Kok Hwa Phoon has been crucial to Candid Creation Publishing’s success. Since 2003, he has helped expand the company into a leading bilingual publisher in Singapore. Initially focused on Chinese works, he identified a need for English non-fiction books. His passion for personal development and talent nurturing has established Candid Creation as a trusted partner for authors.
In this interview, Kok Hwa Phoon shares his journey and insights. He also discusses his approach to leadership and innovation in publishing.
Q&A with Kok Hwa Phoon
Q: What inspired you to start your business, and how did you identify the market need?
A: Candid Creation Publishing was founded in 1999 by my sister, Dr. Phoon. My journey with the company began in 2003 when my sister invited me to join her as a partner in her publishing venture. At that time, the business was growing, and she was short-handed. Starting from the ground up, I was fortunate to learn the intricacies of the publishing industry under her mentorship. Initially, Candid Creation Publishing focused on Chinese literary works. However, recognizing the untapped potential of the English book market in Singapore, I took the initiative to expand our offerings. Through extensive networking and market research, I identified a significant opportunity to serve authors writing in English, particularly in non-fiction. By leveraging our strengths in both Chinese and English, we successfully transformed Candid Creation Publishing into a bilingual publishing house, establishing our brand as a leading player in Singapore.
Q: Can you describe a typical day in your life as an entrepreneur?
A: As a publisher, there’s no such thing as a typical day. My role is incredibly diverse, requiring me to juggle a wide range of responsibilities. A typical day might involve:
- Nurturing Talents: Facilitating workshops or providing one-to-one coaching to aspiring authors, helping them hone their craft and achieve their publishing goals.
- Mentoring and Networking: Connecting with aspiring authors, providing feedback on their book ideas, and attending industry events to build relationships and discover new talent.
- Editorial Oversight: Reviewing manuscripts, providing feedback to authors, and ensuring that our published works meet the highest standards of quality and relevance.
- Team Leadership: Guiding and inspiring our team of publishing professionals, ensuring that everyone is working towards our shared goals and contributing to the success of Candid Creation Publishing.
Despite the variety of tasks, I’m fortunate to have a supportive team that shares my passion for publishing. Together, we work tirelessly to bring exceptional stories to our readers and contribute to a vibrant publishing landscape.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge in running an SME in Singapore, and how did you overcome it?
A: One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced as an SME in Singapore is navigating the increasingly competitive landscape. With the rise of self-publishing and digital platforms, the barriers to getting published are much lower today.
To overcome this challenge, we’ve focused on differentiating ourselves by offering personalized support and guidance to our authors. We’ve invested in building strong relationships with our authors, providing them with tailored editorial services, marketing strategies, and distribution support. Additionally, we’ve embraced technology to enhance our operations and reach wider audiences through digital channels.
By leveraging our expertise, building strong relationships, and adapting to the changing market, we’ve been able to position Candid Creation Publishing as a trusted and reliable partner for authors seeking to publish their work.
Q: How has your business adapted to your country or region’s unique cultural and economic landscape?
A: Singapore’s utilitarian culture has significantly influenced our approach to publishing. We recognize the value of practical solutions and strive to provide our readers with thought-provoking content that addresses real-world challenges. We focus on authors who provide valuable insights and actionable advice. Our goal is to empower readers. We want them to be more informed and effective in their personal and professional lives. As a result, our authors can establish thought leadership and become influential in their industries.
Furthermore, Singapore’s high internet penetration rate has enabled us to adapt to the changing dynamics of the publishing industry. We’ve embraced digital platforms to reach wider audiences, offering both print and electronic books through online stores. This has allowed us to tap into the international market while maintaining our focus on serving local readers.
We align our publishing strategy with Singapore’s cultural and economic landscape. This positioning makes Candid Creation the go-to publisher for thought leaders. We are a valuable resource for readers seeking practical solutions and thought-provoking content.
Q: What’s your most important lesson about managing a team in the Singapore business context?
A: The most important lesson I’ve learned about managing a team in Singapore is the importance of humanistic leadership. In the fast-paced and competitive Singapore business context, it’s easy to become solely focused on achieving results. However, I‘ve found that I can create a more engaged, motivated, and productive work environment by treating my team members as individuals with unique needs and aspirations.
I believe that empathy, respect, trust, open communication, and a focus on work-life balance are essential components of humanistic leadership. By understanding my team members’ perspectives, treating them with respect, empowering them to make decisions, fostering a culture of open communication, and respecting their boundaries, I’ve been able to build strong relationships, create a positive work culture, and achieve our shared goals.
Q: How do you balance traditional business practices with innovation in your industry?
A: I believe that a successful publishing business requires a delicate balance between traditional practices and innovation. While we value the tried-and-true methods that have served us well in the past, we also recognize the importance of embracing new technologies and approaches to stay competitive in the evolving market.
On the one hand, we leverage our expertise in traditional publishing processes, such as editorial review, production, and distribution, as a solid foundation for our business. Our deep understanding of these core elements allows us to ensure the quality and integrity of our published works.
On the other hand, we are committed to keeping abreast of technological advancements. We leverage digital tools and platforms to streamline our operations, improve efficiency, and reach wider audiences. By embracing innovation, we aim to enhance the publishing experience for both authors and readers while also improving our bottom line.
Most importantly, I prioritize innovations that add value to our business and our authors. We avoid chasing after the latest trends simply because they are popular, and we focus on implementing changes that make sense for our specific needs and goals.
Q: What role has technology played in your business growth, and how do you see it shaping your future?
A: Technology has been vital for our business. It helps streamline operations, expand our reach, and enhance the author experience. By using digital tools, we’ve improved efficiency and reduced costs. We’ve also connected with more aspiring authors, both locally and internationally.
For example, videoconferencing platforms allowed us to offer virtual and hybrid author workshops and coaching. This ensured service continuity during the pandemic.
As a publishing company, we may not lead in technological innovation. However, I believe it’s crucial to stay informed about industry trends. By adapting to changes, we can ensure long-term success and significantly impact the evolving publishing landscape.
Q: Can you share a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of your business?
A: My decision in 2014 to move author engagement from downstream to upstream significantly changed the trajectory of my business. Prior to this, we had followed the traditional publishing model, passively waiting for aspiring authors to approach us with their manuscripts. However, I realized that many talented individuals had excellent book ideas but lacked the skills and guidance to transform them into publishable works.
Prior to 2014, I had a longstanding passion for personal development. I invested in my learning and certifications to deepen my understanding and skills in this field. I was fortunate to learn from renowned facilitators, coaches, and trainers, and subsequently had the opportunity to apply my newfound expertise by serving corporate clients. Initially, these engagements were a side hustle while I continued my primary role as a publisher.
One day, it dawned on me that I could combine my passion for personal development with my experience as a publisher to create a meaningful impact. I could facilitate an author workshop to help aspiring authors develop their blueprint for publishing success. Drawing on my knowledge and skills, I developed a framework and designed an authorship workshop curriculum from scratch to support experiential learning. This gave birth to the “So You Want to be an Author” workshop, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The consistent feedback from past graduates expressing their empowerment on their authorship journey has been incredibly gratifying. I am also grateful to Andrew Chow, author of Social Media 247, Public Relations 247, and Personal Branding 247, who was instrumental in encouraging me to start the workshop’s pilot run in 2014 and has been a valuable co-facilitator ever since.
Launching our “So You Want to be an Author” workshop shifted our focus from simply accepting manuscripts to actively supporting aspiring authors in their writing journey. This approach has helped us discover new talent and established us as a trusted partner for authors seeking guidance and mentorship, thereby solidifying our position as a leader in author development and publishing.
Q: How do you approach networking and building business relationships in your local market?
A: I believe networking is about building genuine relationships based on mutual respect and value. It’s not just about exchanging name cards and hoping for something to materialize. Instead, I focus on building authentic connections with individuals who share my values and can contribute to our success.
In my earlier days, I had the privilege of founding a Business Network International (BNI) chapter in Singapore. This experience provided invaluable insights into building relationships and conducting business through referrals. One of the most profound lessons I learned in BNI was the core value of “Givers Gain.” This principle continues to guide my approach to networking and relationship-building today.
I firmly believe that success in business and in life is often a result of generously giving to others. By focusing on building relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual benefit, I’ve been fortunate to attract a steady stream of authors and collaborators who are passionate about our mission and committed to our success. This approach has helped me grow my business and enriched my professional and personal life.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start an SME in Singapore?
A: My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in Singapore is to cultivate self-awareness and align their business with their values and beliefs. This approach will guide their decision-making and provide them with a lasting sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to entrepreneurship. Each of us walks our unique path. So, don’t be afraid to embrace your individuality and let your passion and values guide your entrepreneurial journey.
I like the concept of JOMO (joy of missing out), which perfectly encapsulates my approach to life and work. While FOMO (fear of missing out) can often be a source of anxiety, I’ve found that embracing JOMO has been incredibly liberating. By being intentional about my time and energy and focusing on my priorities and goals, I’ve learned to appreciate the value of saying “no”; to certain opportunities and activities.
This mindset has allowed me to prioritize my well-being, maintain a healthy work-life balance, build stronger relationships, deepen my knowledge, and make a more meaningful impact in my field.
How Passion and Strategy Lead to Success
Kok Hwa Phoon’s journey emphasizes the value of adaptability and visionary leadership in publishing. By balancing tradition with innovation, he has positioned Candid Creation as a reliable partner for authors. Moreover, his focus on humanistic leadership and authentic networking creates a supportive work environment. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from his emphasis on aligning business with personal values. Embracing the ‘joy of missing out’ helps him maintain focus and well-being. His story shows how passion and strategic foresight lead to long-term success.
