As versatile as he is creative, maths major turned-music mogul Kuok Meng Ru is the scion of risk-taking businessmen. He talks to mei anne foo about strumming to a different beat.
THERE’S JUST SOMETHING about a guy who knows how to play the guitar. It shows you that he is quick, scrupulous and obviously creative. Kuok Meng Ru, 30, is all that, and then some.
Though the modest electric guitarist would profess not to be a very talented musician. “Thankfully, I have another passion, which is business,” Kuok says with a smile.
A mathematics graduate from Cambridge University, and the third child of agribusiness magnate Kuok Khoon Hong, it seemed only natural that Kuok Junior ventured into the world of commerce. But unlike his dad, who built Singapore-based Wilmar International Ltd into the world’s largest palm-oil business, this blues buff has decided to pursue all things related to music.
Founder of the two-year-old music-tech company BandLab, which offers a cloud-based free music creation app of the same name, Kuok has been on a shopping spree ever since — buying out Composer, a platform that originated from Europe and is similar to BandLab; and Mono, the California-based design company that makes cases and accessories for music instruments.
His proliferating portfolio even extends to the media industry. In 2016, Kuok made international headlines when he invested in a 49-percent stake in Rolling Stone magazine, considered the most influential voice in the American music scene, although recently plagued by criticism and financial difficulties. Late last year, Penske Media, publisher of Variety, Robb Report and more, bought the majority stake in the iconic read from its New York-based publisher, Wenner Media, with Kuok’s sanction as the other shareholder.
Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.
