Chowpo Solves Tomorrow’s Problems Across Industries
What’s your story?
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Adults often ask us this when we are kids. This was also part of my primary school English writing homework. At the time, the word “entrepreneur” popped into my mind. I wrote, I want to be a successful woman entrepreneur with my own marketing consultancy, not just in Hong Kong, but everywhere around the globe.
Though I was born in Hong Kong, I attended university in Seattle, Washington. After graduation, I joined an advertising agency in Hong Kong and have been living the “agency” life for 20 years. Throughout this time, when I was gaining experience and building a substantial network, I realized that “people” are a company’s most valuable asset. It was then that I began to devote my time to helping talented people achieve their potential through my pioneer-ship, mentorship, and leadership training because I want them to have a brighter and smoother career by learning from my experiences.
I co-founded a new Unigons office with other founding partners in greater China who also shared the same passion. Unigons was born of partnership. Our goal is to connect deep human insight with business insight. We bring a powerhouse of creativity, technology, and young talent to create meaningful “Purpose and Experiences” to improve lives.
As the managing director of Unigons, I am excited that our company’s footprint is expanding and progressing. Now, we have offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Shenzhen, and most importantly, I have fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
What excites you most about your industry?
There are always new challenges in our industry. I love building a long term partnership with people by providing the best fit, idea, and solution for them to excel in their business and career.
What is your connection to Asia?
I call myself a work traveller as my projects always bring me to different places in Asia and globally, to experience, explore, and to meet new friends and partners.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I am a true Hong Kong-er. Despite the challenges Hong Kong is facing right now, I still love the energy and diversity of this city very much. And, Hong Kong is generously providing people with endless opportunities to do business here, across Asia, and around the globe.
If I have to name a city besides Hong Kong, I would pick Vietnam (HCMC) because of the country’s genuine openness to new ideas, and the people are becoming increasingly “digital” and tech savvy. Plus, the recent Infrastructure development, including the expansion of regional airports, as well as a new international hub airport, will open up a lot more opportunities for business.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
As leaders, we should look at people’s potential and strengths and find ways to empower them to attain their aspirations.
Who inspires you?
I always get inspiration from the people I meet and come across. No matter if their story is positive or negative. I especially like to learn from their amazing experiences to understand what influenced their transformation from good to great.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
2020 hasn’t been a smooth year for everyone. I would say coping has been difficult for all of us. The Covid-19 and the new normal are all very new for us to understand and adapt to. Looking from a positive side, it is the perfect time for everyone to reset, rediscover, refresh, and become their better selves.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
My father is my forever hero and deep down in my heart, he is a very successful entrepreneur. If I could travel back in time, I would start my business a lot earlier, before he passed away, so I could learn from his experiences.
How do you unwind?
Spending quality time with my loved ones, traveling, exploring new places, and taking selfies.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Anywhere I can see the blue sky, smell the sea, feel the breeze, and taste the local, yummy food.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“#GIRLBOSS.” by Sophia Amoruso – the founder of Nasty Gal. It is very inspiring to read about Sophia’s drive and success in building her retail fashion empire. I always like to recommend this book especially to young female professionals and budding entrepreneurs.
Here are my favourite quotes from her book, “#GIRLBOSS.”
“Opinions are like assholes; everybody’s got one.”
“Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back. Learn to create your own opportunities. Know that there is no finish line; fortune favours action. Race balls-out towards the extraordinary life that you’ve always dreamed of, or still haven’t had time to dream up. And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way.”
Be your own girl boss, discover the beauty of it.
Shameless plug for your business:
We are a group of problem-solvers who take a collaborative approach to solving tomorrow’s problems.
We pioneer new solutions and products to improve efficiency, reduce waste and eradicate everyday inconvenience.
Despite the uncertainty in 2020, we are still passionate and determined to stick with our plan of network expansion and growth. It is our pleasure to announce that our Shenzhen Nanshan branch has just opened in Q2. And starting in 2021, we are expanding our footprint outside of Asia to the UK, Canada, and the US.
Check out our works at: www.unigons.com
How can people connect with you?
If you have an interesting idea and are looking for partnership and collaboration, kindly share with me at [email protected].
Check out our works at: www.unigons.com
Social Media Links?
I don’t twitter. Please LinkedIn me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chowpo-kong-b8444948
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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’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
