“The most important quest of an entrepreneur is to focus on your customers,” says Caecilia Chu, the co-founder and CEO of Singapore-based fintech company YouTrip, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, she discusses building Southeast Asia’s first multicurrency mobile wallet, nailing product market fit, perseverance as a business non-negotiable and the thought of her kids following in her footsteps.

00:27 Meet Caecilia Chu: Founder of YouTrip

01:30 Quickfire questions

04:22 Cecilia's early life and inspiration

10:51 Founding YouTrip

14:54 Challenges and growth of YouTrip

18:52 Navigating COVID-19 and business adaptation

25:06 Future of YouTrip and fintech insights

30:22 Leadership reflections

36:09 Final thoughts

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“To do something great, you need to have focus, discipline and consistency,” says Mathew Leong, executive chef of the award-winning restaurant Re-naa, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Stavanger-based Singaporean chef opens up about moving to Norway with just $500 in his pocket, how competition is key to being your best self and why he rarely cooks at home.

00:34 Introducing Matthew Leong

01:17 Matthew's early culinary start

02:27 The path to becoming a chef

03:54 A competitive streak

04:42 Working at world-renowned Re-naa

07:45 Chef life lessons

11:05 Preparing for Bocuse d'Or

12:56 Future goals

18:31 Final thoughts

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“Until the time it's profitable, what’s the hoo-ha about? There is no achievement,” says Nikhilesh Goel, co-founder and group CEO of Singapore-based startup Validus, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Goel shares his journey from the son of a tea taster in Kolkata to fintech founder, his quiet leadership style and the honest feedback he’s gotten for it, and the difference between seeking collaboration and seeking consensus.

Show notes

00:23 Introduction

01:23 Quickfire questions

05:37 Growing up in Kolkata

07:36 The evolution of Validus

13:27 Challenges and strategies in SME lending

19:55 The future of Validas

20:56 Scaling the business

22:16 Doubling down on key markets in Indonesia and Thailand

23:14 Being an introverted CEO

28:15 Fundraising challenges and triumphs

33:41 How to collaborate with co-founders

38:02 The toll of entrepreneurship

39:33 Final thoughts

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