Ho Chin Soon Research founder Ho Chin Soon speaks on the origins of the company’s business, its growth and the next generation.
Q: Why did you start Ho Chin Soon Research?
A: I found that the (property valuation) scene was a bit crowded but if I find information and put them in a map, it’s useful, straight-to-the-point, and marketable. If people weren’t paying money for it, then I could always just go back to work as a valuer. before I knew it, it’s been 30 years and I’ve now passed the business to my boss (current CEO Ishmael Ho).
I operated from the house; I took the bus to meet customers. The company was very small, even to the day I passed it to Ishmael — we were only half of what the current workforce is now. What a transformation!
Q: When was your breakthrough moment?
A: I cannot put a specific time, date or event — it takes years, and you notice that it’s a lot easier, and the real estate fraternity took notice and recognised that there is such a thing as mapping — that there’s a map maker out there. The concept, back then, was new.
Q: What was the main challenge during those early days?
A: The main challenge was definitely “who are you?” Nobody knew who we were, and what we did, so we had to go out and knock on doors.
Q: What do you think of Ishmael’s leadership?
A: He showed his potential within his first two years. If you pass the business to someone who is not capable, the business will fail, but look at what he’s done — he doubled the workforce, as well as expanded and brought the business to a higher level which I am not capable of, because I’m not Gen-Y. Knowing that it’s in good hands, why should I continue and hang on here? I might as well go and enjoy myself!
Q: Any wise words for the younger generation?
A: Never advise young adults. Who are we to tell the younger generation how to live their lives? If I told Ishmael that the business must be conducted like how I operated, Ho Chin Soon Research wouldn’t be this big and famous! Young people are capable adults, able to make their own decisions. Don’t ask the older generation — they give bad advice.