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Cheong Chia Chou

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki



Cheong Chia Chou
Cheong Chia Chou.jpg Cheong Chia Chou.jpg
Cheong in April 2018
Born (1975-11-19) November 19, 1975 (age 50)
Ipoh, Malaysia
🏳️ NationalitySingaporean
🏫 EducationNational University of Singapore (B.Comp.)(MComp)
💼 Occupation
Founder and Managing Director, Pictureworks Holdings Sdn Bhd

Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, PUC Berhad

Chief Executive Officer, 11street Malaysia
🌐 WebsiteLinkedIn Instagram

Cheong Chia Chou (born 19 November 1975) is a Singaporean entrepreneur. He is the founder and Managing Director of Pictureworks Holdings Sdn Bhd, current Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian ACE-Market listed company, PUC Berhad (Bursa Malaysia Stock Code: 0007), as well as the Chief Executive Officer of online marketplace, 11street Malaysia (operated by Celcom Planet Sdn Bhd).

Early life and education

Born and raised in Ipoh, Perak, Cheong is the youngest of three siblings. He has an elder brother, Cheong Chia Chieh (deceased) and elder sister, Cheong Chia Chen.

Cheong graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science with Honours from National University of Singapore ("NUS”), and subsequently completed his Master’s Degree in Computer Science at the same university.[1]

Inspiration and mentorship from late brother

Cheong’s journey as an entrepreneur is closely linked to that of his late elder brother, Cheong Chia Chieh.[2]

When Cheong started his first year at NUS in 1997, his elder brother Chia Chieh had started his first computer shop in Serdang, Selangor selling sub-assembly computers.[2] During the holidays, the brothers spent a lot of time together and the younger Cheong learned all he could from his elder brother, especially on negotiation techniques and innovation.[2]

In his second year, Cheong realised the potential of the Internet and writing HTML code.[2] The brothers started a new partnership where Cheong handled the IT aspects and web page programming, while the elder brother Chia Chieh focused on business, marketing and sales.[2] The following year, they extended beyond selling web pages to packaging system solutions along with web consultancy services.[2] He credits Chia Chieh for opening his eyes to the value of entrepreneurial and business skills.[2]

On 27 February 2016, Chia Chieh passed away from a rare illness known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).[3]

Entrepreneurial journey

Cheong started his first venture with GeoFoto Pte Ltd in 1999 together with four of his professors from NUS to commercialise its various technologies.[2] As the Co-Founder and Chief Architect, he collaborated with his alma mater to develop system architecture and marketed imaging technology. As an extension of his line of work, he subsequently designed an online photo printing system (Print@Fuijcolor) which was later sold to Fujifilm Singapore in 2001.[2]

After leaving GeoFoto Pte Ltd, Cheong went on to work at Systems@Work Pte Ltd (later acquired by WireCard AG) as its Business Solutions Director.[4] He led a team in the planning and development of large-scale payment systems and payment products including mobile applications to meet the growing demands of Malaysia’s online ePayments ecosystem.[5] During this time, Fujifilm approached Cheong to explore the possibility of developing instant printing kiosks using Bluetooth mobile technology.[6] He embraced the offer which led to the establishment of Pictureworks Pte Ltd in 2003.[6] Together with his team, they established the world’s first mobile photo printing kiosk – Cheki, which was then being installed over hundreds of kiosks in most of the Fujifilm outlets across Singapore.[6]

The following year, Pictureworks Pte Ltd started to leverage on WiFi solutions that allowed images to be transferred from camera to computer[6], enabling users to take pictures and get instant printouts from the printers at events,[2] known as PictureAnywhere.[6] For that, Pictureworks Pte Ltd was awarded the National Infocomm Award in the category of Most Innovative Use of Infocomm Technology (Private Sector - Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) in 2008.[7]

Due to the low barrier of entry to the industry business, Cheong eventually decided to restructure its business direction.[2]

In 2006, Pictureworks Pte Ltd started receiving offers to provide imaging services through ride-capture cameras attached to fixed locations on theme park roller coasters.[2] Despite the small business volume at the time, Cheong accepted the offer and developed a system for the theme parks.[2] This paved the way for Pictureworks Group of companies ("Pictureworks") to tap into the theme park business.[2]

Pictureworks is the official imaging service provider for more than 40 theme parks and attractions across 13 countries[8], including LEGOLAND® Japan, LEGOLAND® Malaysia, and Kidzania in various parts of the world, among others.[9] Pictureworks owns a Cloud-based and Mobile-based[6] image solutions technology namely PictureAirTM for users to view, purchase, and share their images on mobile phones via PictureAir platform.[10]

In early 2018, Pictureworks entered into partnerships with Hong Kong theme park operator Ocean Park Corp[11], as well as with Shimao Group Themepark Company for its “Hello Kitty Shanghai Times” indoor theme park in Shanghai.[9] Later at the end of the year, Pictureworks established a partnership with China's smart tourism information solutions provider, Smart Guide Holding Group Ltd to expand into sightseeing destinations, tourist attractions, cultural and historical sites.[12]

Business career

Following the sudden death of elder brother Chia Chieh in February 2016, Cheong was appointed as the Managing Director of PUC Founder (MSC) Berhad (now known as PUC Berhad) on 1 December 2016.[13] On 1 May 2017, he was appointed its Group Chief Executive Officer.[14]

Following his appointment as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Cheong introduced a new management team and initiated a rebranding exercise. The rebranding exercise saw the company’s name change to PUC Berhad (“PUC”) to reflect PUC’s new corporate identity and brand image as a digital lifestyle technology services provider.[15] In November 2017, PUC received the ‘Excellent Brand Award’ from Worldwide Excellence Award (WEA).[16]

In line with his vision to rebrand PUC into a digital lifestyle services provider, Cheong has engaged the Group with strategic partnerships including

  • Adwhere Limited to leverage on digital media influencers[17];
  • ShenZhen Institutes of Advanced Technology of Chinese Academy of Sciences for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology[18];
  • Subsidiaries of Axiata Group Berhad to work on digital advertising and digital financial services.[19]
  • Revenue Monster Sdn Bhd for unified payment solutions[20]; and
  • Subsidiary of REVENUE Group Berhad to launch QR-based online-to-offline transaction platform facilitating eVouchers and eDeals redemption[21]

Cheong has also led the Group through several acquisition and investment initiatives including

  • Acquired Enovax Pte Ltd as the technology arm for PUC in June 2017[22]
  • Completed acquisition of a 33% stake in Pictureworks in June 2018, after obtaining its shareholders’ approval to diversify its business into the digital imaging segment[23]
  • Concluded the acquisition of 12.348% equity interest in online marketplace - 11street Malaysia (operated by Celcom Planet Sdn Bhd),[24] which also saw Cheong taking the helm as its Group Chief Executive Officer[25]

Having years of experience when it comes to managing businesses in China, Cheong witnessed the impact of China’s gradual transformation into a cashless economy and the adoption in every segment of its business landscape, from conglomerates to street vendors. Through these observations, Presto, a social marketing platform, was created in December 2017 to introduce Malaysian shoppers to a cashback model where shoppers can earn ‘cashback’ when they promote deals on their social media channels.[26]

In September 2018, PUC introduced a mobile payment function, PrestoPay[27], to complement Presto application after obtaining approval from Bank Negara Malaysia to issue eMoney.[28] Subsequently, more functions were being integrated to Presto, including prepaid reloads, bill payment, movie tickets purchase, shopping, and games.[5]

Cheong’s philosophy in business is summed up in a single quote: “Dare to change, or be changed”.[29]

Awards and honours

  • In 2018, Cheong received EY Entrepreneur of The YearTM 2018 Singapore Award for its ‘Media & Lifestyle’ category in his capacity of Managing Director of Pictureworks Pte Ltd.[30]

References

  1. ↑ "PUC Board of Directors". PUC Berhad.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 "Pioneering A World-Class Imaging Company". Focus Malaysia. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  3. ↑ "PUC Managing Director Cheong Chia Chieh Dies". The Edge Markets. 29 February 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  4. ↑ "PUC Founder Has Cash It Can't Really Spend". The Edge Markets. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Company Announcements - PUC Berhad Annual Report 2018". Bursa Malaysia. 30 April 2019.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 "Making A Last Impression - Pictureworks' Cheong Chia Chou Is Driven By Innovation In The Digital Imaging Business". The Edge Singapore. 29 October 2018.
  7. ↑ "NIA: PictureAnywhere Goes Places". Infocomm Media Development Authority. 3 November 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  8. ↑ "PUC Berhad's OmniChannel Business". PUC Berhad.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Pictureworks Gets Three-Year Deal With Shimao". The Malaysian Reserve. 9 March 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  10. ↑ "Pictureworks Mobile App". Pictureworks.
  11. ↑ "PUC's Acquisition Target Pictureworks Gets Four-Year Partnership With HK Ocean Park". The Edge Markets. 9 February 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  12. ↑ "Pictureworks Partners With China Firm to Promote Smart Tourism". The Borneo Post. 10 November 2018.
  13. ↑ "PUC Founder Appoints Late MD's Younger Brother As Successor". The Edge Markets. 1 December 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  14. ↑ "PUC Founder Reshuffles Board, Names MD As Group CEO". The Edge Markets. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  15. ↑ "PUC Founder Changes Name to Denote New Corporate Identity". The Edge Markets. 29 June 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  16. ↑ "阿莎丽娜 萧斐弘 林福山 膺世杰名人最高荣誉". Nanyang Siang Pau. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  17. ↑ "PUC In Deal to Sell Cloudbreakr Solutions". The Sun. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  18. ↑ "PUC to Set Up Joint Research Lab With Chinese Institute". The Sun. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  19. ↑ "PUC Inks Further Partnerships With Axiata Digital". The Edge Markets. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  20. ↑ "PUC Berhad Unveils Presto Wallet In Malaysia". ecInsider. 25 September 2018.
  21. ↑ "PUC Pioneers O2O Transaction System". The Sun. 10 December 2018.
  22. ↑ "PUC Founder Acquires Singapore-Based Enovax". The Edge Markets. 26 April 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  23. ↑ "PUC Gets Shareholders' Nod For Pictureworks Stake Buy". The Edge Markets. 26 April 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  24. ↑ "In 11street, PUC Sees Last Puzzle Of Digital Business Integration". The Edge Markets. 1 October 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  25. ↑ "PUC Strengthens Partnership With Axiata Digital". Focus Malaysia. 20 July 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  26. ↑ "PUC to Spend RM36m For E-Wallet Business Expansion". New Straits Times. 13 December 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  27. ↑ "PUC Berhad Unveils Presto Wallet In Malaysia". ecInsider News. 25 September 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  28. ↑ "Company Announcements - Approval from Bank Negara Malaysia". Bursa Malaysia. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  29. ↑ "Staying Ahead Of The Curve". The Business Times. 29 October 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  30. ↑ "Five Leading Entrepreneurs Named Winners Of The EY Entrepreneur Of The YearTM 2018 Singapore Awards". EY Singapore. EY Singapore. Retrieved 12 November 2018.

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