FAST-TRACKING THE FUTURE
Prestige Malaysia|June 2023
ZAC LIEW, CEO and co-founder of Curlec, talks to Florey D Mikil about the fintech firm he founded just five years ago that has now expanded exponentially following a major acquisition, his growing understanding of his late father's entrepreneurial spirit, and his thoughts on accelerating the future of fintech in Malaysia.
FAST-TRACKING THE FUTURE

In a parallel universe, there probably exists a Zac Liew who does modelling as a full-time job. We posit this theory based on our universe's own Zac who may be fintech-focused on his normal days but has no trouble working the camera when the job calls for it. Being the CEO and co-founder of Malaysia-based fintech company Curlec, the 32-year-old is no stranger to making appearances in prints and on digital platforms to talk about his career, which, of course, involves photoshoots.

Judging by how his day job did almost veer onto a completely different path, several times at that thanks to his immensely diverse interests and skills, it's not unimaginable that he might have been gracing covers as a model instead of an entrepreneur today. "I wanted to grow up to be a footballer, just like every kid at the time," Zac reminisces of his childhood. "I even had the chance to join the national team, but my dad didn't allow me to."

"For good reason," he continues. "Looking back on it now, I realised that it was because he knew that I could pursue a different type of professional career, one with more longevity." His late father, who was a lawyer-turned-businessman, advised Zac to study law as well. "Being a Chinese parent, he, of course, wanted me to get a law degree and get qualified," he says, pausing momentarily as the hair and make-up stylists work their magic on him. Sitting in the cosy but slightly warm make-up room, no doubt due to the heatwave that has been affecting the country, he assures us that it isn't stiflingly hot for him and continues with the interview.

"So, I went into law, did my undergraduate. In a way, I knew from day one that this wasn't it for me. The fact that I didn't end up with a legal career often surprises people even more when they learn that I even went to bar school.

Esta historia es de la edición June 2023 de Prestige Malaysia.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición June 2023 de Prestige Malaysia.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE PRESTIGE MALAYSIAVer todo
FEELING NEAT
Prestige Malaysia

FEELING NEAT

The Balvenie 30 combines traditional techniques with rich, layered flavours, offering a refined quaff for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
CROWNED AS KING
Prestige Malaysia

CROWNED AS KING

King Living brings home the gold with a double victory at the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
ART DECO DREAMS
Prestige Malaysia

ART DECO DREAMS

Khoon Hooi and PRESTIGE hosted an exclusive afternoon tea unveiling the eponymous designer's Art Deco-inspired collection, where guests embraced couture in anticipation of the PRESTIGE KL Ball.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
MYTH OF THE MAN
Prestige Malaysia

MYTH OF THE MAN

In dedication to his late mother, Myth: Evolution’ takes us through the personal and professional journey of Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran through the vision of the dragon.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
GREEN IS THE WARMEST COLOUR
Prestige Malaysia

GREEN IS THE WARMEST COLOUR

From green initiatives to mythical beast-imbued writing instruments, our eclectic list of toys is sure to usher in the end-of-year cheer.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
FOOD AWAKENING
Prestige Malaysia

FOOD AWAKENING

From shopping sprees to setting off for Sabah and savouring some weekend hotel dining, it looks like food lovers are in for a busy month ahead.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
AUTUMN JAUNTS
Prestige Malaysia

AUTUMN JAUNTS

From deep waters off the coast of Singapore to the racetracks of Dubai, our travel recommendations for November ensures diversity in choice, and excitement in the experience.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
REDEFININING URBAN LIVING
Prestige Malaysia

REDEFININING URBAN LIVING

Sustainability, safety, and style come together in the innovative Swedish marque's latest all-electric compact SUV, designed for the modern city dweller.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
PORT OF CALL
Prestige Malaysia

PORT OF CALL

During the last week of September every year, the action in the Mediterranean’s glamorous enclave of Monte Carlo shifts to the famous Port Hercules for the annual Monaco Yacht Show, allowing visitors a glimpse of some of the finest yacht launches.

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 2024
THE FIRST WAVES
Prestige Malaysia

THE FIRST WAVES

From backstage interviews to KL cuisine under the Johor sun, the Ombak Festival's debut made its mark.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024