The Power of Collaboration and Innovation | John Cheng | TEDxYouth@NgeeAnnPolytechnic | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A third-generation business owner shares their journey of innovation and sustainability in the sugar manufacturing industry.

Key Insights

• 👨‍💼 Observing a parent's dedication and hard work can shape one's work ethic and commitment to a business.
• 🥶 Introducing new ideas and modernizing processes in a traditional industry requires gaining the trust of older workers through dedication and evidence of benefits.
• 🥺 Collaboration with other companies and leveraging their networks can lead to opportunities for growth and expansion.
• ❓ Catering to the younger generation's preferences and experiences is essential for staying relevant in the market.
• 😋 The sugar manufacturing industry faces challenges regarding food security and sustainability, driving innovation in alternative protein sources.
• 😋 Singapore's government supports the agriculture and food industry through initiatives like the 30 by 30 goal and providing funding for startups.
• 🖐️ Nonprofit organizations like F9 billion play a crucial role in raising awareness and supporting startups in the food tech and sustainability sectors.

Transcript

uh thank you for having me um super excited to be here to really share my journey uh about Innovation and sustainability uh so I'm third generation business owner uh and I co-founded uh F9 billion and I'm also CEO and founder of innovate 360 and I wear many hats as well and my journey really started when I first uh you know it wasn't when I graduat... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker's early experiences with their father influence their work ethic and approach to the business?

The speaker's observations of their father's dedication and hard work taught them the importance of working hard and treating employees like family. This influenced their work ethic and commitment to the business.

Q: How did the speaker convince older workers to embrace new ideas and modernize processes?

Initially, the older workers were skeptical of the speaker's ideas. However, the speaker gained their trust by showing dedication, going into production every day, and gradually demonstrating the benefits of modernization. This led to a change in mindset and willingness to embrace innovation.

Q: How did the speaker adapt their traditional business to cater to the younger generation?

The speaker introduced a new brand, Jewels, which offered a unique and experiential approach to using rock sugar. They focused on appealing to the younger generation by promoting the colors, flavors, and overall experience of their products.

Q: How did the speaker collaborate with other companies and leverage their networks?

The speaker collaborated with various companies, including Clipper tea, Hook coffee, and lifestyle brands, to expand their reach and tap into their customer base. These collaborations allowed them to explore new opportunities and markets.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares their early experiences of observing their father's dedication and hard work in the sugar manufacturing industry, which shaped their work ethic.

• They faced challenges when introducing new ideas to older workers but gained their trust through dedication and modernizing processes.

• The speaker discusses expanding their traditional business, collaborating with other companies, and venturing into new product lines to cater to younger generations.