CHARLES WONG, 32
BY mussadique suleiman

Charles and I met about 15 years ago in Kuala Lumpur, and we became close when the both of us were studying in the UK. The two of us have spent a lot of time at coffee shops and mamaks, talking about business ideas. Talking business with Charles is fun and exciting not to mention inspiring. Charles enjoys the process of developing any product or service and thrives on challenges.

His first major development project Jaya One is now the playground for his ideas for profit, fun and giving back to society. Charles sees Jaya One playing a crucial role in engaging and driving the PJ community forwards in lifestyle, commerce, dining and the arts. His hunger for knowledge and curiosity served him well since he had to learn a lot about the business from many of the people he employed. His most influential mentor would be his father, Wong Chee Kooi founder of S.P. Setia.

Charles is not someone you can put in a box. He’s got a sharp business mind but also has a love for the arts. Photography is his hobby and his photographs reveal an artist at heart despite his very corporate exterior. He contributes to the community through his involvements with several artistic groups and charitable organizations to help raise awareness of the arts. He is currently working with Rantai Independent Arts Festival that will be held on and around Merdeka, a three-day arts event that will showcase live music, short locally produced films, art exhibitions, literature and poetry reading. He is also currently busy overseeing the Pasionately Pink campaign for the next three months to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Mussadique Suleiman is a co-founder and director of StudioVoxel an Animation and Visual Effects Studio, LightToSight a tech start-up and LTS 5 Star Media - a tourist information service provider.