SINGAPORE

In a remarkable display of entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Zames Chew, Mr. Muhamad Imran Mean, and Ms. Charmaine Low are breaking stereotypes as they embark on business ventures in their teenage years and early twenties. Their stories illustrate that age is merely a number when it comes to ambition and success.

These trailblazing Gen Z entrepreneurs are leveraging their unique perspectives and digital expertise to carve out their places in the business landscape. Surveys indicate a trend where many young people opt for entrepreneurship over traditional employment. For instance, a 2022 Microsoft report highlighted that around 62% of American Gen Z individuals are either managing their own businesses or planning to start one. The rise of social media has played a crucial role in fostering this entrepreneurial wave, enabling young people to establish side hustles seamlessly.

The supporting environment for young entrepreneurs has transformed drastically. Mr. Martin Tan, co-founder of Halogen Singapore, emphasizes that 21 years ago, there was minimal emphasis on youth entrepreneurship. Now, young individuals are eager to venture into business, demonstrating resilience and a readiness to embrace failure as a learning opportunity.

The aspirations of Gen Z differ significantly from previous generations, with a strong desire for social impact taking the forefront. Ms. Lim Ee Ling, CEO of Wavesparks, discusses how Gen Z seeks fulfillment through contributing to greater causes. Her organization, which includes a start-up incubator for aspiring entrepreneurs, has successfully engaged thousands of young individuals across Asia since its inception in 2018.

Zames Chew: From Humble Beginnings to $1.7M Business

At just 16, Mr. Chew founded Repair.sg, a platform born from his parents' struggles to find reliable property repair services. With a mere $30 investment, he laid the groundwork for what would become a $1.7 million revenue-generating enterprise. Initially operating under his father’s name due to his age, Mr. Chew's vision transformed Repair.sg into a sought-after service providing handyman, plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning solutions.

Understanding the power of technology, Zames utilized his programming skills to create the company’s website and software. He pioneered an online booking system that connected customers with quality service providers, ensuring a streamlined experience. Repair.sg now has served over 20,000 customers and employs 18 staff, including 11 foreign workers, while maintaining strong relationships with corporate clients.

Displaying a commitment to quality, Zames emphasizes fair pricing and exceptional service, proving that the industry’s reputation can be transformed by placing value on customer satisfaction and worker treatment.

Muhamad Imran Mean: From Bullying to Philanthropy

Mr. Muhamad Imran Mean’s journey took a different route marked by personal resilience. Bullied in school, he faced immense challenges but turned his struggles into motivation. After repurposing his hardships into a successful social enterprise, Signaturesofimran Group, he has generated mid-six-figure annual revenues offering cleaning, transport, and manpower services.

Imran’s heart for giving back led him to establish the IM Volunteers Network (IMVN), which provides support to families in need. His initiatives have reached beyond Singapore, helping the less fortunate in Malaysia as well. Through IMVN, he has mobilized hundreds of volunteers to assist various communities, showcasing the powerful impact of youth-led organizations.

Charmaine Low: Redefining Success with a Salad Bar

At the age of 20, Ms. Charmaine Low decided against traditional university education to pursue her passion for the culinary arts by opening a salad bar. Her business, Smol, has since transformed into a successful social enterprise featuring a range of creative salad dishes. After overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smol is now profitable and has expanded its clientele to include major corporations.

Charmaine emphasizes the importance of social impact alongside profitability, as she employs workers from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities. Her resilience in facing skepticism about her capabilities as a young female boss has turned into a strength, showcasing her ability to lead with confidence.

These young entrepreneurs exemplify the drive and ambition of today's youth. They are not only making waves in their respective industries but also inspiring others to follow suit, emphasizing that it’s never too early to pursue entrepreneurial dreams and effect meaningful change.

Are you ready to be inspired? Follow in the footsteps of these remarkable young leaders and discover your own path to success!