SLTC (Ret) Serene Chua

SLTC (Ret) Serene Chua is the founder of Kapeak Pte Ltd, a consultancy, training and curriculum design service provider.

Self-employment is typically the road less travelled for retired servicemen, but Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) (Ret) Serene Chua knew very early on that it was what she wanted to do. We catch up with her and find out more about her journey, a surprise that came along the way, and more.

What motivated you to start your own business?
Firstly, I wanted to pursue something other than a routine 9 to 5 job. I also wanted to have an infinite “career runway” for my next chapter – if I owned a business, there would be no set retirement age to adhere to. So, I’ll get to enjoy my work on my own terms. Plus, if I do well, I’ll be able to leave behind a legacy for my children should they wish to take over my business
someday.

How did you prepare yourself?
I was determined to have an early start and began getting ready for my career move about six years prior to leaving the Navy – longer than what was recommended by CTRC at the time.

I already knew that my passion and strengths lie in training. I also wanted to attain accreditations recognised by the commercial sector so that I could boost my career prospects. So, I pursued a Master of Arts in Instructional Design & Technology at Nanyang Technological University and also enrolled myself in courses to sharpen my skills in training and systems thinking design.

What has surprised you about being your own boss?
That it’s a small world after all! There’s the six degrees of separation, and we’re all connected one way or another. And sometimes, unexpected doors of opportunities will open as a result of the connections you make. There was once I was simply chatting with someone with no intention of doing business, and he ended up linking me with someone in Malaysia looking for consultancy services in my area of specialisation.

One moment of joy you’ve had as a business owner so far?
It would be the business opportunity in Malaysia! The person I was linked up with invited me to Kuala Lumpur to speak about my services. There were over 30 people in that little ballroom, and all of them were CEOs – many of whom were Datuks and Datins. It was my first time rubbing shoulders and opening up potential business opportunities with so many VIPs – and imagine, it all started with a lighthearted chat!

Any advice for someone planning his or her career
transition?
Know your strengths and passions. Start your preparations early. Networking is very important. Keep your mind and options open – you never know what opportunities await you.