Willynn Ng oversees the regional markets of TanTan International and leads the team behind TanTan Tribe, a Singapore-based brand and the international edition of TanTan, a popular Asian dating app often called the "Chinese Tinder."
The revamped app targets international audiences, similar to the difference between TikTok and Douyin.
👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?
A walking red flag who is also the Chief Cupid. I matchmake for a living, and also that boomer boss who is forever giving Gen Z (bleh) dating advice.
🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?
In the process of developing the international version of what is often referred to as the Chinese "Tinder" for my company, I found an unexpected sense of healing and relevance to my own past toxic relationships.
As I worked on implementing features designed to promote safe dating and foster genuine connections, it became clearer how important these aspects are. In a way, I discovered a new kind of "love" through building TanTan Tribe, as it aligned with my values and experiences.
🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
The biggest highlight is that I navigated toxic relationships and emerged from rock bottom while scaling my business and raising four kids. Now, I'm in the process of rebuilding an international brand. Balancing children with a high-pressure environment isn’t easy, but I’ve managed to thrive both personally and professionally!
🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?
How the dating industry is leveraging technology to combat deep fakes and how tech companies everywhere are grappling with the global economic downturn.
💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?
Build your network. Always believe in the network is equivalent to the net worth.
🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?
Red flags in every aspect of life and parenting stuff.
🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?
I don't really watch TV, but if I had to choose, I'd probably go for the Chinese variety show Call Me by Fire. It resonates with me because it’s about restarting from the ground up and building strong bonds of brotherhood along the way.
🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?
I’m a big fan of Häagen-Dazs Green Tea and anything mint—plus, I absolutely love the color green!
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