“Three things that have been very important along the way: Firstly, time management: there is always ‘not enough time’ for everything. So we just need to weigh our priorities. Secondly, an eye for detail: this is something I garnered when studying mathematics. We can work on solving one math question for a whole day. So, when it comes to building a business and learning new things, this trait really pushed me further. Thirdly, ignoring cold eyes. We are in a society where everyone is on the paper chase. I was sidelined by my uni friends when they didn’t understand why I kept skipping lectures and tutorials. Some even perceived that I had no future. I’m glad that, in my own terms, I proved them wrong by being where I am today.”
In his business, Choo says the important factors are: “In Marketing, it’s Sincerity. In Operations, it’s Risk Management. In Branding the business, it’s definitely our Reputation.”
Who were Chao’s role models growing up? “I grew up loving movies. My role model is James Cameron, and this was so even before Titanic and Avatar were released. He’s the real master – you can see from the scope of his movies, the tiniest details he demands, the vision he had way ahead of our times. But when it comes to forex, it’s definitely the one who broke the English banks – George Soros. He’s truly legendary when you read about how he analyses the markets, the depth in understanding of the other side of the market that most of us don’t see. His philosophy is simply awesome and timeless.”
Our standard character question: Apart from doing well financially, what factors are important for a person to be considered ‘successful’? “I think ‘financially doing well’ needs to gel well with social acceptance and respect. There are stories of businessmen making it big through unscrupulous means. To me, ‘Successful’ is making it big and, most importantly, that people recognise the hard work and effort you put in.”
That having been said, Choo says that he is a boring person. “Apart from trading and flying around to meet my business associates, my major (or perhaps only) past times are watching movies and driving my Mini Cooper around for short road trips.”
