Technology is not the be‑all and end‑all,” declares Lai Chang Wen at a closed‑door roundtable discussion hosted by Tatler. “A poorly run business will not be saved by tech. A business with s***** customer service will not do better just because the website is fancy.”
This honest sentiment by the straight‑talking co‑founder and chief executive officer of courier and logistics solutions provider Ninja Van is one shared by Dinesh Balasingam, the chief business officer and founding member of restaurant reservation platform Chope, and Darius Mahtani Cheung, the group CEO and co‑founder of proptech firm 99 Group, the two other entrepreneurs at the meeting of peers held in the Louis Vuitton Apartment in Ngee Ann City. The topics of conversation include the current funding landscape, scaling challenges and the pain points fuelling their drive.
While their businesses may differ in scope, what connects the trio is that each one has built a tech‑enabled service that fulfils our everyday needs. In recent years, the excitement around technological advancements such as AI, or artificial intelligence, may have overshadowed what truly matters: practical solutions and long‑term growth. “The past 10 years have seen companies dangling sexy tech and humongous incentives, which distorted perceptions of technology’s true value,” Lai expounds. These strategies led to inflated valuations and significant resources spent on competing in the market. “Nobody won; only consumers.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream