Be My Own Boss

After having worked 8 years in Singapore Telecom’s subsidiary, Telecom Equipment, the opportunity to become one’s own head honcho presented itself with the coming of the DOTCOM revolution.

Not wanting to miss out on this ground-breaking wave, Mark started off by teaming up with an old colleague, to begin a new chapter as an entrepreneur.

After a short period of working together, Mark was content, but not fully satisfied. He yearned to pursue a very personal ambition that had been tugging at his heartstrings for a while now. And that ambition was the Video Conferencing business. In order to do so, he knew he had to go it alone!

But why Video Conferencing, one may wonder? There are so many options available in the tech world. Well, according to Mark’s research and observations, there was a growing need for it in Singapore, as it was becoming a favoured regional and global hub for many businesses and organisations.

A great number of global Multinationals had moved to Singapore because of the fantastic infrastructure, facilities, and Government incentives. So, there was a huge demand from all these businesses – as they wanted everything to move fast and they wanted it yesterday!

Video Conferencing has the power to simplify their communications. Making local, regional and global business time-efficient and cost-efficient. With it, companies and organisations can reduce cross-border travel, eradicate hotel costs, and make fast decisions. All without the need for face-to-face meetups.

Say hello to our pride and joy, NETe2 Asia!

I attempted something I have never tried before – Be my own boss!

Mark Chng

Chief Executive Officer, NETe2

With all the know-how and experience he had picked up at Telecom Equipment, Mark decided to make a bold move, by launching his very own company – NETe2 Asia.However, the Video Conferencing business was not without challenges. In the early days, the cost of investing in equipment and systems were still on the high side.But Mark could see the positive side to this. “If you compare it to the traditional way of doing business and conducting meetings – travel, hotel, time taken – it was certainly a more affordable way to conduct meetings, discussions and brainstorming via Video Conference.”And he was right, because business for NETe2 Asia took off.Mark initially, focused on MNCs and Government Agencies, as they had the means to invest in high quality Video Conferencing equipment and systems.NETe2 Asia started off by being a Video Conferencing equipment distributor – selling and installing integrated systems for clients.And when it came to the brand of equipment, Mark believed in the best for his clients.Which is why he sold and installed the biggest names in the Video Conferencing industry – Polycom, PictureTel and Tandberg (sole distributor for Singapore). Business was on the up and up.With a growing reputation, NETe2 Asia under Mark’s tutelage attracted more clients. A very impressive achievement for a homegrown company.However, at the same time, more companies were delving into this field, competition was starting to grow, with many of them carrying the same brand of equipment and systems. Yet, NETe2 Asia was able to hold their own in the face of such competition.They were, after all, the ‘go-to’ company for Video Conferencing equipment and installation services for Singaporean, regional and global clients. For now, it was ok for things to remain status quo. But in the long run, change needed to happen. And Mark knew it too. Which is why, the same old questions cropped up in his head.“Was this all we can be? Shouldn’t we be more than just a distributor and installer of Video Conferencing hardware?” he wondered.That was the moment when Mark chose to step out of his comfort zone and take NETe2 Asia along a radical new path.