From the outside, it looks like Anthony Tan’s got it all — the family, the wealthy upbringing and the success.
Today, he is the head honcho of one of Southeast Asia’s biggest tech companies, Grab — but he’ll be the first to say that the journey has not been easy.
“Honestly, maybe it was — ignorance is bliss, and if I knew it was gonna be so hard, I’m not sure if I would’ve done it,” he said.
“But is it extremely rewarding? Look, I got the longer end of the stick, so yes … but there are many who [aren’t] as blessed.”
Today, the 42-year-old is the co-founder and CEO of the U.S.-listed company that supplies day-to-day services such as ride-hailing, food and groceries delivery, and financial services. As of 2023, the company serves over 35 million users, and provides a source of income to over 13 million people.
Grab currently operates in eight countries — Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines – and brought in over $2 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2023, according to documents
Tan’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
When asked for one piece of advice for budding entrepreneurs, Tan said: “It has to be your life calling.”
“If you’re ever to start again, or you’re starting for the first time, be very clear that there has to be a calling … I really mean it, like, if you don’t feel it’s from up above or whatever you may believe in … don’t do it, because so many fail. It’s that hard,” he said.
“For me, I believe it’s literally God’s calling to me to serve, and if I have to serve on my knees, I will,” Tan said.
Tan also advises those starting out to find a strong support infrastructure.
His wife Chloe Tong left her career to join him in his mission to build Grab. “My sacrifice is
nothing compared to the sacrifices my wife has made and many others have made to go through this journey with me,” he said.
If you’re doing it for the money or you don’t feel called to it, “you’re going to run out of path real fast,” he said.
“If your support structure isn’t there … It’s very hard. I would say it’s nearly impossible.”
