Kelvin Koh’s, Delta Duck Studios develops games with his fellow business partners.
What’s your story?
I always wanted to start a business with like minded people. University would be the best place I thought, to do this. I joined an internship called Game Innovation Programme where I met fellow enterprising individuals who had the same passion for developing great games that people enjoy. The programme also gave me the opportunity to connect and work with a book publishing partner on a physics puzzler game called Getzapp. After the programme ended, the book publisher wanted to commercialize the game and a few of us took that on as a paid side project. Three of us who were about to graduate saw the side project as a springboard to greater things to come. Then, we decided to take the plunge and start a games development business focusing on games that not only entertained but also benefitted people in other ways. Ever since then, I haven’t looked back and together with my partners, we have created many games that people enjoy and even learn from.
What excites you most about your industry?
My personal interest is how games can also be a medium to not just entertain but also educate and improve lifestyles in a multitude of ways. This is exciting because, as an industry we are open to multiple opportunities beyond the industry itself, to connect and collaborate with other industries such as education and marketing. Also, if we look at the media industry as a whole, games and their IPs can be adapted to other forms of media to entertain such as films, cartoons, books and many more. I’m also excited about how games have evolved and can be put on multiple platforms to enjoy. A strong title can be adapted for PC, console, mobile and newer platforms such as VR, giving rise to a larger and more varied pool of audiences for companies to market to.
What’s your connection to Asia?
My three co-founders and I are born, raised and based in Singapore.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore is one of the easiest places to start a business. Singapore is a business hub and recently has attracted a lot of investors as well as talent which we can hire. However, I do believe that businesses started in Singapore should have a vision from the start to create products that can serve larger markets.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Always adapt and learn. Business is dynamic and every day, one has to be resourceful and respond to changes fast but still stay true to the long term vision.
Who inspires you?
My dad. He’s street smart, people smart and super resourceful.
Delta Duck Studios team. Brightest and most passionate, hardworking people I’ve met and am grateful to share this entrepreneurial journey with.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That AI will replace a big proportion of human jobs. It is a scary thought but it also means governing policies, business structure and society as whole will require a paradigm shift to adapt to these changes in a way where outcomes can still be positive.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would have worked at a variety of companies in different industries first before starting. I think it would have built up my experience and knowledge and I would probably have ended up learning more about best practices which I could apply in my own business now.
How do you unwind?
Play games, exercise, read and be social with close friends and new people.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Thailand. Been going there since childhood and feel the warmth and friendliness of the people which is a good break from the hustle and bustle of Singapore.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Entrepreneur’s Manual by Richard M White. Published in 1977 but the principles are as relevant as ever. It has shaped the way I think of and run business. Very practical and detailed tips covering various aspects from market research to finance that any aspiring or seasoned entrepreneur can apply right away.
Shameless plug for your business:
Delta Duck Studios (www.deltaduckstudios.com) is made up of a team of passionate gamers and game developers from Singapore. Our vision is to create games with innovative mechanics that have entertainment at their core but also go beyond it by positively enriching and impacting lives. We are about to launch our strategy mobile RPG called Monster Chronicles (www.monchron.com) this year with publishers. We create our own IP products but are also open to collaboration with various companies and institutions in industries beyond the media or games industry. Some partners we have worked with include Marshall Cavendish and the National Institute of Education (Singapore). Connect with us if you have any game or app/web development needs.
How can people connect with you?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvinkohtongweng/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelvin.koh.tong.weng/
Email: [email protected]
Twitter handle?
https://twitter.com/kaizenkoh
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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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