8 lessons from owning a 193-year-old Singapore company for 15 years

CONGLOMERATES are becoming rare on the Singapore stock exchange. This corporate structure, with its mish-mash of disparate businesses, is getting less popular as investors prefer pure-play companies with clearly defined business models. Against this backdrop, a conglomerate that has survived for over 190 years is even rarer.

Boustead Singapore Limited, founded in 1828, is a company with a storied history that I have owned for 15 years. Along the way, I've witnessed my share of surprises - both pleasant and unpleasant - and I would like to share what I have learnt.

1. The CEO and succession