From managing director to accidental author: A new purpose after 55

I AM, in many ways, an accidental author. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would one day write a book – much less six.

Yet over the past 17 years, it has become one of the most meaningful journeys of my life, reshaping not only how I think, but also how I understand purpose, service and the next chapter of life after a main career.

Writing for charity

My first book, Vantage Views – A Collection of Thoughts on Contemporary Issues, was published by The Business Times in 2008.

It brought together my published and unpublished contributions to the newspaper’s “Views from the Top” column, written between 2007 and 2008. The essays examined business, leadership, talent development, family, public policy, sustainability and giving.

What began as a professional obligation gradually became an intellectual awakening. It reminded me that no individual has all the answers – and that thoughtful reflection is often more valuable than quick opinion.

The first book was published in support of the Dr Ong Chit Chung Bursary Fund, providing assistance for children from disadvantaged families in Bukit Batok.

Encouraged by its success, I wrote Vantage Views II, published in support of the Institution of Engineers, Singapore.

The essays, written during the turbulent years following the collapse of Lehman Brothers, explored a world where shocks spread rapidly across borders, demanding fresh thinking from governments, organisations and individuals alike. 

Many friends asked how I found time to write regularly despite a demanding career. My answer was simple: writing is mental gymnastics. It forced me to think deeply, challenge assumptions and sharpen my ideas. Over time, this discipline became a form of intellectual renewal. 

After decades of leading organisations, where decisions had to be made swiftly and often under pressure, writing offered a different kind of clarity – one grounded in reflection rather than urgency. 

Believing my writing journey had reached its conclusion, I published Vantage Views III – A Final Collection of Thoughts on Contemporary Issues. The book supported the Halogen Foundation Singapore, which is dedicated to developing youth from disadvantaged backgrounds through leadership and entrepreneurship programmes.

The essays covered the years from 2012 to 2014, reflecting on a world characterised by economic uncertainty, China’s rise and India’s transformation.

A bridge between generations

I was wrong in thinking that would be my final book.

My desire to continue writing – and raising funds for worthy causes – led to Golden Nuggets, an anthology of short stories by seniors. I served as co-author and co-editor. 

What began as a personal ambition to write Asian Aesop’s Fables-style stories for my grandchildren evolved into a collaborative project celebrating the wisdom of older Singaporeans. 

This shift from commentary to storytelling marked an important psychological transition: writing was no longer just analysis, but a bridge between generations. 

My fifth book, A Tortoise and the Mountain, was an Asian allegory written to inspire young people with messages of perseverance, courage and hope.

The central message was simple: “When you think of the impossible, nothing gets done. When you believe in the possible, the apparent impossible becomes possible.”

The book was my way of passing on lessons to the next generation. The proceeds from the sale of the book were donated to Honour Singapore, Centre for Fathering and Halogen.

My sixth and final book, Hard Truths and Realities, was launched in November 2025. I co-authored it with my close friend Brian Chang. Together, we reflected on decades of business, leadership and community service.

It was published in support of the Singapore Polytechnic Graduates Guild Education Fund Endowed Bursary Scheme, to offer bursaries to deserving students from low-income families from Singapore and the region.

Our hope was that younger readers would gain a deeper appreciation for the many blessings Singapore enjoys – political stability, racial harmony, social cohesion and educational opportunities – while drawing practical lessons for life and leadership.

Across six books, more than S$3 million was raised for charitable causes. 

Sharing our gifts with others

I share this story not as a record of achievement, but as an invitation to consider how each of us might use our time, talents and experiences to serve others.

Writing has been both a discipline of the mind and a calling of the heart. It has kept me intellectually engaged, helped me make sense of an increasingly complex world and transformed words into opportunities that promote education, hope and dignity.

If there is one lesson from this unexpected journey, it is this: purpose multiplies impact. When our talents are aligned with a cause greater than ourselves, even modest efforts can create lasting change.

Writing has been my gift. Each of us has our own. We can all give the gift of our time and talents to those who need them most.

The writer is the former vice-president and managing director of Compaq Computer Asia Pacific. He is also a board member, senior adviser, adjunct professor and mediator.

This commentary is an updated version of an article that was previously published on Storm-asia.com