The Mental Game: Overcoming Self-Doubt on the Road to Success

You were suspended in Secondary 3. Now you're Deputy Managing Director. How does that transformation happen? 

I don't think I have any hidden talents, but one thing I do have is strong determination. When I set my mind on something, I try my best to make it happen, like quitting smoking and losing weight for my health.

That determination led you to nine years of part-time study while working full-time. What made you decide to start that journey back in 2005?

I started working as an aircon technician in 2004. After 1.5 years into the job, I got my first promotion. I wasn't satisfied with being just a technician and I wouldn't settle for a supervisor position either. I didn't want a life where I had to "meet month end" for every payday. That was when I thought I should head back to school and learn so that I could have a better future.

So, in 2005, I began my first part-time studies for a Higher NITEC. And that just went on to a Diploma, and eventually a university degree.

Sounds tough juggling studies while working full-time. Any specific moment when you seriously questioned whether this was worth it?

The first time I failed a university exam, because I had never faced failure up to that point! I had done well in the past – 9As and 2Bs in my Higher NITEC subjects. So, when I received those results saying I needed to retake the paper, I started to wonder if I was being too ambitious.

What was going through your mind during those wild times?

It was a lot of self-doubting – should I just stick to what I knew? But I didn’t want to let people down. I wanted to study so that I could provide my family with a better life. My wife had given me so much support; she took up most of the household chores and took care of our newborn while I attended night classes. And my company sponsored this degree so I shouldn't disappoint my boss who believed in me enough to provide that support.

How did you push through when everything felt overwhelming?

I learnt to celebrate small wins along the way, like passing each paper or making it through each semester. I also made sure to unwind with my wife during school holidays and share my struggles with her instead of bottling them up.

I kept telling myself: think about the finish line. The achievement I'd enjoy for decades would be worth just one or two more years of hard work.

That photo on your desk of receiving the SkillsFuture Award from the President, what does that moment represent for you?

It reminds me of how far I've come. Who would have known that a kid expelled in secondary school would be receiving an award from the President? That was the proudest moment of my life.

If you could speak directly to someone who wants to start learning, or is halfway through their course, but feeling discouraged, what would you say? 

I know it's easy to think "I'm too old" or "I should just stick to what I know", but it's never too late. If you've made the decision to start, don't let self-doubt stop you from completing your journey. If you haven't tried, you never know how good you are.

What's your ultimate advice for Singaporeans hesitating about upskilling? 

Your career is yours to take charge. If you worry too much about what you may not be able to achieve, you will never be able to achieve anything. The question is whether you let your self-doubt stop you or use it to fuel your determination.