Shiangker Wong helps people build the career they love.
What’s your story?
One read of the book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” 15 years ago changed the way I thought about money, career and the future. Thanks to my early exposure to this book when I was a teenager I knew I wanted to run my own business in the future.
I worked with an investment bank when I first graduated. Prestigious company, good pay, supportive management, nothing much to complain about. But every time when I asked myself what kind of impact have I really made? No satisfying answer came to mind. I knew it was time to explore a different angle.
There’s so much to learn about being an entrepreneur! I started Mirastars project to interview entrepreneurs and learn and share their successful tips and to avoid their mistakes in the future. Besides learning a lot from the people I met, the project led me to opportunities that I wouldn’t have imagined. I now share my experience with others, to help people build a career they love.
What excites you most about your industry?
It is truly rewarding to see people unleashing their potential and building their dream careers; this kind of satisfaction is something money cannot buy. Sometimes just one event might change someone’s future forever (just like how the book changed me). It excites me to know that I might be the one event for someone.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I am Asian. I grew up in a very small town in Malaysia (Ipoh). I moved to Singapore 10 years ago for tertiary studies and have stayed here. Asia is a large continent with 48 countries. I love how rich Asian history is. My first adventure was a one-month backpacking trip in China. It was a great way to experience one of the oldest civilisations in the world. There is so much more to explore…
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore, I love the safety and efficiency in this country. Although the local market is really small, this is a strategic place to venture into South East Asian countries, which is a very underserved market.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
There was a time I once sat down randomly with an old man in a very busy cafe in Vienna, he ended up showing me the city and sharing with me his life experience. This was exactly what he told me: Always say YES with life, look for what’s NEXT, and ENJOY it! Now I look back it was so true – because I said yes to sharing a table, the next thing that happened was an eventful afternoon, and I enjoyed a lot.
Who inspires you?
So many people. I believe everyone has something for me to learn, inspirations could come from anyone and anywhere. Let me just share the most recent one – Wonder Woman! I have learnt one crucial thing from her – ‘the power that we need is already within us.’
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Applying Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in business opportunities. In first world countries where people have already secured basic needs, they now look for self-actualization / esteem; businesses that help people to achieve that would grow in these countries. In other developing countries where food and water are still a problem, we need businesses that help to provide these for the people there.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would go back to my uni days, spend more time building more friendships and learning more skills. 4 years in uni was the best time to lay the bricks for the future.
How do you unwind?
Listen to music and workout. I am a big fitness freak and I do a lot of sports. Exercise naturally releases happy hormones (endorphins), when paired with my favourite music it just feels so good.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Thailand! I know this must be one of most given answers, but my reason is very different from others. 5 years ago when I first visited Bangkok it wasn’t the shopping malls and yummy food that impressed me. It was the people – they dressed up uniquely regardless of the fashion trends. I find this place very liberating; everyone is just being themselves without having any concerns.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Such a classic and powerful book. It is a must-read for everyone, not just for those in business.
Shameless plug for your business:
I had my own career exploration and transformation, I know how it feels and how to help you achieve your dream career. If you have no idea what kind of things you really want to do or not sure how to make career transition, let’s have a chat!
How can people connect with you?
You are most welcome to connect with me on social media:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shiangker
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shiangker2
Website: www.shiangker.com (personal) ; www.mirastars.com (business)
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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.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
Connect with Callum here:
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