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Meet the Trailblazers for EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024

by Portfolio Magazine
Photo courtesy of EY
09 Oct 2024

Get to know the four gentlemen who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial spirit in various sectors.

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Singapore awards have recognized four notable individuals who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial spirit across various sectors. These entrepreneurs, selected from over 80 nominations, have made significant contributions to their industries while embodying the core themes of innovation, growth, purpose, and impact. 

L to R: Edy Tan Wei Hock, Samuel Yik, Anthony Chow, Zachary Wang

Their stories reflect a balance of passion, creativity, and resilience that has allowed them to not only succeed, but also redefine their respective fields.


(Related: Lim Wai Mun is transforming the face of healthcare)

  • EDY TAN WEI HOCK - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
  • SAMUEL YIK - FOOD AND BEVERAGE
  • ANTHONY CHOW - TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
  • ZACHARY WANG - MOBILITY

Edy Tan Wei Hock - Environmental Services

Edy Tan Wei Hock, CEO of Chye Thiam Maintenance (CTM), was honored as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in Environmental Services. Under his leadership, CTM has grown into one of Singapore's leading environmental services companies, focusing on facilities management, waste recycling, environmental robotics, and analytics. Tan’s commitment to innovation has played a crucial role in CTM’s success, enabling it to tackle industry-wide challenges such as manpower shortages.

Tan emphasizes that CTM’s achievements stem from continuous innovation and collaboration with educational institutions, enabling them to develop cutting-edge solutions in environmental services. His approach to sustainability and employee development has positioned the company as a leader in adopting technologies like environmental robotics and waste management solutions aimed at supporting a circular economy. His vision has not only transformed CTM, but also uplifted industry standards as a whole.

  • EDY TAN WEI HOCK - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
  • SAMUEL YIK - FOOD AND BEVERAGE
  • ANTHONY CHOW - TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
  • ZACHARY WANG - MOBILITY

Samuel Yik - Food and Beverage

In the Food and Beverage category, Samuel Yik, Managing Director of Dian Xiao Er Group, emerged as the winner. Dian Xiao Er, a well-known chain of Chinese restaurants in Singapore, is famous for its herbal roast duck. Yik, who comes from an audit background, entered the F&B industry in 2002 with little experience, but has since transformed his business into a household name. Through strategic investments in technology and branding, he has doubled the company’s revenue, even during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic.

Yik’s emphasis on customer satisfaction and high-quality ingredients has allowed Dian Xiao Er to build a loyal customer base. He credits sustained innovation to understanding societal needs and incorporating technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. His dedication to providing nutritious and delicious food, coupled with smart business strategies, has placed Dian Xiao Er at the forefront of Singapore's F&B industry

  • EDY TAN WEI HOCK - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
  • SAMUEL YIK - FOOD AND BEVERAGE
  • ANTHONY CHOW - TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
  • ZACHARY WANG - MOBILITY

Anthony Chow - Technology Solutions

Anthony Chow, CEO and Co-Founder of igloocompany, took home the award for Technology Solutions. igloocompany is a pioneer in smart access technology, specializing in smart locks and IoT solutions aimed at creating a world without keys. Chow’s entrepreneurial journey began with him testing his smart locks while living in an Airbnb rental. Today, igloocompany has become a global leader in smart access solutions, servicing over 2,000 businesses worldwide, including clients like Airbnb, Uber, and Zillow.

Chow’s commitment to innovation is reflected in igloocompany’s continuous product development and customer-centric approach. By fostering a culture of creativity and open dialogue, igloocompany has managed to stay ahead of the curve, creating innovative solutions that drive the digital economy forward. With its headquarters in Singapore and eight regional offices, the company is expanding globally, making strides in the smart access industry.


(Related: Hegen founder Yvon Bock aims to change the lives of mothers around the world)

  • EDY TAN WEI HOCK - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
  • SAMUEL YIK - FOOD AND BEVERAGE
  • ANTHONY CHOW - TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
  • ZACHARY WANG - MOBILITY

Zachary Wang - Mobility

Zachary Wang, Co-Founder and CEO of Neuron Mobility, was awarded the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in Mobility. Neuron Mobility is recognized for its leadership in the e-scooter sharing space, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Wang’s vision for Neuron has been to leverage technology to make urban transportation more sustainable. Neuron differentiates itself by prioritizing safety and innovation, integrating features such as battery swapping, geofencing, and AI-powered safety systems into their e-scooters.

Wang, a serial entrepreneur, has consistently demonstrated his commitment to sustainable technology. His company is at the forefront of smart city initiatives, partnering with city councils to address urban challenges such as traffic congestion and emissions. Neuron Mobility’s expansion into 30 cities globally is a testament to Wang’s leadership and his team’s ability to deliver cutting-edge mobility solutions.


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