Growing an AI Company: A Founder’s Advice on Clarity and Scaling

How a Triple-E Student Found His Place in AI and Computing?  When Kelvin Kok, Founder & Chief Architect of Axrail enrolled at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to study Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE), the world of computer programming was not even on his radar. Like many young undergraduates, he had no clear idea of his long-term career path. A chance internship during his third year would change everything and set him on a trajectory that would eventually lead to founding one of Southeast Asia’s fast-growing AI companies.  A Chance Encounter with the World of Code  In Kelvin’s early NTU days, programming felt abstract, little more than writing scripts to print stars and shapes on a screen. “Back then, it made…

Are You a Self-Aware Leader? How To Cultivate Emotional Intelligence In The Workplace

Emotional Intelligence at Work: It Starts with Self-Awareness Given how AI and automation are rapidly taking over routine tasks, this new technological era is forcing us to redefine what makes us valuable at work. It’s no longer about who has the most experience or who can process data the fastest. As machines become better at completing tasks and brainstorming ideas, a new kind of currency is rising to the top: emotional intelligence. This is precisely what helps leaders to navigate stress, inspire confidence, and guide others through uncertainty with emotional steadiness. Emotional intelligence is so much more than being the "nice" or "polite" person in the room. It is the dynamic interplay between how well someone understand their internal world…

The Enron Scandal: A Deep Dive into its Downfall and Lessons Learned

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Imagine - It's the dawn of the 21st century. The economy is booming, dot-coms are soaring high, and among them, a particular star shines the brightest - Enron. An energy company that at its peak carried a worth of about $70 billion. But within a span of few years, this magnificent empire crumbled into nothing, drowning in a sea of fraud and deceit.  "The Enron scandal drew attention to accounting and corporate fraud, as its shareholders lost $74 billion in the four years leading up to its bankruptcy, and its employees lost billions in pension benefits." What truly unfolded in this financially catastrophic event known as the Enron Scandal? You're about to uncover this riveting and…

How Accounting Opened Doors to a Remarkable Stockbroker Career

Although he started his career as an accountant, Mr Loh Hoon Sun could never have foreseen that it would lead him into the dynamic world of stockbroking, where he would spend nearly 33 years with his current company. This reality unfolds for the Senior Advisor (formerly Managing Director) of Phillip Securities, a renowned financial institution spanning 15 countries worldwide. The 85-year-old finance expert, born in Fujian, China, shared some insights on how the path of accounting can unlock incredible opportunities and diverse career experiences. His remarkable journey serves as a testament to the boundless prospects that the field of accounting can offer. Humble Beginnings Even though Mr Loh was born in Fujian, he moved to Penang, Malaysia at the age…

5 Essential Steps to maximise your value in an M&A

Contributed by: JT Positioning your business as an attractive acquisition target involves strategic focus and meticulous preparation across key areas. In today's competitive landscape, mastering the art of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) requires a systematic approach aimed at maximizing value and securing optimal deals. This article explores five essential steps that can significantly enhance your company's appeal in M&A transactions. By delving into these critical strategies, businesses can effectively bolster their attractiveness and readiness for acquisition, paving the way for successful negotiations and favorable outcomes. Is it time to sell? You’ve spent the last 20 years building your business from a three-man operation to an established and dominant player in your industry. Over the years, you've cultivated a solid corporate…

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