Shirley Wong is an entrepreneur with 30 years of experience in the IT industry. She co-founded an IT service company that grew to a 5,000-strong workforce across 11 countries in Asia Pacific. 

She now manages TNF Ventures, a private fund supporting early-stage startups, and she’s also the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at SMU and Chairperson at the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, which brings together the brightest innovators tackling global challenges.

‍

👋🏼  How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I like to say that my job is to help startups turn their ideas into reality—kind of like a coach, cheerleader, and matchmaker all rolled into one!

As the co-founder of TNF Ventures, I work closely with early-stage startups, guiding them through common pitfalls, refining their ideas, and connecting them with the right people to bring their vision to life. At SMU Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE), I help shape its Business Innovations Generator (BIG), a world-class incubation program where I mentor student founders on product validation, goal setting, and investor readiness.

And as the Chairperson of the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), I get to support the next generation of innovators tackling Urban Solutions and Sustainability. (Note: Applications are open now until 30 April 2025!)

At the heart of it all, I simply love working with passionate founders and helping them turn bold ideas into successful businesses!

‍

🧐  What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

One surprising aspect of my journey is that I began my career as a technician in a company that manufactures ammunition and field telecommunications equipment—a field traditionally dominated by men. This unconventional path led me to co-found Frontline Technologies in 1994.

We grew from a small team of eight to a 5,000-strong workforce across 11 countries! This experience ignited my passion for supporting startups and fostering innovation in Singapore.

‍

‍🏆  What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

One of the most significant highlights of my career has been the opportunity to support and invest in a startup founded by one of my former employees. As an entrepreneur myself, I deeply understand the challenges and rewards of building something from the ground up. Witnessing her journey from being an employee to realizing her dream of becoming a CEO—and ultimately a highly successful entrepreneur—was incredibly fulfilling.

Not only did this experience allow me to relive the entrepreneurial journey through her success, but it also delivered a highly respectable return on investment (ROI). This moment encapsulates the essence of why I find investing so exciting: the ability to empower others while achieving meaningful outcomes.

‍

🔍  What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?

This year, I’m particularly excited about innovations in the urban solutions and sustainability space, particularly on sustainable materials. This perfectly aligns with the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), which is bringing together the next generation of innovators working on solutions that could transform urban living and contribute to global sustainability goals.

At the 11th LKYGBPC, we saw some fantastic examples of startups pushing the envelope in this area. For instance, MEDEA Biopharma is developing sustainable antibacterial solutions that have wide applications in agriculture, personal care, and pharmaceuticals—offering a greener alternative to these critical industries. Another standout, Magorium, is addressing the global plastic waste crisis by transforming waste plastics into durable materials used for road construction. I’m excited to see how this trend continues to grow, with startups in the 12th LKYGBPC exploring new frontiers in sustainability.

Another area I'm excited about is the integration of AI in startups and beyond. As part of the 12th LKYGBPC, we’re launching the DueAI Challenge, a platform that fosters human-AI collaboration. AI-driven startups will evaluate pitch decks from the 12th LKYGBPC applicants, complementing the human judges in the screening process. This is the first challenge of its kind in the world, and I'm excited to see how we can continue leveraging AI to enhance our processes and drive innovation.

‍

💼  What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

My biggest piece of advice would be to embrace tenacity and learn from every failure, as the entrepreneurial journey is often full of challenges and setbacks. Success rarely comes on the first try, so it’s important to stay on course and push through the tough moments.

Also, having deep knowledge and passion for your industry is crucial—it’ll help you stay motivated and give you the insights needed to innovate and solve problems.

‍

🗣  What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

One topic I can talk about for hours is my countless war stories from my entrepreneurial journey. Each experience, whether it’s overcoming challenges, celebrating milestones, or learning from failures, has shaped me both personally and professionally. From the early days of building something from scratch with limited resources to navigating the highs and lows of growing a business, every story carries valuable lessons and memories.

These experiences not only highlight the resilience and creativity required to succeed but also remind me of the passion and determination that drive entrepreneurs. Sharing these stories allows me to reflect on the journey, inspire others, and relive the excitement of turning ideas into reality.

‍

🎥  What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

I enjoy movies that depict triumph against odds such as Young Woman and the Sea. It is an inspiring and empowering story that highlights determination, resilience, and breaking barriers.

These qualities resonate deeply with the entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a great reminder of how perseverance and courage can lead to extraordinary achievements, much like the journey of building a business.

‍

🍨  What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

I like all things matcha and nuts. So Matcha Green Tea with Almond Stick Bar is my comfort sweet.