Having been voted as one of Asia’s Best Young Entrepreneurs in 2009 by Business Week magazine, Ash Singh is certainly an interesting Canadian. Not only is Ash the Managing Director of Interactive SG, a creative New Media Company, but he’s also a huge Slingers fan. We caught with Ash for a little Q&A.
1. Has basketball always been one of your interests, and how did you get involved with the Slingers?
ASH> I grew up watching Michael Jordan so I have always been a basketball fan. I played basketball in school with aspirations of playing professionally. I realized (through repeated lectures from my parental figures) that statistically it wouldn’t make sense. So I got into business instead. I was a sponsor of the team in the first season 5 years ago and then invested into the team. I have been sitting court side since day 1.
2. It looks like the team has finally established a loyal fan base. Were there times early on that you questioned whether a professional basketball team in Singapore would survive?
ASH> Like any business startup, it takes time to establish yourself and you need to give yourself enough time to overcome the challenges that the market throws at you. Getting the word out and getting the press to write about us (without paying them) was a challenge. The Slingers have a good management team lead by our Chairman Mark Chang (founder of Jobstreet.com) and Michael Johnson (who manages the operations) who
have managed to overcome such obstacles.
3. You clearly have a lot of interests and business endeavors, what’s been your most satisfying venture and why?
ASH> Good question - its like asking a mother which child she likes best! I am blessed to have a good core team of people. The journey of working with them and creating new ventures is the most satisfying.
4. How often do you manage to get back to Canada and what are some of the things you miss most about living in Singapore?
ASH> My whole family is back in Toronto so I try to go back once a year. Last year, I went back during winter time and my wife Samran (a Singaporean) was not a happy camper! I miss family, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tim Hortons Coffee and Donuts, Pizza Pizza, and ice skating .
5. What can we expect from Ash Singh in the future, what are some of the things you’re now working on?
ASH> We run a digital media ventures company so we are creating new ideas regularly. One project I am excited about is an e-clothing company called Neumodo.com - check it out!
6. And finally, who do you think will win the ABL title this season?
ASH> Singapore Slingers!
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