Roger Lim - 24/7 strongman who never rests
Roger Lim, the 28-year-old CEO of managed hosting services provider Webvisions, talks to ZDNet Asia about Starbucks coffee, foot reflexology and building an empire that lasts Describe your achievement and impact on industry.
Currently, we host 20 percent of Singapore's SMEs, and many others in Asia Pacific with our mission-critical Internet infrastructure.
What do you like about your work?
The satisfaction comes in knowing that our customers appreciate our efforts
and hard work. That in itself fuels the passion I have for my work.
Do you have a personal business philosophy that you adhere to?
I believe strongly in creating a favorable learning environment where
employees enjoy their work. That will bring out the best in them, and ensure
that they keep improving themselves and the work they do. That in turn will
result in continuous improvement of our services for our customers.
How exactly do you create such an environment?
It is very important to show our staff that we recognize the effort they put
into their work and reward them for their hard work ... We have a very open system that encourages everyone, irrespective of
their positions in the company, to contribute their ideas, opinions,
suggestions and feedback ... My door is always open to any staff who wants to voice their ideas ... We also try to enhance
better working relationships amongst our staff by setting up activities,
such as bowling and after-hours rollerblading sessions.
How do you define success? Do you consider yourself to be
successful?
Well, I would like to build a company that can stand the test of time,
perhaps for a hundred years. That will be my success.
Any role model whom you look up to?
My parents are my role models. Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded a company
out of passion, not to make millions of dollars. This passion resulted in
them developing software and technologies that have shaped the lives of many
people.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
Webvisions!
How about your biggest regret?
If I had known that I would be so absorbed, I would have taken some time off
and played a little. Since I started Webvisions, I have not had a single day
of leave.
What is your favourite form of relaxation?
Foot reflexology. I do it once every week.
Which in your opinion is the best place in Asia to hold a meeting
for four?
Starbucks, I like the coffee there.
Which Web sites do you visit most often? What kind of books do you
read?
My favorite sites are cnn.com and soccernet.com. I enjoy reading
science-fiction books, like Star Trek and Babylon 5.
More about People: Managing Asia.