Ho Chang Jun is edutaining his clients’ prospects through animation and videos.
What’s your story?
My name is Ho Chang Jun and I love design.
I graduated from Ngee Ann Poly studying business and I fell in love with design after my close friend, Eugene Cheng (now co-founder of Highspark previously known as Slide Comet), shared how businesses can benefit from better design to deliver clearer messages. That ignited my spark for design.
When I was one month away from graduating, my mum unfortunately passed away from an illness. As my dad divorced my mum before I was even born, I didn’t have any parents left. I knew I couldn’t just wallow in sorrow forever, so I decided to move on and pursue my passion in design. Before my mum passed away, she wanted me to go to university and I was accepted into SMU, however I decided to retract my application, instead I did something crazy and went on YouTube to learn animation because it was free.
Fast forward a few years, I now run 2 marketing-related companies, Gram and Flide. Gram is a video and animation company that helps SMEs boost their sales through explainer videos and establishes them as a thought leader. Flide is a web-based presentation software that helps you make professional slides in minutes. Flide also recently won the DBS Hotspot pre-accelerator program and was awarded $25,000 to continue developing our app.
Looking back, not going the usual university route and pursuing my passion outside of the standard education system, was the best decision I made. I’ve learnt so many things in such a short span of time, met so many amazing people, worked in an incredibly fun environment and shifted my paradigm to truly believing that anything is possible if you just keep trying and be happy while you’re at it.
I’m currently incubated at Ngee Ann Poly where I regularly help make videos for them.
What excites you most about your industry?
Just imagine having the ability to get others to understand and believe you. That would be an amazing superpower and that’s what marketing is about. It’s always fun and exciting to try different kinds of marketing communication and see how it works differently on different people.
It helps that I really love beautiful visuals and motion graphics. I get very excited everytime I see a beautiful animation and I just try to break down how they do it.
Motion graphics is starting to trend in Singapore and it’s exciting to see more and more businesses utilise its simplicity and friendly look to attract customers in their marketing campaigns. We’ve never been more busy creating motion graphics videos for businesses.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born in Singapore and I love that this country is so safe and convenient.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore! Because we have a strong economy and the government is pushing for a strong entrepreneurial movement.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“When making a decision, always pick the hardest choice.”
This is a fantastic mantra and it really helps to keep you disciplined and grow much faster.
Who inspires you?
Eugene Cheng and Koh Kai Xin from Highspark! Even though we’re almost the same age, they know so much more and are always ready to share their knowledge with me. We took similar routes as they’re also my seniors from the same course and school.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Totally not related but did you know that a CPU microprocessor is largely made from sand and it contains billions of transistors that were intricately fitted and layered together to form the microchip? It is the most complex thing manufactured on earth and when I read about it, I was blown away again at how brilliantly amazing human intelligence can be.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Play less computer games and spend more time learning new skills.
How do you unwind?
By playing computer games LOL and learning new skills.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Japan! It has food that melts and bursts in your mouth, spectacular views, friendly people and an amazing culture.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Wow there’s so many I can think of. I would recommend Art of the Start Version 2 by Guy Kawasaki. I learnt so much practical advice on running a tech start-up.
Shameless plug for your business:
People don’t like to be sold to, however everyone enjoys being entertained and learning something at the same time. That’s why we use videos and animation to educate your prospects about the benefits and value that you provide.
Our aim is to help SMEs increase their awareness and sales, through edutaining (educational + entertaining) animation and videos.
How can people connect with you?
Website: www.flide.it | www.gram.com.sg
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/ho-chang-jun-95177269
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hochangjun
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hochangjun
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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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