David Ong - CEO, Tricor Singapore

May 19, 2022

How do you manage work-life balance?

Work-life balance is not just about making sure you work only a certain number of hours each day and leaving enough time for you do things outside of work, or making sure that you do not read emails or do work after office hours. The most important thing is to “find a reason to jump out of bed each morning”. Something to look forward to each day. The Japanese believe that everyone has an ikigai. (Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life: by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles).

I wake up each day believing that it will be a better day than yesterday. There is always a way to do things better, to be a better human being, to have a reason to smile, or to meet someone who can provide good guidance and offer some words of wisdom. I love and trust my family, friends and my colleagues. When I do something with them and for them, it is because I know it is the right thing to do. And it is from the bottom of my heart without expecting anything in return.

Therefore, having a reason to jump out of bed each morning is how I manage my work-life balance.

Share a book/person that has most influenced your career or life? And why?

My mother has had the most influence on my career and my life. Even though she is illiterate and when we were living hand-to-mouth (when I was young), she worked hard and tirelessly for the family, sometimes just having a piece of bread and glass of water the whole day. She built her little trading business based on trust and respect, making friends with people of all races, dialects, regardless of status and class. She genuinely cares for people around her and has a soft heart for the poor and disadvantaged. She once told me a story of how she convinced a young man to not give up hope despite his many challenges in life and he eventually overcame his difficulties and became a successful businessman and has a big happy family.

 When did you join Tricor & why did you join Tricor? 

I joined Tricor on October 1, 2021. I believe Tricor Singapore has a lot of potential for growth over the next five years. We must constantly look for opportunities to transform the way we do our work, and conduct our business to make it future-fit, efficient and sustainable. Most importantly, we must take good care of our people, provide exceptional service to our clients and enhance our standing in the business community.

Topics: Executive Spotlight

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