1. What’s your role at Lowe Rental and what does your day typically involve?
As Managing Director for the Far East, I lead our operations across Singapore and Hong Kong, 2 very fast-moving markets with lots of local dynamics to contend with but great opportunities for growth.
My role here is focused on a delicate balancing act between strategy that actually drives growth that is sustainable and execution that delivers on the promises we make to our customers. No 2 days are the same. One moment I’m reviewing commercial forecasts and aligning on strategy with our leadership team, the next I’m on-site with partners or customers, finding practical solutions in real time. And perhaps some of the most important work I do is with our operations teams, talking to our asset and project managers, making sure we have the right resources and processes in place to get the job done. The scope is definitely broad but rewarding.
To be honest, in its simplest form, it’s a role that really revolves around connection. Making sure your people feel they can come to you, your clients trust that you’ll deliver and you never lose touch with what’s happening in the market around you. That’s the trickiest and most rewarding part of the job, and it’s a part of each and every day.
2. What’s your vision for Lowe Rental in the Far East?
My focus is on strengthening our foundations in these existing markets while continuing to expand our presence across Asia. The region is vast and diverse, so ensuring we have the right logistics, infrastructure, and local expertise in place is key. Practically, that even comes down to things like making sure we keep increasing our multi-lingual abilities so our customers can communicate with us easily and feel understood at every stage of a project.
Ultimately, I want Lowe Rental to continue being the go-to partner for major events, whilst also deepening our role as a long-term solutions provider for businesses across the region. Our work in retail is a key part of that, we’ve been proud to support brands and store networks with flexible and reliable rental solutions that help them adapt quickly to market demands. Now I want us to build on that momentum, scaling our capabilities and applying the same operational discipline we’re known for in every sector we serve.
3. What project or achievement are you most proud of your team achieving to date?
I have to say thanks to our teams here, there have genuinely been many. But a standout moment of late was delivering Osaka Expo, this is a major international event that requires a lot of planning and quite frankly precision. We are known for our work in F&B exhibitions across Asia and around the world but at this event we really demonstrated what can be achieved when preparation pays off. Our teams delivered under tight time constraints and lots of pressure, thousands of exhibitors relying on us to present their products?! I’m never not amazed at the scale behind what we do, but this was a real showcase.
4. What’s one piece of advice you give your teams when approaching challenges?
Take a moment to think things through before reacting. Often, a quick analysis shows the challenge isn’t as big as it first appears. I also remind my teams to keep communication open, especially with our customers. No one likes surprises. And lastly, well past one piece of advice! But it’s so true, how do you eat an elephant? one small bite at a time.
5. What do you see as the biggest opportunity in our industry right now?
Asia moves fast, it’s a region built on innovation and constant change and that creates huge opportunity for flexible rental solutions. Markets like Singapore are leading the way, showing how adaptability drives progress.
For us, that means helping customers stay agile. Whether it’s a short-term project, a seasonal retail setup or a large-scale event, our rental model gives businesses the freedom to scale up or down without the long-term commitment of ownership. It’s about flexibility, speed and value and that’s exactly what the market is asking for.
6. If you could swap jobs with anyone on the team for one day, who would it be and why?
I’d probably spend a day with one of our finance managers, Yui or Christine, I’m a numbers guy and there’s no such thing as knowing them too well! That, or I’d be out in the depot with Kuna or Karthi, I’ve always wanted to get behind the wheel of a forklift (maybe the team are glad I don’t!).