Teamwork is the basis of success. We need to build a good personal relationship especially among our teammates before success follows. That is why Johnny mentioned that success does not belong to a single person, but rather to all the team players.
Johnny Ong | Co-Founder of Superdough
Johnny was a senior engineer in a multinational corporation prior to becoming an entrepreneur. With an interest to bring excitement and happiness to others, he learnt and became a part time magician. In 2013, Johnny came across the Escape Game experience overseas and wanted to bring the exciting concept back to Malaysia. Established with a partner, the Breakout Escape Room Game soon became Trip Advisor’s no.1 thing to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2018. The business was not limited to Malaysia alone as they also expanded with over 10 outlets globally. Since 2018, Johnny has introduced the Hauntu Horror Experience which is an immersive horror experience game that has been well accepted among the locals and foreign tourists. As the co-founder and the creative director of the business, Johnny believes that it takes a lot of passion to deliver a good concept and product.
Q: How were you inspired to create such a concept?
A: When I was working as an engineer, I was sent to China on work trips where I soon discovered that this Escape Room concept was a popular game in China and I had the opportunity to play the game with my colleagues. I recall that during that time, the game was not as exciting as it is now and it had plenty of room for improvement. When I came back, I shared this concept with my friends and thought of establishing our very own in Malaysia.
Q: What is the biggest challenge in your career?
A: To me, the biggest challenge is to manage all my co-workers. Sometimes people will bring personal feelings or issues to the work place and I try my best to resolve them because the team is the foundation of the business. Without them, the business will not be able to grow.
Q: What is the most important aspect in a business partnership?
A: Honesty is the most important aspect in any business partnership. We must not hide anything from each other. We do not keep anything at heart and if there are any issues, we will bring it up to each other with constructive opinions.
Q: What is most memorable to you?
A: My child is the most memorable thing to me. I have been blessed with a child who is now 4 months old.
Q: Can you share your turning point in your career?
A: The turning point was when Breakout became a franchise business. I was very contended when Breakout of doing well, but many local and foreign people were keen to open franchises to duplicate our concept. That was when I looked at the business in a broader perspective and the business grew.
Q: What is your secret to success?
A: Teamwork. Success is never achieved alone, it relies on the team.
Q: What is your life motto?
A: Do not assume. We must never make assumptions and expect others to do certain things without confirmation. Be it between co-workers or personal relationships, it is best to talk it out if there are any issues.
Q: What are the characteristics of a successful man?
A: The way one talks and presents himself is far more important than what he wears.
Q: How do you define a good quality of life?
A: Stable income, and to continuously develop is very important. We must never be stagnant.
Q: What advice can you give the youth who aspire to be entrepreneurs?
A: Many people think that doing business is simple, I thought so too. But there are many things that need to be considered before starting a business. There are many business failures in Malaysia due to being under-prepared. So for those who wish to start their own business, they must have a good plan and have an excellent partner and team.
Interview & Text: Jensen Thong
Styling: Anderson Chong
Wardrobe: Stylist own | Longines Watch
Makeup: Zoeys Chen
Hairstyle: VV Chan @ Shiseido Professional
Photographer: Tian Xing @ Shooting Star
Creative Director: Chris Wong
Video Editor: Jia Min Chuah
Coordination: Alison Law
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