Martin Tan is the Country Manager of SHOPLINE Singapore, an e-commerce enabler that allows merchants to set up an online store and deliver an omnichannel experience. 

‍

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

At SHOPLINE, we combine e-commerce, social commerce, and point of sale (POS) in one centralized platform. 

For businesses, this means we connect many retail functions like inventory and sales management, payment systems, logistics integration, omnichannel marketing, customer relationship management, and more.

Simply put, SHOPLINE enables all types of businesses to put their customer experience first, by building a unified commerce strategy with our smart commerce platform.

‍

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

I work really hard so that I can travel even harder.

I enjoy uncovering and discovering the unknown, immersing myself in different cultures in different parts of the world. 

Prior to joining SHOPLINE, I had the wonderful opportunity to embark on a year-long road trip adventure around SEA in a self-converted campervan with my wife. Had it not been for the pandemic, our aim was to drive from Singapore to Portugal.

‍

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

It’s tough to pick just one big highlight in my career. I feel like every day is filled with highlights, you know? We're constantly dealing with new challenges, business needs, and all sorts of tech changes, both big and small.

And the people I've met along the way? They're the real game-changers. They've helped shape the experiences and lessons I've picked up, and that's just priceless to me.

‍

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

The rise of AI-powered assets has been a hugely hot topic. From generative AI to AI for personalization, digital businesses can tap into applications that will help them analyze customer interactions for more personalized product searches, recommendations, and messages.

‍

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

My advice is to always remember the 5G’s - “Grit. Grind. Grow. Guts. Gratitude.”

Consumer and business needs are transforming ever so quickly, while the digital landscape has also evolved in leaps and bounds. There will be plenty of opportunities, failures, and lessons along your journey to discover what works for your product, your team, and your users.

Don’t give up, be adaptable, always learn from and be thankful for each and everyone along the journey.

‍

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

Apart from work, I love talking about travel! I can go on and on about the fascinating cultures, beautiful landscapes, and unique experiences that different destinations around the world offer. 

Exploring new places and connecting with people from different backgrounds has given me a broader perspective on life and work.

‍

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

My all-time favorite movie is "Pursuit of Happiness". It's a heartwarming show about the struggle of a single father and how he overcomes all obstacles to create a better life for himself and his son. 

The film's fundamental theme is around survival, determination, and never giving up on your dreams. It is a reminder of how we should find real happiness and enjoy what we have while still chasing our dreams.

‍

🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

My go-to ice cream is almond brittle fudge from Kind Kones—it's all-natural and plant-based.

‍

FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.