Chief Change Officer #222 Inheritance? No Thanks. Chris Quek’s Boldest Bet Yet – Part 2
Christopher Quek wasn’t built to follow the family script. In this two-part series, we explore how he walked away from the comforts of a well-established family business in Singapore to chase entrepreneurship in Malaysia—much to his father’s dismay. After returning home, he doubled down on his independence by selling his inheritance to launch TRIVE, a venture capital firm built on his own vision.
Last episode looked into his quest for self-identity—the reasons behind his bold moves and how he made them a reality. This time, we’ll discuss his current work as a VC investor, his ambitions for the entrepreneurial landscape in Southeast Asia, and his thoughts on legacy and family at this stage in his life.
Key Highlights of Our Interview:
Kicking off with a big question: Is Singapore still relevant after 50 years? Here's an entrepreneurial view
"In 2015, when Singapore celebrated its 50th birthday as a nation. Singapore evolved itself out of necessity where it built a whole nation, a workforce of engineers, scientists, bankers, lawyers, doctors, specialists. We started losing a whole generation of entrepreneurs."
Bridging the Generation Gap: How to Turn ‘Parents’ Old Ways’ into a Future-Proof Family Business
"I actually have a network of over 300 family business owners across Southeast Asia. And there's always this common themes that starts first. Number one, how do I talk to my parents? How do I have a good working relationship with my parents and a family relationship back at home? Number two, I don't like the way that my parents are doing things and I need to transform this business. How do I convince my parents that I can transform this business as well?"
Turning Spare Millions into Family Business Magic: The Synergy Cycle of Tech, Money and Southeast Asian Economy
"Everyone gets to have food on the table. What we didn't realize that what this family business did was that it took that technology, have more food, more quantity, and decided to sell it cheaper to a poorer province, where those villagers were now able to obtain more quantity of food for their families."
Breaking the Patriarchal Mold: How Self-Development Earned Me My Father’s Respect
"My father has been an Asian patriarch with an iron fist. He now talks to me about the side businesses that he's doing. He asks me as his advisor and no longer sees the son on whom he used to look down."
Still Figuring It Out: The Never-Ending Saga of Self-Discovery
"I still believe that I'm evolving. I'm still learning more in terms of understanding my identity."
Fatherhood and Fortune: What’s the Game Plan for Your Next Generation, Chris?
"Anybody who wants to help the next generation is to be a mentor of values rather than a mentor of processes."
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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Christopher Quek
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--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.
Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.
10 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.
Global Top 3% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.
>>>130,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<
--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.
Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.
EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1% Podcast.
Top 5 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.
>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<
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