When Chan Weitian graduated from Singapore Management University’s School of Information Systems, he seemed destined for a thriving career in tech. After starting as a software engineer in 2016, he founded OneThreeOneFour, a wedding photography platform connecting overseas photographers with clients worldwide. His career path appeared well laid out, far removed from the family dry cleaning business his parents had run since 1992.
But in 2017, when Presto Drycleaners needed a new direction, Chan found himself stepping into an unexpected role. “My journey into the family business wasn’t exactly planned,” he reflects. “There wasn’t a formal succession plan in place; it was more about the business requiring additional support and skills at the time.
Chan quickly realised that the drycleaning industry was steeped in tradition, reliant on manual processes, and resistant to change. The challenge before him wasn’t just about improving operations; it was also about bringing an old-school industry into the modern era.
NAVIGATING TRADITION
Denne historien er fra November 2024-utgaven av The PEAK Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra November 2024-utgaven av The PEAK Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
From Screen to Store
Heini Zachariassen, founder of global wine rating app Vivino on how its first retail store in the world brings data-driven curation to wine lovers.
In the Dining Spotlight
Renowned Dutch chef Sergio Herman, whose name has been associated with the Michelin Guide in the Netherlands and Belgium, is expanding his Asian footprint with his Singapore outpost, Le Pristine in Grand Hyatt Singapore.
All for One
How would you navigate a corner if you were hearing-impaired or enjoy school if you were on the spectrum? These architects posit that inclusive design must be part of mainstream standards to improve overall living environments.
Pods and Swirling Staircases
This quirky and playful home designed by Park Associates is shaped after its owners, a young family with three children.
Stories Behind the Kebava
Sufiyanto A. S., one half of the duo behind the Kebaya.Societe Instagram account, has had enough of seeing Malay identity erased and forgotten.
Good to Go
Driving classic Jaguars on the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit is all the magic a motorhead needs.
Seasons of the Snake
Japanese architect Tadao Ando once again works his magic for Bvlgari, with the Serpenti Tubogas as an artistic canvas for nature's cyclical transformation.
Phoenix Rising
One gutsy retired pharmaceutical executive rescued two-century-old Swiss watchmaker Bovet, and today, its presence is stronger than ever in Southeast Asia.
Con Amore, Leggiero, Presto!
Chan Weitian injects new insights into Presto Drycleaners, blending operational innovation with time-honoured values.
Preserving Paradise
Gaya Island Resort takes eco-tourism beyond the expected, blending conservation efforts with authentic luxury.
