Erik Rasmussen is keeping people connected whilst travelling. He is CEO at Interfone Pte Ltd.
What’s your story?
CEO at Interfone Pte Ltd, a Singapore based company founded in 2013. Interfone is built on a vision to become the preferred provider of convenient and cost effective voice and data roaming. The newly launched Interfone SIM is attached to the user’s home SIM in an easy one-time application giving the user a price competitive roaming solution. Prior to joining Interfone I have among other positions had the pleasure to work with the LEGO Group, participating building their platform for future growth in Eastern Europe, South Korea and Japan.
What excites you most about your industry?
The world is getting smaller, people travel more and want to stay connected to business partners, family and friends during travel. Staying connected can however be expensive if done by roaming or troublesome if buying local SIM cards at every travel destination. Consequently many travellers end up as ‘silent roamers’. I am excited launching a product that can attract both existing and ‘silent’ roamers allowing them to stay connected while traveling the world.
What’s your connection to Asia?
My two children grew up in the region so lots of happy memories. My wife and I are now back in Asia as we are based in Singapore in my position as CEO of Interfone Pte Ltd. Previously had the pleasure of living 3 years in South Korea followed by 4 years in Japan holding management positions within the LEGO Group.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore is a fantastic place for business, everything works! Politically stable, low corporate tax rates, well-educated labour force, very centrally located in the Asia / Pacific region and on top of that ……the food!
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Among many good pieces of advice received during my career I have a preference for “Winners never quit and quitters never win” as a reminder that there will be ups and downs during your both private and business related career and that we should be in it for the long haul.
Who inspires you?
There is quite a number of people who has and are inspiring me. Being a Dane and having worked at the LEGO Group I have to mention Jorgen Vig Knudstorp, CEO at the LEGO Group for the tremendous turnaround he made, turning the LEGO Group into the biggest and by far most profitable toy company in the world driven by a strong believe in the potential of the LEGO Brick despite the digitization also of the toys for children.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That Freddie Mercury (Queen) would have been 70 years old this week.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
The movie Sliding Doors from 1998, a British-American romantic comedy-drama film very well illustrates the small things that (can) impact our life. Having used the occasion turning 50 this summer to reflect on my life, I surely did find bits and pieces that I should have done differently, but what would have happened then, well that is possible to show in a movie, but not in real life. Wanting to do something differently, doesn’t necessarily mean that what you did was wrong, but I do find it important to learn or adjust based on the “mistakes” that I make – or the things that I want to do differently.
How do you unwind?
I probably have the same challenge as many others in doing some regular exercise, but once done it is a great start to unwinding. I do enjoy travelling the Asia / Pacific region and spending time with my family and friends.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
That is very much depending on the season. In spring it is hard to compete with the Japanese cherry blossom trees, Borneo is a great place for relaxation during the summer period, while Sokcho at the east coast of South Korea is absolutely beautiful at autumn. Winter, or Christmas to be more specific, is traditionally celebrated back home in Denmark.
Shameless plug for your business:
Why queue when you land to buy a local SIM, head straight to the beach, to the meeting or to your hotel. The Interfone SIM works in nearly 100 countries, great rates on international calls & data roaming (save up to 90%) and you get to keep your home number. Find out more at; Interfone.com
How can people connect with you?
+6597668667, [email protected]
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erik-rasmussen-0a5b0a
Twitter handle?
@Interfone_Asia and @RasmussenErik
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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