Baptiste’s career started with a phone call from a friend at Rocket Internet. Within a week, he sold his car in France, hopped on a plane and emerged in sunny Singapore. After a month at a ‘lousy motel’ and working to 3am everyday, the team finally switched live Lazada website.

Setting out to become the ‘Amazon of Southeast Asia’, Lazada started with next to no stock, but pretended to have everything. Not dissimilar to Alibaba, they sent out “hunters” or interns on motorbikes, armed with multiple credit cards. In 2013, Baptiste moved to Bangkok and hired a regional marketing team, which operated across six countries.

Coming from outside SouthEast Asia was initially a massive cultural and marketing challenge, given the highly localised markets, ended up being an advantage. Without any pre-existing assumptions or biases, this allowed Baptiste to make business decisions without judgment and rely on data instead.

1. Android or iOS?
   Android.
2. Bitcoin or Ethereum?
   Bitcoin. I made the mistake of buying Bitcoin while the price was very high. I was on beach in Galle, Sri Lanka, and decided on a whim to invest in Bitcoin. My rationale was, I’ve always been very interested in cryptocurrency, but if you don’t buy some, you won’t follow it diligently.
3. Gmail or Outlook?
   Gmail.
4. Best gift you’ve ever received?
   A Fiat Uno from my dad.
5. Best gift you’ve ever given?
   When I first moved to Singapore, I bought a Macbook Air for my mum. It was a way for me to thank her for everything she’s done for me, and for us to keep in touch. I picked a Macbook cause it’s easy-to-use and she still has it to this day!
6. What is the one book you’ve read over and over again?
   “Getting to Yes” by Roger Fisher. Basic but very helpful to help understanding people and maximizing outcomes.
7. What is the one book you would recommend all fresh graduates to read?
   The Sixth Wave, or Capitalism by Piketty, classic economic book. There are plenty of entrepreneur books out there that focus on what has happened in the last 20 years, but I prefer to look at longer timeframes; economics is like fashion. It keeps on repeating itself.
8. What is the best thing that happened this year?
   I moved into a new flat that I really like with my girlfriend. It’s a first for me, and this flat is someplace I can really call home.
9. Most memorable career moment so far?
   Probably when I had to present to the big boss of Tesco, who later invested USD250m in us. I was given one-hour notice to prepare, which actually worked to my advantage, because I didn’t end up stressing about it.
10. What’s your favourite country to visit?
    Thailand.
11. Last country you visited?
    Indonesia.
12. What country would you like to visit?
    Israel.
13. What is something you always travel with?
    Noise cancelling earphones, Kindle and a universal adaptor.
14. What’s the world’s most pressing issue today?
    Economic inequality. The fact is, we dont give a shit about people who are suffering from poverty, and there is very little control on monopolies.
15. What’s your go-to news source?
    Quartz and an optimized Google feed.
16. What’s your go-to social media channel?
    Linkedin.
17. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
    Kiss my girlfriend good morning.
18. What’s the last thing you do before leaving the office?
    Check DingTalk!

19. What advice would you give to someone who wants to work for Lazada?
Be ambitious, and really understand our sellers and customers. When I interview candidates, I ask them why they want to work for Lazada, 9 out of 10 times they’ll tell me it’s because they think the internet is important, and e-commerce is rapidly growing. This isn’t a differentiating factor to me and such a boring answer; you want a candidate who wants to join to help the company grow, not because of it.

For those who want to join Lazada, I tell them this is not a 9 to 6 place.
You’ll need to work hard, and accept being challenged. You’ll also need to move fast, because everyone works at the same velocity. In the past 5 years, Lazada has become one of the top 10 websites. This is because of our amazing team, and how hard we worked. It’s not for everyone, but with the organization dynamics it’s a place where you receive 5X what you give.

20. If you were not CMO at Lazada what would you be doing?
There’s a part of me that wants to be a lecturer. I actually recently taught some e-commerce classes at Chulalongkorn, for International Business Masters students. I loved being able to exchange ideas with students, however I was told I was a bit too harsh grading the papers.

21. Who is your role model?
I don’t have one in particular. Instead, I look at different people and see what I like about them. For example the people I work with on a daily basis, I pick up on their positive personality traits and take it from them.

22. What did you study at university? Why?
I studied Economics at Sorbonne University. There’s this quote I love; “an economist is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn’t happen today”. It’s true that economists often fail in their prediction, but they are still better equipped than a crystal ball. I guess I consider myself a dreamer, and I believe in a better society. After my degree I did my Masters also at Sorbonne, where I spent a year in Dublin and Toronto.

23. What is your most valuable skill?
Gathering people together, and pushing towards the common goals. I think I have strong listening skills, and I’m able to work with the team to solve their problems.

24. What is one skill you wish you had?
I wish I was able to code. Code is like a whole new language, that helps access a whole new part of your brain.

25. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be afraid to hire people who are stronger than you. It’ll help the organization and yourself to grow much faster.

26. What is the best advice you’ve ever given?
Be data-driven, but also have a vision and be ready to make the first move before you get your data. Important to jump and react fast if you need, even if not all the data and support is there at the start.

27. If you had one superpower, what would it be?
Travel to the future. It might be really depressing, because I’m not an optimist in general, but I am curious to see what the world would look like in 300/500 years.

Humans of Technology gives a glimpse into the minds of the people behind Asia’s most dynamic tech companies. An initiative led by GetLinks, Humans of Technology aims to inspire newbies and veterans alike to join the thriving tech community.

Want to be featured? Get in touch at harmish@getlinks.co

#HumansofTechnology

Humans of Technology — Baptiste Le Gal, CMO at Lazada Thailand was originally published in GetLinks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Interviews suck. Being thrown in a room and challenged to prove your competency is no easy task, especially for those new to the charade of interviewing. To prepare yourself, here’s a handy guide of some interview questions you should expect, and how to answer them, without coming across monotonous or dull.

1. What do you know about our company?

This one seems obvious, but has to be emphasized. Before an interview, regardless what stage, be sure to do ample research about the company. This shouldn’t be limited to just having a look at the company profile, and rattling off their mission statement by heart. Take a look at their social media pages, recent articles, and even about the key people working in the company. That way, you’ll have a full understanding of not only what the company does, but how and why they came to where they are today.

2. Why are you leaving your current company?

Saying “I don’t like my boss” or “I want more money” might be the true reason you’ve left your previous company, but you’ll have to package it slightly better than that. Quitting your job because you don’t see eye-to-eye with your boss? Ask yourself why. Perhaps it’s his authoritarian management style you don’t agree with. If so, be sure to communicate this diplomatically, and suggest how this can be improved. In this example of an unsavory boss, you can mention how you found it difficult to work in an environment that doesn’t allow open communication and feedback; and that this could be improved through weekly catch-ups. Remember, too much honesty could be read a disgruntled ex employee, and too little of it comes across flippant.

3. What would you like to achieve in this new role?

Before you head into that interview, it’s important you prepare yourself for the possibility that you will land the role. This exercise not only gives you self-confidence, but also helps you understand where you want to be in your next job. Visualise what exactly you would like to do, be it start a 3-month project, or work in a more cross-functional role. This is the part where you show off your potential, and what you can do for the company. More importantly, it allows your future employer to gauge how to best fit you, and help you grow within the organisation.

4. What is your expected salary?

You’ll have to do some research, and find out how much other people with similar experience and expertise are making. If you felt you were underpaid in your previous role, be upfront and offer some sort of explanation as to why. It might be tempting to lie about salary, in hopes of getting a pay raise; but it’s risky, as most future employers will require previous payslips. A safe answer would be to tell them what you currently make, and mention that you are happy with a 20 to 30% market rate increase.

5. Do you have any questions for me?

The answer is yes. You should always have a question for your interviewer, not just to impress them, but to use this opportunity to ease any doubt in your mind. The end of an interview might be your last chance to make a good impression, so don’t be so eager to cut it short. If you’re stumped, it’s always safe to ask about the role. How many other people will be in the team? Is it a new or existing role? Who will you be reporting directly to? Asking questions shows interest. Just be sure to ask a relevant one that hasn’t already been addressed, or it’ll be clear you weren’t paying attention!

Want more interview tips? Create a profile on GetLinks, and get in touch with our friendly career consultant Lisa, via lisa@getlinks.co. Don’t worry, it’s free of charge.

Generic Interview Questions, and Not-So-Generic Answers was originally published in GetLinks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In the early 1800’s, English textiles and weavers banded to form a group known as the Luddites, who went around destroying weaving machinery as a form of protest. The movement is now coined by economists today as the Luddite fallacy; a loss of jobs due to technological change.

In more recent times, in 1997 Grand Chess Master Garry Kasparov was defeated by IBM supercomputer Deep Blue. A momentous leap in the rise of the machines. In the span of a century, machines were no longer replacing us; they were capable of learning beyond even the most exceptional of human talent. So it’s become clear that as we rapidly approach the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the urgency to address and adapt to technological change is greater than ever.

In the US, 47% of jobs today are at risk to be replaced by automation and software. It’s a radical shift that will impact millions of people for years to come. Yet, educational institutions, workplaces and recruitment methods have been slow to change. A popular estimate suggests that 65% of current students will end up in jobs that don’t exist today. Paradoxically, syllabuses at even the most prestigious universities have largely remained unchanged for decades. Full-time employment is often limited to a traditional 9 to 5 day. Jobseekers rely on recruiters reaching out, being filtered by years of experience. However, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Meet James. James is a Vietnamese mechanical engineer turned NodeJS Developer. 8 years ago, NodeJS Developer were unheard of, because NodeJS didn’t exist as a language. Today, it is one of the thousands of programming languages that exists in the world; allowing coders to discuss stack preferences across borders with ease, in their own pervasive language.

The tech industry has also become the highest paying when it comes to remuneration globally. In Thailand, where fresh graduates are paid an average of THB 10,000 (USD 319) a month, developers have the potential to earn THB 40,000 (USD 1276) a month and above. As seen with agricultural and industrial shifts, the earning potential of skilled talent will increase by tenfold.

Automation therefore, does not completely destroy careers. It simply creates new opportunities for high value skills, for higher pay. In order to maintain employment, there must be a fundamental shift in how we perceive and embrace change; recruiters and educators should no longer exist in isolation.

I envision this in two forms: first, merging work with education. Learning is a continual process, and should be actively integrated into HR. The second, is to create a community where young tech talents are able to meet, exchange ideas, and get in touch with their future employers. My hope is that GetLinks will be able to continue championing this, through an adaptive work community.

Stay tuned to find out how!

This article was written on behalf of Djoann Fal, CEO of GetLinks. Feel reach out to him on Linkedin!

Embracing Change and Welcoming the Future of Work was originally published in GetLinks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Vitaly is Managing Director and Global Head of Principal Investments at IEG Investment banking group, acclaimed keynote speaker and Silicon Valley-based investor. He most recently served as Partner at HP Tech Ventures.

Beginning his career as a UX/UI Designer, Vitaly quickly rose to the ranks of Managing Partner and Creative Director at online media company Sputnik Integrated. He went on to found printing ecommerce platform Keen Systems, where he served as CEO. The company ended up being one of three companies Vitaly has taken from idea to exit.

Vitaly has served as advisor, consultant and board member to a number of companies including Rimac Automobili, 500 Startups and CCC Startups. Today, he sits as Partner and Global Startup Evangelist at HP, travelling to over 20 countries every year, sharing his expertise on startups and entrepreneurship. He is also a contributing editor at TechCrunch and author of ‘Accelerated Startup’; a textbook used by accelerator programs and business schools around the world.

1) Android or iOS?

iOS.

2) Bitcoin or Ethereum?

Some future form of Ethereum.

3) Gmail or Outlook?

Gmail.

4) Best gift you’ve ever received?

Advice from my mentors.

5) Best gift you’ve ever given?

Knowledge.

6) What is the one book you’ve read over and over again?

‘Spent: Sex, Evolution, and Consumer Behaviour’, by Geoffrey Miller.

7) What is the one book you would recommend all fresh graduates to read?

‘Guns, Germs, and Steel’, by Jared Diamond.

8) What is the best thing that happened this year?

Can’t talk about it just yet!

9) Most memorable career moment so far?

Looking at the company bank account after closing the first multi-million dollar investment round.

10) What’s your favourite country to visit?

Croatia.

11) Last country you visited?

Germany.

12) What country would you like to visit?

South Africa.

13) What is something you always travel with?

Melatonin, caffeine pills with B vitamins, and noise reduction headphones.

14) What’s the world’s most pressing issue today?

Inequality of opportunity and education.

15) What’s your go-to news source?

Apple News, CNBC and Seeking Alpha for financial news.

16) What’s your go-to social media channel?

Facebook.

17) What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Check the market, respond to any urgent overnight emails from colleagues around the world, take vitamins and then head to my home gym.

18) What’s the last thing you do before leaving the office?

Set out my task list for the following day.

19) What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a keynote speaker?

Come up with a unique, in-depth perspective on a topic. Take every opportunity to speak and practice.

20) Who is your role model?

I’ve had a number of personal mentors throughout my career, and I’ve synthesize their knowledge. I don’t worship any heroes in particular.

21) What did you study at university? Why?

Computer and Video Imaging. I was a self-taught designer at the beginning of my career but I had to formalize to make my mom happy.

22) What is your valuable skill?

Being able to break down complex problems.

23) What is one skill you wish you had?

Photographic memory!

24) What is the best advice you ever received?

Do well then do good.

25) What is the best advice you’ve ever given?

Focus. No one is smart enough to be the best at something with a part-time effort.

26) If you had one superpower, what would it be?

To stop time.

Humans of Technology gives a glimpse into the minds of the people behind Asia’s most dynamic tech companies. An initiative led by GetLinks, Humans of Technology aims to inspire newbies and veterans alike to join the thriving tech community.

Want to be featured? Get in touch at kim@getlinks.co

#HumansofTechnology

Humans of Technology — Vitaly Golomb, Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist and Managing Director at… was originally published in GetLinks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

While the average age of a Fortune 500 CEO is 58, a growing number of millennials are swooping in to throw that off. Names such as Evan Spiegel of Snapchat (27), David Karp of Tumblr (31), Anthony Tan of Grab (34) and of course, wunderkind Zuckerberg (33) are redefining perceptions of CEOs in the digital age.

As a law student, I always imagined my future boss as a briefcase toting, middle-aged man in a pinstripe suit. Fast forward to the present, I now work an AirPod-wearing eccentric geek who is younger than me, and oversees operations in 6 countries and 80 members of staff. Meet Djoann Fal, CEO & Co-Founder of GetLinks, a Bangkok-based startup for tech talent matching across Asia.

When I announced that I off to work for a 26 year old CEO, everyone had their reservations, myself included. This wasn’t a shock. Just look at the typical job advertisement, and years of experience takes front and centre. It’s become a common theme through my, albeit short, career so far, to be greeted with a “sorry to interrupt, but how old are you?”,

I won’t launch into a debate about ageism, nor do I expect any sympathy for being / appearing young. What I will put forth is that there is a lot to be learnt from working under a young boss. Whether you have ambitions of becoming a millennial CEO, or just want to thrive in a working environment, here’s some tips and tricks I’ve picked up on.

1. Be your biggest cheerleader
   Everybody and their mother will undermine you. After all, most meetings will be with seasoned top dogs with far more experience. You’ll not only need to live, breathe, eat and sleep confidence; you need to have utter belief in yourself and your company. Champion your vision and values beyond your organisation. Speak with confidence whenever questioned about your ideas. This doesn’t mean exercising unfettered discretion, but it does mean staying unfazed even when faced with snarky comments and backhanded compliments.
2. Make friends in high places
   For a 26-year old, Djoann boasts an impressive network. You’d be hard-pressed to find a Southeast Asian venture capitalist, or someone in the tech / startup / recruitment ecosystem that Djoann hasn’t spoken to. After all you can’t get very far with limited knowledge, resources and experience; you’ll need the right people to guide you in the right direction. If you’re lucky enough they might even agree to mentor you, or even go on to become investors or advisors to your Company. Never be ashamed to ask for advice from your esteemed peers. After all they probably started off just like you; bootstrapping bright-eyed entrepreneur.
3. Focus and discipline
   How do you cram 10 years of experience into one? Well, you can’t. But a lot can be accomplished with an unwavering focus and discipline. Every minute of Djoann’s calendar is meticulously planned, from weekly sprint meetings, to email housekeeping to personal reflection. Calls with mentors take place in commutes to appointments, and lunchtime is an opportunity to meet another person in the industry. Fourteen hour work days and a demanding travel schedule is exhausting for anyone. The main advantage of being young is that physically, you’ll be able to keep up with those demands if you stay disciplined.
4. Dream big
   In the words of Superman himself ‘’So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” Even way before Djoann founded GetLinks in 2015, he dreamed that one day, we could change the future of work, creating a freedom for people to work on things they are passionate about, as and when. Today, nothing as changed. This big, hairy, audacious goal is as big, hairy and audacious as ever. Except everyday, the company gets one step closer to achieving that goal. What started off as a pet project has turned into a 80 something strong organisation across 6 major tech hubs in Asia.

Inspired to become a millennial CEO? Want to work for one? Create a profile on GetLinks, and get the chance to work with Djoann, or some of the coolest startups across Asia.

Interested in learning more about Djoann? Send an interview request via media@getlinks.co

Lessons from a 26 year old CEO was originally published in GetLinks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Marina is Co-Founder and CEO at BeFast.TV an online media channel that documents startups across the globe.

Originating from Siberia, Marina got her studies across Moscow, Berlin and Chengdu, completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Economics and Business. It was during her time in China she realised the potential of the Asian market, and moved to Hong Kong.

She began her career at a boutique law firm, where she worked her way up from Receptionist to Business Development Director. Throughout this time that she built insight knowledge on how to start a business in Hong Kong.

An extroverted people-person, Marina co-founded BeFast.TV, putting her at the forefront of the startup community. BeFast.TV is independently owned, creating relevant, innovative and exclusive content for startup founders, employees and enthusiasts everywhere.

1.Android or iOS?
iOS.

2. Bitcoin or Ethereum?
Neither.

3. Gmail or Outlook?
Inbox by Gmail.

4. Best gift you’ve ever received?
Cello. Playing an instrument is a blast for your brain!

5. Best gift you’ve ever given?
English Language courses in Malta for my mom.

6. What is the one book you’ve read over and over again?
No such one in particular, I do come back to the notes that I make when reading.

7. What is the one book you would recommend all fresh graduates to read?
I would recommend reading the biographies of the people they admire, i.e. “Losing my Virginity” by Richard Branson.

8. What is the best thing that happened this year?
Becoming more spiritual through regular meditation.

9. Most memorable career moment so far?
Letting people go from the company.

10. What’s your favourite country to visit?
Italy, the best shopping experience.

11. Last country you visited?
The Philippines, where I learned how to kite surf!

12. What country would you like to visit?
Japan.

13. What is something you always travel with?
Headphones.

14. What’s the world’s most pressing issue today?
Addiction to Social Media.

15. What’s your go-to news source?
TheVerge, Entrepreneur Magazine, Facebook feed.

16. What’s your go-to social media channel?
Instagram.

17. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Meditate.

18. What’s the last thing you do before leaving the office?
I check my planner and review what was been done today and what’s coming tomorrow.

19. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be an entrepreneur?
Make sure you pursue a business you enjoy; something you love doing every day.

20. If you were not CEO at BeFast.TV, what would you be doing?
Probably working in the financial sector.

21. Who is your role model?
My dad.

22. What did you study at university? Why?
Business & Economics, because I thought this was where the money is.

23. What is your valuable skill?
Communications.

24. What is one skill you wish you had?
Programming and Design.

25. What is the best advice you ever received?
Be fearless!

26. What is the best advice you’ve ever given?
Don’t ever stop trying to do things you believe in, even when it gets difficult sometimes.

27. If you had one superpower, what would it be?
Social Media posts that are magically created and automatically posted by themselves!

Humans of Technology gives a glimpse into the minds of the people behind Asia’s most dynamic tech companies. An initiative led by GetLinks, Humans of Technology aims to inspire newbies and veterans alike to join the thriving tech community.

Want to be featured? Get in touch at kim@getlinks.co

#HumansofTechnology

Humans of Technology — Marina Bay, Co-Founder & CEO at BeFast.TV was originally published in GetLinks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It’s the ultimate young professionals’ paradox. You can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job. With this in mind, fresh graduates are left with the option of unemployment or an internship. To add insult to injury, they will have to work for free.

Though I’m grateful that my days of fetching coffee and dredge work are *mostly* over, I am equally grateful for the opportunity of an internship. No high-achieving academic or social butterfly will be able to fully prepare for the demands of a corporate job. An internship is a good place to start.

You should do an internship if…

1. You’ve never done an internship before
   Depending on your university course, you may never be required to partake in summer internship programmes. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as summers are arguably better spent off lying on a beach. However, CVs without work experience are as good as a blank slate. It gives the interviewer no picture of any practical skill, leaving them to judge purely on academic background and in an interview, this can only carry you so far. Past internships give you an outlet to demonstrate your skills, and use real-life examples to showcase how you can add value to an organisation.
2. You can afford to be unpaid
   A lucky few will be able to land a paid internship, but in a competitive market, these offers are few and far between. An internship will require you to show up for 5 full days of work days a week, and doing so without any form of remuneration is undesirable. Before taking on an internship, work out on whether you can financially afford to be unpaid over this contracted length of time (as opposed to taking a paid part-time job). If possible, speak frankly about this to your parents or guardian, and find out if they can afford to support you. There is no shame in being upfront to your employer about your financial situation before taking on an unpaid internship. Though companies might not be able to give you a full-salary, they can provide you with a travel and food allowance as a small stipend.
3. Your heart is not set on your vocation
   It’s okay to complete your course and have second doubts. A study showed that only 27% of U.S. graduates end up working in a job related to their studies. Internships are a fantastic way to find out if a career is for you. Textbooks don’t contain industry politics, and there are no manuals for day-to-day tasks. There is no harm doing an internship completely unrelated to your studies; it could help you discover that your passions lie somewhere else. This even works the other way around. As a law graduate, doing a legal internship was what made me realise that becoming a lawyer wasn’t as fun as it seemed!
4. You are committed to sticking it out
   There is a level of time and resources that goes into interviewing and selecting an intern, and respect must be paid to that. If the role specifically states ‘3 month internship’, you are being relied on as a resource for that period of time. Be candid about arrangements you may have made beforehand. Ending your internship two weeks’ earlier to attend your sister’s wedding is acceptable. Deciding to cut it short because you’re sick of waking up at 7am is not. Bear in mind that you won’t be an intern forever, and you don’t want to leave a bad impression on your potential future colleagues or work contacts.
5. You have nothing better to do
   One thing I miss most about being a student is the amount of free-time I had. Lolling around for weeks on end is a luxury, which I regret not taking advantage of. You probably won’t get this privilege once you start working. (The statutory average of minimum vacation days in Asia is 10.) If you are fortunate enough to not need to take on a part-time job to support yourself, and your parents are letting you live rent-free, an internship is an invaluable, productive experience. After all, a three-month gap spent interning between graduation and your next job interview reads a whole lot better than you playing video games.

It’s surreal how quickly one transitions from being an intern, to interviewing one. Revel in this journey, and see where it takes you. I promise you it’ll take you further than you think.

Looking for an internship? Why not intern with us? Create a profile on GetLinks and be part of Asia’s leading tech talent network.

Interns Are Not Slaves was originally published in GetLinks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Siwat is Managing Partner of MoIndy Digital Co Ltd, a multi-channel network (MCN) managing over 400 channels on YouTube with over 400 million views per month.

After graduating from Northwestern University, Siwat became an Analyst at Merrill Lynch, where he raised capital and restructured companies in the USA. He went on to Huron Consulting, where he helped turnaround a major US Airline in the largest bankruptcy in the history of aviation. It was during this time, he decided to embark on his MBA at the University of Oxford.

Upon completing his MBA, Siwat returned to Thailand to be with his family. He became Executive Vice President at the investment holding company of Saha Group, the Thai equivalent of Unilever and Procter & Gamble. Siwat then co-founded Dealicious, which he grew to become the number two e-commerce platform for daily-deal in Thailand, and subsequently exit the company.

What was intended to be a return to his “comfort zone”, a career in Mergers & Acquisitions, actually led him to his current project. As Executive Director at a listed Thai investment banking firm, he found a target company to acquire. That company is MoIndy Digital, where he takes an active role as an investor and Managing Partner today.

1.Android or iOS?
iOS.

2. Bitcoin or Ethereum? Neither.

3. Gmail or Outlook?
Gmail.

4. Best gift you’ve ever received?
My son.

5. Best gift you’ve ever given?
The love to my son.

6. What is the one book you’ve read over and over again?
The Art of Happiness, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

7. What is the one book you would recommend all fresh graduates to read?
A Good Hard Kick in the Ass: Basic Training for Entrepreneurs, by Rob Adams.

8. What is the best thing that happened this year?
Being able to create an experience on a platform that Thai people can enjoy daily.

9. Most memorable career moment so far?
Probably signing the investment agreement for MoIndy. From identifying the Company, all the way to closing the deal was an incredible experience.

10. What’s your favourite country to visit?
Japan.

11. Last country you visited?
Singapore.

12. What country would you like to visit?
Greece.

13. What is something you always travel with?
Headphones.

14. What’s the world’s most pressing issue today?
Poverty.

15. What’s your go-to news source?
CNN.

16. What’s your go-to social media channel?
Facebook.

17. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Brush my teeth!

18. What’s the last thing you do before leaving the office?
Say goodbye to all 25 of my employees.

19. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be an entrepreneur?
Be persistent.

20. If you were not Managing Partner at MoIndy what would you be doing?
I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else.

21. Who is your role model?
My dad.

22. What did you study at university? Why?
Economics. I grew up with entrepreneurial parents, so I always wanted to do into business.

23. What is your most valuable skill?
The ability to identify an opportunity and take effective, immediate action.

24. What is one skill you wish you had?
Patience.

25. What is the best advice you ever received?
This would be from my wife, which is to think strategically and be slow to anger and negative emotions. This can be through words, but also through actions like facial expressions.

26. What is the best advice you’ve ever given?
I once gave advice to an acquaintance which got her into Oxford. She was nervous for her admissions interview and reached out to me, so I told her to channel and convey her passions and desires. I think what constitutes good advice is not necessarily something unique, but one that a person can truly relate to, and be able to transform themselves.

27. If you had one superpower, what would it be?
Time travel. I’d like to travel to the past to fix mistakes I’ve made, and also look at the stock market. I’d buy a lot of stocks.

Humans of Technology gives a glimpse into the minds of the people behind Asia’s most dynamic tech companies. An initiative led by GetLinks, Humans of Technology aims to inspire newbies and veterans alike to join the thriving tech community.

Want to be featured? Get in touch at kim@getlinks.co

#HumansofTechnology

Humans of Technology — Siwat Vilassakdanont, Managing Partner at MoIndy Digital was originally published in GetLinks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

I don’t consider myself a startup aficionado, but most of my career has been spent at one. I’ve had meetings over ping pong tables, lounged on a fake indoor lawn and played foosball with a CFO at the office. I exist almost exclusively in flip flops.

To misquote the legendary Tupac Shakur, I didn’t choose the startup life; it chose me. Within 48 hours of being contacted by a spectacled inhouse recruiter, I was interviewed and offered a job by a fast-talking American to work at a Malaysian startup. In a little over year, I watched the company grow from being live in 4 markets to 24, and swell from 100 to over 600 employees.

Since then I’ve jumped ship to smaller startup in Bangkok, at an earlier stage of the life-cycle. It’s safe to say, for the time being I’ve found my footing in startups. I adore the flexibility, ownership and exhilaration. I thrive in this fast-paced environment, and revel the camaraderie that comes with it.

Whilst I got lucky diving headfirst into the startup world, there are things I wish someone told me first…

1) It’s not all fun and games

Don’t let the fun propaganda fool you. An office with graffiti or candy walls is very much still an office, and not everyday is a pizza party (though pizza parties are aplenty). You will be expected to work just as hard as any other corporate executive, and often, beyond what is expected of you. As with any rapidly-expanding business, cost-cutting measures and corporate restructuring are always around the corner; so, don’t get too comfortable on those beanbags!

2) You won’t get your own desk, but it doesn’t matter

Forget cubicles and closed doors. Startups promote an open-space, to foster a flat organizational structure. While there are titles in place, you won’t have to worry about leapfrogging to be heard. I never thought that at the age of 24 I could see my own ideas travel from conception to execution. The bright-eyed intern gets just as much say as the seasoned marketing professional. That doesn’t mean stupid ideas won’t be shut down…it does mean there’ll be an open forum for them to be heard.

3) Don’t listen to your mum and dad

I would normally never advocate going against your parents, but this is one instance I would. Startups are very much a phenomenon of the dot-com bubble, and didn’t gain popularity until 2010. Your parents’ perception and experience of work differs greatly from what you will experience at a startup. They will raise concerns of taking a job without a comprehensive dental plan, at a company that’s only a few months old. Ignore them. Do thorough research, speak to some people in the industry, and trust your gut.

4) Take it all with a pinch of salt

There will always be a level of uncertainty, which breeds gossip and speculation. Sudden departures of C-levels, appearances of enigmatic men in suits at the office or a dodgy piece in the media will call for all sorts of conspiracy theories. Panic might even ensue. Try not to pay too much attention to them. Unless you heard it from the horse’s mouth (in which case that Board Director should be sacked), you won’t ever get a clear picture.

5) Get ready for the rollercoaster ride of your lifetime

Prepare for the ultimate highs and lows. Some days will feel like all your Christmases coming at once, but there will some incredibly tough ones too. Celebrate the wins and lick your wounds for the losses, but remember that it’s part and parcel of the epic ride. Trust and understand in the vision of your startup, seek guidance in your bosses, and you will emerge a supercharged employee.

Want to hop along for a ride? Create a profile on GetLinks, and we’ll match you to opportunities to some of the top tech startups across Asia.

What I Wish Someone Told Me Before Joining a Startup was originally published in GetLinks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Hong Kong is an attractive destination for businesses and budding entrepreneurs, with it’s iconic skyline framing the geographic and economic centre of Asia.

Its’ rich heritage makes Hong Kong a unique city, with many idiosyncrasies and customs. For instance, the number 8 is an auspicious one, a homonym for “wealth” (發)! In line with this, here are 8 tips for those thinking of working in Hong Kong.

1) Prepare to Pay Through the Nose

Hong Kong is the second most expensive city in Asia, and the top ten most expensive in the world, in terms of rent, food and petrol. With sky-high real estate prices and limited living spaces, cost of living is a huge factor when negotiating remuneration for those relocating to Hong Kong.

2) Pleasure Doing Business with You

The world’s freest economy for 23 years in a row, Hong Kong is the place for entrepreneurs. With low and simple taxation, free trade, an effective regulatory system, and independent judiciary; it is no wonder the city attracts entrepreneurs and breed magnates.

3) Network Like a Local

An almost exaggerated confidence is a must when networking in Hong Kong. Always carry crisp business cards (printed in English and Mandarin on both sides is a nice touch), and exchange with a handshake and a slight bow. European cheek-kissing or any other form of physical contact is rare, and an unwarranted hug is an embarrassing faux pas. Unless explicitly asked otherwise, address fellow professionals by their title and surname.

4) Follow the Leader

With the exception of small startups, corporate hierarchies must be adhered to. When mingling in group, be sure to identify senior figures, and greet them before others. Be prepared to follow this, even to your slight detriment. For example, though there might be working hours set in place; it is disrespectful to leave before your boss does!

5) Live to Eat

The ‘God of Cookery’ presides in Hong Kong. A mecca for gourmands, food is not just for sustenance; it’s a way of life. It is considered bad manners to let a guest go hungry. Business deals and discussions often take place at the dining table, over Michelin-star dim sum or hearty noodles by the roadside. For this reason, it is impolite to eat at your desk or to turn down invitations to corporate lunches.

6) Dress Sharp

Professional dressing in Hong Kong is conservative, with a preference for formal dresses, suits, shirt and ties. The dress code consists of darker, neutral colours, which must be adhered to when conducting all business meetings, even outside of office hours. To avoid sticking out like a sore thumb, keep a neat, polished appearance.

7) Competition is Steep

Since returning to Chinese sovereignty, there is a general preference to recruit local candidates. There is an increasing number of bilingual, local graduates receiving high-quality education, resulting in less demand for foreigners. However, there are still certain talents that are in short supply…

8) Calling All Tech Talents

Demand for tech talents is on the rise globally, and nowhere is this more prevalent that in ultra-modern Hong Kong. Rapid developments in A.I. and machine learning has created a gap for digital talents. In the Asia Business Council’s Asian Index of Artificial Intelligence, Hong Kong ranks poorly in terms of economic and talent preparedness for and resilience to an A.I. led future. Programmers and developers are highly-sought after, followed by digital marketers.

Want to be swept away by the Fragrant Harbour? Create a profile on GetLinks, and get matched to top companies in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong Calling: 8 Tips for a Thriving Career was originally published in GetLinks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.