The Power of 100: Reflections on Success, Purpose, and the Long Game, Part 2

Each one begins with a simple question: When did you last feel the joy of success? And ends with a reflection on the number “100” – a symbol of perfection, completion, and possibility. From legacy and leadership to risk, resilience, and reinvention, these personal snapshots offer a powerful reminder: That the journey matters just as much as the milestone.

KENNETH LEE WEE CHING
CEO, Global TechSolutions

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
One of the most meaningful moments of success for me was taking the leap of faith to build Global TechSolutions (GTS) from the ground up – without the backing of a major OEM, but with a firm belief that there was a better, more agile way to serve the semiconductor industry.

In the early days, we faced a lot of skepticism. Could a small, local company really deliver the quality, speed, and scale that global fabrication plants needed? But through sheer persistence, deep engineering focus, and an unwavering commitment to our customers, we earned their trust – not just by meeting expectations, but surpassing them. I still remember when our first major came back to us after a successful deployment and said, “You saved us months of downtime, and we didn’t have to compromise.” – that was when I knew GTS had something special.

That moment wasn’t just about business growth; it was about proving that SMEs have a seat at the table. That with the right expertise and values, we could make a real impact in a space often dominated by giants. Today, we stand strong and proud as a local SME, 12 years on, putting Singapore’s semiconductor scene on the world map with our international presence across key markets including US, Taiwan, Vietnam and more.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
‘100’ symbolises more than a score – it represents completeness with accountability. At GTS, achieving ‘100’ doesn’t mean perfection. It means delivering excellence across the entire value chain: From refurbishment quality to turnaround speed, from customer trust to environmental impact.

At GTS, our cleanrooms are rated Class 100 minimally – a benchmark of environmental control critical to semiconductor-grade operation. Our tax compliance, anti-corruption policies, and sustainability governance are closely audited. Risk management system follows a hybrid COSO and ISO 3100 structure, while our R&D and IP generation mirror customers’ requirements closely. It’s more than a technical standard; it reflects our belief that excellence is not a target, but a foundation. ‘100’ isn’t about perfection, but about operating with precision, integrity, and consistency every single time.

ANDREW GOH
Corporate Vice President & General Manager, Southeast Asia, Lam Research

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
A defining moment for me was seeing how our team in Southeast Asia helped deliver engineering and operational support at speed during a time when customer expectations were exceptionally high.

With over three decades in the industry, I’ve come to appreciate that success isn’t just about solving problems — it’s about how we do it together as a team. Our ability to remain close to our customers, both from the business and physical presence aspects, and deliver innovative and productivity solutions tailored to their needs, was a powerful demonstration of our capabilities and resilience.

More importantly, success also comes in the form of ensuring the next generation of talent carries on the legacy of what we have built in the industry. It is heartening to see how we engage closely with industry associations such as SEMI and collaborate with local education institutions and public agencies to develop workforce-ready talent through advanced capabilities like our Semiverse® Solutions — a VR-based nano-fabrication simulation platform that enables cost-effective, immersive learning.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
‘100’ symbolises the pursuit of excellence through collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement. It reflects the level of commitment required not only to deliver leading-edge semiconductor solutions, but to build trust across partnerships, ensuring we give our 100% — whether with customers, governments, or educational institutions. It also represents a holistic approach to sustainability, where individuals and organisations come together to push the boundaries of technology and shape a better future for the next generation.

I believe true success comes when our collective efforts result in something greater than what we could achieve individually. In this industry, perfection isn’t a fixed point — it’s a mindset of constant progress.

This was also how we constantly innovate to address the increasing complexity of chipmaking — whether it’s the integration of multiple dies through advanced packaging, or atomic-scale precision required in etch and deposition – processes that require close coordination between equipment suppliers, foundries, academia, and policymakers. As such, our strong regional collaboration brings significant value to the broader semiconductor ecosystem.

SEBASTIEN TROUSSET
General Manager, Wearnes Automotive Pte Ltd

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
As a marathoner, I’ve learned to embrace delayed gratification. Training for a race teaches patience, discipline, and the ability to keep going even when the results are not immediately visible. I approach work with the same mindset.

One of the most meaningful moments of success for me did not come from an instant win, but from a deal that took more than a year to close, and happened to be the largest fleet deal we have ever secured under the brand in Singapore. This particular deal started with a cold lead, involved multiple rounds of negotiation, and as is the case for such projects, stakeholders who were convinced it was impossible. But I believed in the value of our product and service offer, in the partner we were working with, and stayed committed through every hurdle.

When the deal closed, it wasn’t just the size of it that made it special – it was the quiet joy of knowing that persistence, integrity, and long-term thinking still hold value in a world driven by instant gratification. That moment reminded me that success built on substance is not only more sustainable, it is far more satisfying.

100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
‘100’ is both symbolic and very meaningful to me. As we commonly use percentage as a base for achievement, reaching ‘100’ is the full mark, the benchmark of full completion. But what makes ‘100’ meaningful is not just the number, but everything behind it. The discipline, the resilience, the small steps repeated over time to get there. In the end, ‘100’ is a rare chance to pause and reflect on the journey, and the 1 to 99 with pride: The growth, the challenges overcome, and the quiet work that often goes unnoticed to get there. It reminds us that real success is not just about getting there, but about what it took to get there.

SHARON WU
Executive Director, Marquis HQO Pte Ltd

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
Every project is a delicate craft – a process of bringing various stakeholders into alignment with the consultant’s design intent, while managing sourcing, right pricing, right sizing, and timely deliverables. Today, clients are deeply involved in the homemaking process – participative, meticulous, and highly attuned to aesthetics and detail.

This evolving dynamic calls for a response to home furnishing that goes beyond mere supply. It becomes a complete journey – an experience that flows seamlessly from the drawing board to final installation. The joy lies in having clients appreciate the efforts of the often-unsung heroes working behind the scenes. It’s in those moments of recognition that we truly feel, “It was all worth it.”

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
100’ signifies not just success, but sincerity. Because service with sincerity is service with heart. To give 100% is to stay committed – not just to the task, but to the purpose behind it: Bringing something meaningful to the table, something everyone can align with, and feel proud of. It’s about creating outcomes where all voices are heard, all efforts valued, and everyone wins.

(Related: A meeting of minds)

CAVALIERE GIOVANNI VITERALE
Cluster General Manager, Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Resort & Spa

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
Throughout my 38-year career in hospitality, I have had the privilege of contributing to numerous landmark projects around the world, including heritage restorations, international openings, and most recently, the debut of Raffles Sentosa Singapore. Each of these milestones holds a special place, but the greatest reward has always come from seeing a vision brought to life through the dedication of people.

True success, to me, is not defined by ceremonies or architecture, but by the passion of a team coming together, the pride they take in their craft, and the moments we create for our guests. It’s about fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered and inspired to deliver something truly extraordinary. That is the joy of success in hospitality – building legacies not just through places, but through people and the meaningful experiences they help create.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
The number ‘100’ carries great symbolism – it represents celebration, achievement, and the pursuit of excellence. For Raffles Sentosa Singapore, reaching the 100-day mark since our opening was a moment of both pride and reflection.

In just three months, we have had the privilege of hosting distinguished guests including royalty and dignitaries, showcasing the very best of what the Raffles brand represents. Furthermore, within this short time, the resort has been honoured with two prestigious international awards – the Prix Versailles 2025 “World’s Most Beautiful Hotels” and Putike’s “Most Anticipated Hotel of 2025.” These accolades not only celebrate our unique design and exceptional service, but also position Raffles Sentosa Singapore as a global leader in luxury hospitality.

For me, ‘100’ is more than just a number, it is a reminder of the responsibility that comes with success. Each milestone compels us to uphold the highest standards and continue elevating the guest experience, ensuring that every moment at Raffles Sentosa Singapore is as exceptional as the first.

ARMANDO DE PAOLIS
Managing Director Asia Partnership Markets, Campari Group

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
During my career, I’ve been extremely fortunate to work for great companies with fantastic leaders and colleagues. As a result, I’ve had my fair share of successes and achievements that I’m deeply proud of.

One quote that really struck me when I first heard it is: “Everyone wants the view, but nobody wants the climb.” We often focus too much on success, rather than the journey that leads to it. But that’s what truly makes the difference – not just what we achieve, but the mentality and grit it takes to get there.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
For me, ‘100’ represents the countless invisible decisions, successes, wins, sacrifices, mistakes, strengths, and the drive to push through that have shaped my life. So, when I look back, I want to celebrate our “own 100” – the path that my family and I embraced to get here. With that, I am excited to see what comes next.

DAWN TEO
CEO, Amara Holdings

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?           
One of the most meaningful moments of success for me was seeing the transformation of Amara Singapore come to life. This refresh is more than a redesign; it is also a reflection of our brand’s evolution. It was deeply personal, rooted in legacy yet forward-looking.

What makes this achievement truly meaningful is understanding that success in hospitality isn't measured by occupancy, rates, or revenue alone; it's about the experiences we craft, the local cultures we celebrate, and the human connections we facilitate with every stay.  

Over the decades, we’ve been privileged to be a part of life’s milestones for many Singaporeans. Since our refresh, we have welcomed guests who once celebrated their weddings at Amara Singapore, now returning with their children for weekend staycations. It’s a heart-warming reminder of the lasting connections we’ve built across generations.         
                      
‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you?                      
To me, “100” is not simply a score – it is a mindset. Growing up, “100” was always the goal achieved at examinations. It symbolised perfection and a sense of achievement. Today, I have come to appreciate that the perfect “100” is not about a single moment of excellence, but built through the sum of many small, consistent actions.

The same principle holds true in business. Success does not hinge on one person's hard work or decision. We count on everyone’s contributions, as every small action adds up to big results. It is the decisions made daily, the attention to detail, and the shared commitment across teams that ultimately shape outcomes. Because in the long run, it is not about chasing perfection, rather it is about showing up with purpose, integrity, and consistency, every step of the way.

(Related: Singapore's New Guard - Dawn Teo, Amara Holdings)

KIM TAY
Co-Founder & Gallery Director, The Artling

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
At The Artling, we often spend several years on a single project, working all the way from the earliest stages of construction through to the final installation on site. Seeing that long-term vision come to life is always exciting. But beyond the physical transformation of a space, the most meaningful aspect of our work lies in the opportunity to introduce artists to new audiences and contexts. It is incredibly gratifying to see artists gain recognition through inclusion in significant collections, whether it’s in hotels, corporate spaces or private collections. Witnessing the pride that artists express when their pieces are installed is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

Art has the ability to elevate spaces, but its impact goes even further. By commissioning and placing these artworks, we are also directly supporting artists’ livelihoods and enabling them to continue pursuing their craft.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you?
To me, “100” symbolises the impact we aim to create: 100 percent commitment to supporting artists, 100 percent intention behind every placement, and 100 percent belief in the power of art to transform spaces.

NATHAN YONG
Founder, Nathan Home

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
I truly felt the joy of success when I was heard; when people took the time to listen to what I had to say through my work. One of the most memorable moments was when I sold my designs to Ligne Roset, a centuries-old French company known for collaborating with iconic international designers.

That moment was deeply meaningful because I had set a mission for myself at 16, to become an internationally recognised designer. In 2007, when Ligne Roset picked up three of my designs, it wasn’t just a commercial milestone, it was a personal validation. It told me that my voice, my ideas, mattered. That’s when success felt real.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you?
To me, “100” represents a perfect circle, a full cycle from the birth of a dream to its fulfilment. It symbolises wholeness, a quiet sense of completion, when vision aligns with reality. That’s what makes “100” meaningful to me.

(Related: Designing Change)

CHARLES TAN
Director, Sunray Group Holdings

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
It's almost a cliché to say this, but this moment could not be more true than for contractors. Successfully navigating out of COVID was nothing short of a miracle. We used every trick in the book and invented new ones on the go just to survive.

One key moment was our pivot to other forms of development in the midst of COVID. This allowed us to save many jobs in the construction arm. It was a double or nothing bet. The joy in these humbling moments came from basking in the camaraderie of the team. I’ve been blessed with good mentors/partners who clenched onto opportunities when they presented themselves.  

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
“100” will and always be a goal to me. It's the mindset that I adopt. I will always work towards it, but hope to never actually achieve it, in order to stay relevant.