Design Business Chamber Singapore

From CEO to Chief Photographer – How do you manage to maintain balance and focus across your various roles and businesses?

Managing various roles and businesses requires a keen sense of prioritisation and time management. I ensure that I allocate dedicated time and attention to each aspect of my work, setting clear goals and deadlines to stay focused and organised. Leading various organisations in the power track segment has been a rewarding challenge.

With 24 years of experience since the inception of the power track concept, I am confident that I am the most experienced person still serving in this industry. This specialised market has allowed me to hone my ability to navigate the intricate demands of each role. Photography, on the other hand, serves as a creative outlet that complements my technical expertise, requiring a different set of skills that I find equally fulfilling.

How did you ensure that both aesthetics and usability were prioritised throughout the product design process of Line8 Power Rail System?

Designing products for a diverse user base, from children to the elderly with varying levels of technical knowledge, is a complex yet rewarding process. With the internet enabling homeowners to easily research and find top-notch examples of design and function for home renovation and equipment, the bar of expectation has been raised.

Homeowners now expect the best and most beautiful products for their homes. They prioritise both aesthetics and usability in the Line8 Power Rail System to ensure simplicity, safety, and efficiency for every user. From polished aluminium accents that double as active grounded electrical shields to the child-safe push-pull switch on our premium adaptors, every detail is meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards of design and function.

Do you have any examples of how you’ve incorporated user feedback and insights into refining your products and services?

User feedback is invaluable in refining the concept and design of Line8. For instance, our common rail locking mechanism was developed in response to concerns from corporate customers about unauthorised removal of adapters. This mechanism provides an elegant and simple solution for facility managers to control adapter removal, thereby enhancing security and user experience.

What are some of the problems or challenges that led to an innovative solution at Line8?

One of the greatest challenges of designing a power track system is ensuring it lasts almost indefinitely without any maintenance. This is a very difficult task, but it’s a challenge we’ve embraced with Line8.

Unlike typical home appliances or other power tracks that require replacement and maintenance every few years, Line8 is designed to work like a wall outlet, with the expectation of many years of maintenance-free operation.

To meet this requirement, we designed Line8 differently, ensuring it is not built like a normal electrical appliance where replacement is expected every few years. We build every component with the best materials and engineer it to last a lifetime, setting us apart from other power track manufacturers and suppliers. To support our claim and product design, we even offer a lifetime warranty.

What exciting projects does Line8 have in store for the near future?

We are excited to integrate IoT technology into our power tracks and adaptors to provide additional functionality and convenience. Given the stability of IoT technology today, we believe this integration will usher in a new era of smart and dependable power outlets, enhancing the user experience in both residential and commercial spaces.

How do you unwind on weekends? Any personal hobbies?

I enjoy playing the guitar and drums. The versatility and simple design of the guitar fascinate me, and collecting electric guitars has become a passion. Playing the drums allows me to unwind and express myself in a different way.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

Japan is a destination that has always intrigued me. Despite my extensive travels, I have yet to experience Japan’s rich culture and traditions firsthand. I look forward to immersing myself in the Japanese way of life and exploring its vibrant cities and serene landscapes.

What’s something on your bucket list that you’re determined to accomplish someday?

One of my long-term goals is to engage with and learn from the top business leaders of the world. I aspire to share ideas, gain insights, and contribute to the global business community, thereby fostering innovation and collaboration.

Tell us more about yourself and what inspired you to start ShopXR?

I am a passionate creator who thrives on staying at the forefront of technological trends and am driven by a desire to bring innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

The spark for ShopXR ignited during my partner’s family DIY home renovation project, where there was an overwhelming process of self-research, planning, and sleepless nights envisioning interior layouts before deciding on purchases. It also led me to engage in conversations with other friends who were undergoing home renovations, and it dawned upon me how common of a struggle it is for many homeowners.

With that, ShopXR emerged as the solution, empowering homeowners and alleviating those head-scratching moments when visualising and deciding on the perfect appliance or furniture for their home. We transform those researching and purchasing journeys into a more seamless and immersive experience for all.

As the founder of ShopXR, what are some key challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

As pioneers in cutting-edge technology, ShopXR encountered the pivotal challenge of achieving a strong product-market fit. To overcome this, we delved into extensive market research early on, engaging in continuous conversations with potential clients to gain a deeper understanding of their needs.

This iterative process allowed us to refine what we can offer and establish a more robust connection between our augmented reality solutions and the evolving demands of homeowners renovating their houses.

Is there anything you want to share about Augmented Reality that people might not be aware of?

Augmented Reality goes beyond mere visual enhancements; it is a transformative tool that bridges the gap between imagination and reality. Beyond the wow-factor of virtual objects in physical spaces, augmented reality has the power to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and redefine user experiences across various industries.

As technology continues to evolve, what is the importance of Augmented Reality especially in the world of business and design?

Augmented reality heralds a new era in communication, breaking free from the constraints of two-dimensional spaces. It provides depth, multiple perspectives, and immersive experiences, enabling audiences to truly engage with designs and products. This not only eradicates communication barriers in businesses but also unlocks unexplored creative possibilities, ushering in a design revolution.

What are some exciting developments we can expect from ShopXR in 2024?

In 2024, ShopXR is poised to introduce groundbreaking technologies, setting new benchmarks in the market. Our focus is on empowering homeowners with even more advanced and intuitive product visualisation tools, ensuring that ShopXR remains at the forefront of technological innovation.

What motivates you to work hard?

Internally, I find discomfort in stagnation and lack of productivity. A long pause feels painfully uncomfortable, compelling me to always push forward. This internal drive helps to fuel my commitment to working hard and pushing boundaries to achieve continuous growth and innovation.

What do you think is your superpower?

My superpower lies in my ability to break down complex concepts into manageable components and analyse them logically. This skill has not only enabled me to continuously seek and acquire new skills but also to better conceptualise innovative ideas and navigate towards achieving and reaching my goals in life.

What are you grateful for?

I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, clients, partners, and team who have stood by me. Their encouragement and belief in the vision of ShopXR have been invaluable, propelling us forward on this exciting journey of innovation and growth.