Entrepreneurial Spirit

Keng Koon Chee, CEO of the Singapore branch of great American insurance company, says you should never stop challenging the status quo.

- Anastasia Prikhodkoanastasia Prikhodko

When Keng Koon Chee was appointed CEO of Great American Insurance Company, Singapore Branch five years ago, he felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. He had landed his dream job. And with more than 29 years of experience in leadership and management roles such as CEO of QBE Insurance (International), Singapore Branch and as the Marine Regional General Manager for the Asia Region, Keng Koon was ready to lead the newly formed branch within Great American Insurance Company’s 148-year-old US business towards success.

But like any significant change, the title and position came with challenges. “Being a CEO of a new startup is not a bed of roses. Like any career, it has its obstacles,” says Keng Koon. The downsides that arose with the high-ranking position included dealing with challenging situations and managing time effectively. “There is also the issue of dealing with self-doubt and the inevitable task of taking care of the business side of things,” he says. Then, there are the challenges of driving the team, getting them to believe in the company’s values and vision, and working towards building a rich culture.

Keng Koon also had to adjust to the demands and responsibility of being a leader, as opposed to being led. “Being a CEO of the organisation feels different from being an employee,” he reflects. “It feels different from working for yourself. Your words carry more weight than before. Your actions get scrutinised more closely. You are not just accountable for your results but also for the results of others.” How he went on to handle certain situations also set a particular tone for the business. “I am always determined to put in my best efforts to lead and set an example to achieve a strong position,” he says.