THE FINAL WORD

To round off each issue, we ask our contributing business leaders for their views on the same question

If you could offer one piece of advice for a young entrepreneur entering your industry, what would it be?

Melissa Davison

Strategy Director, Weir Minerals “One, I would say that a young entrepreneur needs to create the change that the industry doesn’t yet know it needs. They should ask, ‘how can things be done better? What perspective am I missing?’ And really take the experience of the past and build with a vision of the future in mind.

“Secondly, the advice I will give anyone is don’t be afraid to bring your whole self to work. Diversity is key, and everyone should be challenging themselves to grow and find better ways of doing things, as well as support the entire industry through such diversity.”

Vajira Piyasena

CEO, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) “To have a fantastic career is to embark on real life challenges and opportunities that are presented to you that give you growth from the start. Know what you want and stay focused. Starting at the bottom doesn’t mean you are the lowest, rather that you are working your way to learning the ropes, getting to know how things work and learning to interact in all sectors of any business which will become useful in future endeavours.

“Below is a quote which I truly believe in: “The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire” Richard M Nixon.”

Datin Helen Lim Hui Shyan

General Manager, Rajang Port Authority “Be willing to face challenges, be eager to learn new things and be brave to ride the storm and enjoy the calm that follows afterwards. Know that there is no limit to success and humility.”

Chris Marchant

Managing Director, Vitasoy International Singapore “Remain true to what you want to do no matter how hard that seems at times and remember people more times than not want to see you succeed, so take their advice on board - you can never get enough feedback. Stay humble no matter how successful you become as if you don’t, the shoulders you use to climb up the ladder will not be there to catch you if you fall.”

Adam Fletcher

Director, CR Surfacing Laboratories “I think it’s key to make entrepreneurs remember that they can achieve anything if they have that set dream or goal. Whether that’s producing optical lenses or making wine, if you want to do it, you will do it. What I would suggest is that you pick your market and stay true to it; it’s important that you don’t blur the lines when it comes to your vision. For example, when it comes to pricing you don’t have to be the cheapest, but make sure you offer everyone in the market the same prices equally; maintain a pricing structure so that your customers know you are reliable and fair.”

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