Monash Home Monash Info News and Events Campuses and Faculties Monash University
Monash Alumni
Alumni Home Alumni Networks Alumni Events Alumni News Online Networking FAQ

Profile of an entrepreneur

Malaysian Jui Hong has tried the corporate life, hung-out with pop stars, survived two years running his own advertising agency and now has a boutique retailing women's lingerie. He's only 27 years old.
 
Jui Hong and son Hong admits it wasn't easy jumping into a career he wasn't qualified for. He spent lots of time observing the industry and devouring every trade journal and book he could get his hands on. "When I first started Phische (the name of his agency) I had nothing to draw on. No real advertising experience, no portfolio of clients to shout about. All I had was some time spent in public relations at the music label and a lifetime of watching movies, television and ads. At the start, I was advised to do some work for free, just to build up a client base. That didn't work... Instead I worked on building trust with clients 

and I realised I had hit the jackpot! I now believe clients today want people who're very transparent about the way they work, what they can or cannot do, and people who are flexible." 

For his latest venture, Hong has teamed with former Monash classmate Ng Jit Hua (BCom) to start a franchised Blush! boutique in Bangsar Shopping Centre. He was also part of the founding council of the Technoprenuers' Association of Malaysia (TeAM). 

Outside of work, Hong spends most of his time with his family - a loving wife and a very active 16-month old boy. "It's quite endearing watching my son grow; the new things he's learning everyday, the beginning of conversations and funniest of all, the way he's imitating our every action. That cracks me up every time."

Hong says of his diverse experiences, "The most important thing I've realised is that learning doesn't stop when you obtain a degree. Whether through experience in the field or through the experiences of others, the key is mastering the art of learning. That's what will determine the speed of your success in the future". Drawing on his love of movies, Hong says, "It's the Erin Brokovich effect - you can be better than others who're professionally trained".

When asked what his future plans are, a grin breaks across his face, "We'll see."

* FOR MORE INFO  
* Visit the Monash Malaysia alumni website
 
 
* Read the latest alumni newsletter 'At Monash' - Malaysian edition

 

 
HelpContactsSite MapStaff DirectorySearch