SINGAPORE — Mr Lee Haoming’s school days formed a repository of his entrepreneurial leanings. In secondary school, he bought blank CDs and duplicated computer games to sell to his schoolmates.

He also spotted an opportunity in stationery, buying items at wholesale prices and selling them to his schoolmates, effectively competing with the school’s bookshop.

“I saw an opportunity to start an automotive spray paint workshop and I went for it… No business plan, just grit, curiosity and a hopeful belief that I could figure it out,” he said.

“I was studying by day, painting cars at night, negotiating with suppliers in between, and learning how to keep a business alive — I ended up making around $250,000 in two years.”

Nowadays, Mr Lee is the chief executive of Louken Group, a venture builder that has supported the growth of home-grown brands such as Charles & Keith, BreadTalk Group and Paradise Group. The 36-year-old was previously managing partner of Huggs Coffee, where he developed its business and franchise model, and led the brand’s expansion during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

“What I’ve learnt so far leading and helping brands is that sustainable growth isn’t just about scaling fast, it’s about strategic clarity and staying true to your core… The best brands evolve with the market without losing their identity and that’s what builds long-term equity,” said Mr Lee.

“I invest in founders who understand brand fundamentals, have clear vision, and the discipline to execute with purpose — that’s where scalable value and real returns come from.”

Mr Lee graduated with a bachelor of commerce from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 2013.

Do you invest in anything? If yes, what do you invest in and why?

My investment strategy is long-term and purpose-driven, balancing profitability with sustainability.

About 80 per cent is allocated to venture investments, primarily in early- and growth-stage companies within the well-being economy.

These include sectors such as food security, stem cell technology, pharmaceuticals, functional food manufacturing, packaging, and cold chain logistics. I take a hands-on role in some of these companies, serving as a board adviser or venture partner.

Roughly 10 per cent is in equities. I used to be a more active investor in the stock market but exited most positions ahead of the US-China trade war and the imposition of tariffs during the Trump administration.
Since then, I have shifted capital towards direct business investments, where I can play a more strategic and influential role.

The remaining 10 per cent is held in cash for flexibility, although I generally prefer to deploy capital where I can contribute to long-term growth and value creation.

What is your biggest or most valuable asset right now?

My most valuable asset is the businesses and ventures I have built and invested in. They represent years of strategic work, partnerships and brand-building.

Unlike traditional assets, their value isn’t just measured in dollars — it’s in the impact they create.

What was your first exposure to investing, and what was your first investment?

My first real exposure to business and investing was in secondary school. I used to save up to buy blank CDs and duplicate computer games to sell to my schoolmates.

I also spotted an opportunity in stationery — I bought items at wholesale prices and sold them to schoolmates, effectively competing with my school’s bookshop. That was when I first understood how margins, demand, and distribution worked, even before I knew what entrepreneurship really was.

What has been your biggest financial mistake?

One of the short-term opportunities I chased was buying into non-fungible tokens when it was a big trend without fully understanding the market or the value system behind them.

Another financial mistake was making emotional decisions and trusting the wrong people, which led to wasted opportunity costs, resources, and, most importantly, time — the most expensive commodity in the world.

What has been your best financial decision?

Becoming a partner at Louken was one of the best financial decisions.

What were your growing-up years like, financially? How did they shape your views on personal finance and investing?

I didn’t come from riches, so growing up, I never had an abundance of money to spend. But I always saw money as a means to possibilities rather than just accumulation.

I’m not the type to follow a detailed personal finance plan or check my bank account regularly. I always told myself, if I work hard and smart enough to make more than I spend, I’ll be okay. As long as I have enough to create more opportunities, that’s what matters.

What was your childhood dream?

My dream was to be Batman, but I quickly realised that wasn’t quite possible.

Later, I wanted to become a trader in a bank, which is why I studied banking and finance. But after doing multiple bank internships, I realised that the corporate world was too restrictive for me.

That’s when I started looking beyond traditional career paths and into building businesses instead.

Did you do any part-time jobs?

When I was 15, I worked as a waiter at my uncle’s Korean restaurant and in other F&B roles. I also did sales at events and later taught math tuition in university for extra income.

As a child, what did you save up for? How have your saving habits evolved?

My savings were geared towards things that brought immediate joy — Pokémon cards, trading cards, and computer games.

But by university, my priorities shifted. I set my sights on buying a car. My mother told me that if I wanted one, I would have to fund it myself.

So I started buying secondhand cars with the intention of flipping them for a profit. The proceeds allowed me to purchase my first car, and I later taught math tuition to cover petrol costs.

This experience was a turning point. I realised that money wasn’t just for saving — it was a means to achieve goals and gain independence.

What was your most memorable encounter with money? When did you first realise its importance?

I started my first small businesses in university and realised that money wasn’t just about spending, it’s also a tool to create more opportunities and relationships.

Running a business is not about hoarding wealth; it’s also about what you can build with it.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Play the long game. It’s easy to get caught up in quick wins, but the real rewards come from building something meaningful over time.

Where is home for you?

I live in a maisonette in Bishan.

What do you drive?

I’m still driving my first car since I started working about nine years ago — a Volkswagen Golf GTI. I never really saw a reason to change it because it’s been such a fun car to drive. But I’m planning to change my car this year since it’s getting a little old, and especially after my friends and family have been nagging at me to upgrade.

A car is a tool to have my own space and save time rather than a status symbol. What’s more important is where I’m going, not what I’m driving.

What does work-life balance mean to you?

For me, work and life are not separate but integrated. Building ventures is a very demanding journey, and it’s not about switching off at a certain hour but finding fulfillment in the work itself.

That’s why I make time for things that recharge me — social catch ups, travel, snowboarding, workouts, solo hikes, and mentoring… Work-life balance isn’t about dividing time equally, it’s about using time meaningfully to achieve fulfilment in life.

What does your perfect day look like?

A perfect day starts with a solid cup of coffee and nature — maybe sitting in the mountains with a nice view while doing purposeful work

What would you do if you suddenly had a windfall of millions?

I would reinvest it into ventures that drive impact, or businesses that sustain and supplement life such those in food technology and upcycling.

At the same time, I would diversify my portfolio by investing in real estate and other strategic opportunities.

I would also allocate a portion to experiences like travelling, snowboarding and learning, because I believe that growth isn’t just financial, it’s also about expanding perspectives and living fully.

If you suddenly only had $100 to your name, what would you do with it?

I would probably buy a 20-piece nuggets meal from McDonald’s first to uplift my mood first lol, then spend some of the $100 on coffee catch-ups with the right people to generate opportunities.

Investment is also about investing in people — relationships can open doors in ways that money alone never could.

Read the original article on The Straits Times here.