Venture builder ran a thriving business selling stationery to schoolmates

His early foray into business taught him how margins, demand and distribution worked

- Timothy Goh

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.

"That was when I first understood how margins, demand and distribution worked, before I even knew what entrepreneurship really was," Mr Lee said.

He scored big during his university days, after a DIY attempt at spray-painting car rims drew requests from his friends for similar makeovers.

"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."

Mr Lee's early business acumen laid the foundation for his current role as 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.

He previously served over two years as the 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."