Terence Zou is happy to be transforming the lives of millions through his carpooling app.
What’s your story?
Navy Commander. Harvard graduate. Private equity investor. Finance lecturer. Founder and CEO of RYDE – Singapore’s number one carpooling mobile app!
What excites you most about your industry?
We are transforming the lives of millions while saving the earth.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I grew up in Singapore, studied in the UK and US and worked in Hong Kong for a while. I travelled extensively throughout China doing deals in my finance days.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Hong Kong. A very cosmopolitan, dynamic and free city. Lee Kuan Yew once said that Hong Kong people move around and do business with a certain “buzz.” I totally agree.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My Navy commander once told me, “nothing is impossible. It’s all about working hard and having self belief.” I took his advice seriously.
Who inspires you?
Jack Ma. He grew Alibaba from an unknown internet company in Hangzhou to an NYSE listed firm and he did not even write a line of code.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Madonna’s performance during her Singapore Rebel Heart Tour certainly blew me away.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would not have done anything differently because life should be seen as a whole and not in parts. The sum of my experiences shaped my thoughts and convictions to step out to be an entrepreneur.
How do you unwind?
Listening to jazz with a glass of shiraz and some camembert on the side. Very therapeutic.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Phuket. Been there many times. Beautiful beaches, weather and great food! Thai people are one of the most hospitable people around!
Everyone in business should read this book:
Zero to One. Peter Thiel talks about uncharted frontiers to explore and business innovation.
Shameless plug for your business:
RYDE is the future of mobility, transforming the way we move around.
How can people connect with you?
Visit our website at http://www.rydesharing.com/sg/home/ and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rydesharing/
Twitter handle?
@rydesharing for our Instagram and Twitter!
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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/>
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