border eCommerce. Thanks to the Internet, the world is essentially borderless.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don’t make a decision when you feel extremely happy, sad, or stressed. Extreme emotions may result in making a poor decision.
Who inspires you?
My father. Born in 1950, he grew up during the cultural revolution in China, has a primary level education, and came to Hong Kong in the 80s with HKD100. He put in the work and became a self-made business owner. He may have flaws, but he owns them.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
There’s no greater achievement in life than doing something you truly believe in and being recognized by others for it.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I have no regrets because one thing I’ve always done is stubbornly do what I believe is right. With every choice I make I am willing to bear the consequences. Every choice is a lesson, no matter the result.
How do you unwind?
Music! I love writing songs and playing the guitar.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali – because it’s got great food, amazing scenery, and I’ve met some of the most down-to-earth people who understand how to live.
Everyone in business should read this book:
No specific book comes to mind. I think learning from people and being in different businesses is the best way to learn. To me, hearing stories about failure is more helpful than reading about successful entrepreneurs.
Shameless plug for your business:
Common Care Central is the largest online therapy platform in Asia. We connect those in need with qualified, experienced, trained professionals for online therapy through video or phone-based sessions. Our mission is to increase access to mental healthcare and normalize mental health. We enable anyone to get help anytime, anywhere, at affordable prices.
https://www.commoncarecentral.com/
How can people connect with you?
You can find me on LinkedIn!
Social Media Links?
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicayeung282/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/common-care-limited/
—
To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
