From Corporate to Entrepreneurship: Insights and Lessons from the Leap
This Panel brings together three accomplished former corporate executives who have boldly transitioned into entrepreneurship. They will share what inspired them to leave behind the security of corporate roles, the aspirations and fears they wrestled with, and the reality of building something of their own.
Panelists will discuss the pivotal moments that shaped their journeys, the surprises and challenges they encountered, and the lessons learnt.
Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on how to approach the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship – whether as a full-time founder, a solopreneur, or as part of a portfolio or fractional career.
Participants will leave the session with a deeper understanding of the personal and professional considerations involved in leaving corporate life for entrepreneurship.
They will gain actionable insights into the mindset shifts required, common challenges and opportunities, and practical advice from those who have already made the transition.
Target Audience
- New entrepreneurs and solopreneurs at the start of their journey
- Corporate executives aspiring to launch their own ventures
- Professionals interested in portfolio or fractional careers
- Individuals planning for a meaningful retirement through entrepreneurship
About the Speakers:
Founder and CEO, Nextplay Pte Ltd
Frank Koo is the Founder of Nextplay – a company that supports leaders and executives in developing the right mindset, skills and commitment to excel in the future of work.
Prior to starting his company, Frank was the Head of Asia at LinkedIn. He also held leadership roles in BE Education, where he was Chief Operating Officer, Pearson Education where he was President of Learning Solutions, and Oracle where he was Managing Director for Singapore and South Asia Growth Economies.
Frank actively contributes to professional communities. He currently sits on the board of IHRP (Institute for Human Resource Professionals), is a member of the Committee for Nominating and Remuneration Committees of SID (Singapore Institute of Directors) and a past council member of the Singapore NIC (National Integration Council).
As a qualified keynote speaker, trainer and coach, Frank takes on engagements to support people and organizations in achieving positive transformation with joy.
Director, Heng Ee Foodstuff Supplies
Jiaqi Xie is a Director at Heng Ee Foodstuff Supplies, a Singapore manufacturer and distributor of sauces, dried goods, and groceries serving F&B operators.
Part of the second-generation leadership team, he helps steer the family business founded by his parents in 1979. He oversees finance, operations, and business direction, supporting over 2,000 active customers across Singapore.
Before Heng Ee, Jiaqi worked in trade finance operations and receivables at Standard Chartered and HSBC. He is also co-founder of ZaHuoDian (杂货店), a neighbourhood provision shop concept built around community and nostalgia.
Founder and Human Firewall Builder, CyFiSafe
Alvin Rodrigues has spent over 30 years in IT and cybersecurity figuring out why people remain its biggest vulnerability.
Alvin is the Founder of CyFiSafe, a behaviour-change consultancy that helps organisations turn their people from a cyber liability into a genuine line of defence. He does not start with technology. He starts with people, understanding how they think, how they get targeted, and what it takes to change behaviour that sticks long after the training room empties.
His central argument is one the industry does not want to hear. People are not the weakest link. With the right training, conviction, and habits, they become your first and last line of defence.
He has held senior leadership roles at Fortinet, Forcepoint, and Infoblox, spoken at major industry conferences, chaired executive roundtables, and delivered workshops for C-suite leaders and digital communities across the region. He is a cybersecurity adjunct lecturer to Master’s degree students at ESSEC Business School and is a LinkedIn Top Voice in Cybersecurity.
He has been quoted by regional media including Computer Weekly, CIO World Asia, Money FM 89.3, CyberSec Asia, Nation Thailand, and Express Computer. He is the author of You Are Being Watched, contributed to the parenting book Planted with Purpose, and is currently writing his latest title for Penguin.
Alvin works with organisations that are serious about changing how their people think and behave, not just ticking a compliance box. He delivers keynotes, moderates panels, and runs executive workshops and corporate training programmes across Asia Pacific.
About the Moderator and Emcee:
Community Leader, EntreBoss Hub
Cynthia Hwang brings a background in Business Operations and Project Management across the IT and banking sectors, with a strong focus on operational excellence and customer-centric outcomes.
Cynthia co-leads EntreBoss Hub, an entrepreneurial community dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs through speaking events and curated learning initiatives. EntreBoss Hub collaborates with the National Library Board (NLB) to extend its reach and impact.
Beyond her voluntary community leadership at EntreBoss Hub, Cynthia makes pro bono contributions to National Heritage Board (NHB) initiatives, including the Founders’ Memorial, where she supports efforts to deepen appreciation for Singapore’s culture and heritage through event facilitation, community engagement, and faith-based activities.
A lifelong learner at heart, Cynthia stays ahead of emerging technologies and is passionate about innovation initiatives shaping Singapore’s future.
