In the fast-paced world of commercial building technology, where innovation meets functionality, Bryan Ong stands at the forefront. As the Managing Director of Keppel Real Estate Division Technology Partner, he's shaping the future of real estate operations and energy management. Yet, beyond the cutting-edge tech, Bryan appreciates the timeless elegance of classic tailoring. A dedicated client of CYC, he annually refreshes his wardrobe with impeccably crafted business suits and shirts, favouring compact prints that strike the perfect balance between style and subtlety. A proud father of three daughters, navigating the exciting stages of secondary school, college and university, Bryan seamlessly blends his professional drive with a grounded appreciation for life's finer details. Join us as we explore how Bryan navigates the demands of his tech leadership, his family life, and his enduring appreciation for CYC's craftsmanship.
Bryan, your work at Keppel is at the intersection of technology and building operations and energy management. What sparked your passion for this field, and how has it evolved over the years?
I am always passionate about solving problems, right from the start of my career as a code warrior; I have been writing lines and lines of computer code to solve business problems. Be it a simple automation or developing a go-to-market product, you can do anything with software. I still remember the very first car insurance software in the industry was written by me. It computes the risks of a car owner based on his profile and years of experience, and deriving the insurance premium for the company.
As a Managing Director in a tech-driven company, how do you see the role of personal presentation and tailored attire in establishing credibility and fostering business relationships?
So super important, I am not exactly a ‘standard size’ person; what I mean by that is I cannot buy something off the shelf that fits perfectly my body structure. My broad shoulders and thick neck would require a larger than usual shirt size, this would cause the sleeves (for long sleeves) too long for my arms and crumple at my wrists. That is so sloppy during client or partner meetings, and especially at senior management meetings. Looking smart and professional commands respect and attention when trying to make a point.
You've been a loyal client of CYC for your business suits and shirts. What initially drew you to CYC, and how has your relationship with us developed over time?
I remember stumbling into CYC for the first time as I happened to be in Raffles Hotel. I needed some new trousers, same thing as I am a short, stout person, I cannot buy trousers off the shelf off any departmental stores. They are typically too long for my waist line. What I appreciate from that first visit was the quality of the custom fit; not just the materials, but also the finishing and the fit. Kudos to the craft of uncle Daniel, the trousers lasted more than 2 years. I keep coming back year after year, uncle Daniel even did his craft for my wedding suit and shirts.
You have a preference for compact prints for your Chinese New Year shirts. What draws you to this style, and how does it complement your overall personal image?
I have this personal tradition that it is mandatory to have new shirts and trousers for the first 2 days of the celebration, and new shirt and trousers for the first day returning back to work post Chinese New Year. The compact prints allows my wardrobe to perform duo-roles, that casual formal wear for Chinese New Year; it can then be used for dress down Fridays, or customer/partner evening events that don’t require formal business suits. The compact prints allows me to look younger for my age.
As a father of three daughters, how do you balance the demands of your career with your family life, and what are some of your favourite ways to spend time with your daughters?
They are in their teenage and young adult phase of their lives, spending most of their time with their own friends. We do occasionally go out as a family to have a nice meal at one of their favourite cuisines or eateries. We do ensure that we at least have a family trip or two together, either chill out at a resort or one of their favourite shopping destinations.
With daughters in secondary school and university, you're experiencing a unique phase of parenthood. How has this stage of life influenced your perspective on work-life balance and personal style?
They are into shopping and fashion, so when we go out together as a family unit; they do care about what I wear, the colour combination, the current fashion trends. The compact prints puts me closer to their age (I think), they constantly remind me that I should stop looking like an ‘uncle’. Thus I go back to CYC annually and be very meticulous about searching for the right prints to match them.
What are some of the key principles you instil in your team at (Keppel), and how do these principles translate into your personal approach to work and life?
Be true and passionate about what you do, be open but respectful to each and every one working together as a team. When you make someone else successful, you become successful. When we build and deliver a technology stack, from platforms to software to infrastructure, there are so many moving parts ; each highly dependent on the other to complete on time and with quality. It needs all hands to do their best work to deliver the product to market.
How do you see the future of commercial building technology evolving, and how do you ensure that (Keppel) remains at the forefront of innovation?
Commercial buildings and the built environment is here to stay, however, the real estate industry is currently facing head winds; while some will say it is the best time to invest into the future, investors and asset owners remain cautious. Whatever the market might be, it remains the key business driver to maximize revenue and lower the cost of operations. And energy consumption is the biggest ticket of any commercial buildings. With Machine Learning and Gen AI becoming mainstream, the opportunities are there for Keppel to harness those technologies. We will be one step closer to autonomous building operations.
What advice would you give to other professionals who are looking to balance a demanding career with a fulfilling family life, while also maintaining a strong sense of personal style?
Prioritise everything… including building your own image and brand. Be daring to step out of the your comfort circle, do something completely new. Wearing shirts with prints is completely out of my comfort circle not until 5 years ago…
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for both your professional and personal life, and how do you see your style continuing to evolve in the years to come?
Read a book, it’s called ‘Die with Zero’… and I am inspired by it. While I am still building up enough for the kids to stand on their own feet, I should also enjoy the fruits of my labour. Having too much wealth is useless when I pass from this world. So I returned to my previous passion of riding a motorcycle, I want to do the next adventure riding across Europe. And I will need the team in CYC to continue to make me look younger.
Ready to Craft Your Own Lasting Style Story?
Just as Bryan navigates the cutting edge of commercial building technology while appreciating the timeless elegance of a perfectly tailored suit, his story reminds us that passion and attention to detail can thrive in any field. Whether it's crafting innovative solutions or curating a personal style that reflects your individuality, the pursuit of excellence remains a constant.
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