Hi-P pegs aspirations on digital economy

AT 77, Yao Hsiao Tung cuts a sprightly figure. Beneath his unassuming demeanour lies an indomitable will and razor-sharp mind.

The executive chairman of the Singapore Exchange (SGX)-listed electronics contract manufacturer Hi-P International attributes his trademark resilience to his growing up years, when he was bullied constantly.

"Because my father changed jobs frequently, we relocated a lot. Whichever school I went to, I was seen as an outsider and always bullied," China-born and Taiwan-raised Mr Yao recalls.

"But the more I was bullied, the more adaptable and resilient I became."

Armed with nothing but tenacity, Mr Yao started his career in the precision tooling …