Meet our MSc TIP alumnus, Kelvin Kok

 

After dedicating more than two decades of his career to civil service, Kelvin Kok reached a point where he felt the need for a change. The decision to make a transition stemmed from his personal aspirations and introspection. Kelvin pondered the familiar dilemma of whether to stay in his current role or venture into uncharted territory. Reflecting on the future, he contemplated the potential regret of not giving himself the opportunity to explore new possibilities if he were to continue in the civil service and retire at the age of 60.

Driven by a desire to avoid any lingering regrets and embrace the unknown, Kelvin boldly chose to bid farewell to his secure position in the civil service. In 2009, he embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey, determined to carve out his own path and pursue his dreams. By leaving behind what was often referred to as his "iron rice bowl" job, he took a leap of faith in pursuit of personal fulfilment and professional growth.

Becoming an entrepreneur

After a few twists and turns, Kelvin led and co-founded a defence technology/experimentation consultancy. In this new entrepreneurial endeavour, Kelvin encountered a challenge commonly faced by startups: being inherently small in size. "As a startup, you are naturally inferior in terms of financial capacity" Additionally, obstacles were coming from competitors, the need for funding raising, and attracting talented individuals. "To overcome these hurdles, you have to leverage your strengths and extend beyond your current capabilities and capacity."

Kelvin recognised the stark contrast between the civil service environment and the startup landscape. In the latter, you are on your own, and there are fewer colleagues to rely on, necessitating continuous learning, adaptation, and the ability to pivot when necessary. Resilience becomes crucial to weathering the challenges and ensuring that the first encounter with adversity doesn't sweep you away like a tsunami. Kelvin's unwavering determination paid off as the company took off and became profitable within a short period of time.

Life-long learning

During the process of building his business, Kelvin decided to enrol in NTUpreneur's Master of Science in Technopreneurship and Innovation Programme (MSc TIP). His objective was to enhance his knowledge and capabilities to effectively manage his business operations.

Kelvin approached the programme with utmost seriousness, carefully evaluating the modules offered and even seeking a consultation session with NTUpreneur. Being a dedicated lifelong learner, he recognised the importance of continuous education.

Kelvin found the programme's integration of entrepreneurship and technology to be fascinating and filled with excitement. Among the modules, he was particularly captivated by the subject of venture capital, which introduced him to a new realm of knowledge. He also found the module on managing growth ventures to be incredibly engaging. Unlike traditional MBA programmes focusing on fundamental economics and HR management, this module delved into the challenges and dilemmas faced when scaling up a venture, providing valuable insights into the practical aspects of expansion.

Kelvin noted that the programme's strength lay in the blend of academic instructors and industry professionals. This balanced approach to instruction contributed to a well-rounded and enriching learning experience. His decision to pursue the MSc TIP reflected his commitment to acquiring the necessary skills to successfully navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

 

Ideas for new ventures

Through the opportunities provided by the MSc TIP, where participants from various NTU schools come together for modular learning, Kelvin had a fortuitous encounter that led to a partnership in his second venture, OneNorth.ai, a startup in deep tech. This business focuses on harnessing deep technology, artificial intelligence, and deep learning to enhance the quality of life by making it better, smarter, and safer. The unexpected partnership and foray into artificial intelligence became a result of serendipity and proactive decision-making.

In his words, "Recognising opportunity is a pivotal aspect of entrepreneurship and business ventures". Kelvin recognised the opportunities that enabled him to seize the right moment to identify the opportune time to enter the AI market, launch products, and form strategic partnerships. He believed that by honing this skill, entrepreneurs could navigate the ever-changing business landscape with confidence, resilience, and the ability to turn possibilities into reality.

 

The value of the MSc TIP

Kelvin highlights the programme's contemporary structure, which incorporates practical modules from various areas, including technology and business. He emphasises that the programme provides opportunities to learn from case studies and engage in project-based learning within a supportive environment. Furthermore, he expresses his gratitude for the professors and lecturers who are industry practitioners as they continue to mentor and guide him beyond the classroom. Kelvin considers this aspect of the programme truly invaluable.

Additionally, he believes that the MSc TIP is highly relevant for aspiring entrepreneurs in today's dynamic landscape. Through the programme, he gained new knowledge and refreshed his understanding of key concepts that have proven invaluable on his entrepreneurial journey. Kelvin acknowledges that the programme won't magically transform a student into the likes of Elon Musk or Jack Ma. Still, it equips aspiring entrepreneurs with best practices in business, enabling them to make fewer mistakes. He said, "The prime difference between "Pre-MSc TIP" and "Post-MSc TIP" is that the latter fostered entrepreneurial skills and provided a solid foundation for success".

Kelvin's endorsement of the MSc TIP is grounded in the programme's contemporary curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship from industry experts, and its ability to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge and best practices. It is a testament to the programme's effectiveness in preparing individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the business world.