Looking back, we have actually done a lot and achieved more than what we asked for. All Praises to Allah for all this.

We started a 2-person company doing very small job. So small that no one knows what we can do.

But one TV programme changed everything for us – Kau Istimewa (You’re Special). This documentary featured extraordinary people with extraordinary challenges. The programme was developed for Islamic Council of Singapore, Muis, to help its effort to collect Zakat (tithe). It was aired on Mediacorp TV12 (Suria). The programme successfully branded the zakat campaign and won us 2 International Awards in the United States.

I still have fond memories conceptualising the TV programme. Not many people know that I got the idea in the wee hours – 2 o’clock in the morning – it’s the best time to format an idea you know! Once I got the title right, everything just flow. The docu-drama got viewers’ heart and support. Till today, I still have viewers requesting to be connected to some of the case profiles we featured in the show.

10 years later, ScreenBox grew to produce TV shows for numerous channels locally and internationally in numerous platforms and languages.

I’m looking forward to greater things in ScreenBox and very excited in our next journey.

I want to thank my team, all our supporters, fans, clients and broadcast partners for being there all these years. Without you, we won’t have the same great journey.

Have a great new year ahead!

There’s this period called “garage” period that all entrepreneurs will go through. I borrowed this “garage” term from a friend who described it aptly.

Like any garage, you would need to manage every single little thing: the cleaning, the tools, the maintenance, the fixtures – you get what I mean.

I just love this period because it is really the exciting part of setting up a business. The adrenaline is the highest here too!

You are simply trying things out. The garage period is really the do-it-yourself period. I remembered mine.

I operated my business from home “garage” for few months – actually it was from the corridors of my in-laws’ living room. I planned my business there and made few cold calls. Not bad returns. Because – very low overheads lah. It was just the two of us and a fax machine!

Then we decided to take it to the next level. Rented a small room at Pasir Panjang Building. It was a no-frills office then. No lifts. No outstanding fixtures but the office came with a very nice view of the port. I just loved the view there.

We did everything ourselves. Carried the sofa, fridge, table and computers up to 4th floor. Imagine no lifts. Very tiring but completely satisfied.

I was the salesman, debt collector, dispatch and office boy.

It was also very difficult to employ anyone. No one knew us or had any confidence in what we can do.

There were many other hurdles to overcome during garage period: cashflow, invoicing systems, facilities… you don’t have much to work with.

But why was the garage period the most exciting part?

Well, things were simple and YOU were the centre of your company’s growth. Everything revolves around what you do or what you didn’t do. You will celebrate every little success (like the successful telephone line installation!). You will also celebrate the simple pleasures of a business deal. Meeting and convincing clients – hoping hard they go with you.

Given another chance, I would go through the garage period again anytime in the week and twice on Sunday.

If you are going through the garage period, savour every moment. It is the beginning of a great journey.

Make it work.