After almost 20 years’ experience in the IT industry, tennis playing Aaron is still highly motivated to provide the best solutions to the toughest problems
What’s your story?
I come from a humble background, yet graduated from the University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia in 2001, with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering (Honors), and later attained a Graduate Diploma in Financial Management from the Singapore Institute of Management. Having to find ways to finance myself while studying gave me experiences and aspirations which have subsequently directed my life.
I had always wanted to be an entrepreneur and in 2003 started a software business, creating customized software to help companies automate their manual processes. Although success was slow coming I took the failures in my stride and kept focused on finding a niche in a specific target market. In 2012, I founded Gabkotech Innovations Pte Ltd and two years later scored a major milestone by securing a government tender.
Entrepreneurship is not just about making money for me, it is about conviction, focus and motivation. Gabkotech is now in its eighth year of operation with a highly motivated team contributing to the company’s success.
The award for the AsiaEntrepreneur marks a milestone for me and motivates me to continue striving.
What excites you most about your industry?
My interest in and knowledge of enterprise mobility technologies showed me gaps in the building management, cleaning and security industries. We chose to focus here to enable technology to enhance the progressive wage model adoption for a better life. The impact these inventions have on the daily lives of others is a source of considerable satisfaction.
What is your connection to Asia?
We aim to be Asia’s leading IOT, SMART building facility management solutions provider.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Kuala Lumpur for its proximity to Singapore and the culture is very similar. We have a subsidiary in Johor Bahru.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
3 words. NEVER GIVE UP!!
Learn from every experience and see every obstacle as an opportunity. Share your goals with your team and lead by example.
Who inspires you?
Seeing my clients benefiting from the solutions we have provided for them. That kind of satisfaction is priceless. Seeing my staff develop through the care, training and opportunities we provide for them.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Never stop prospecting, be humble, listen to your clients. Training and coaching go a long way.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would take up tennis at an earlier age and aspire to represent my country.
How do you unwind?
I unwind by playing tennis. It teaches me how to strategise and keep myself calm when handling my opponents.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bangkok, Taiwan and Japan all have great services and culture; the food is good and the people are nice.
Everyone in business should read this book:
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Shameless plug for your business:
We have provided quality service since 2012 with pride!! Gabkotech Innovations Pte Ltd was founded in the year 2012. We specialize in developing IOT and SMART Workforce Solutions for Facilities Management.
How can people connect with you?
Email – [email protected]
Website – https://gabkotech.com
Social Media Links?
Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-lee-89853057/
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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’.
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Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
