The Founding Story behind Asia’s favourite snack — Lunch with Chris Hwang & Jonathan Shen, Co-founders of The Golden Duck

Sometimes the most meaningful and inspiring conversations happen over casual meals. The Time Auction Blog is a snippet of our meetings with people who have found passion in their life and career, where we get a glimpse into their mentality behind their ventures.

Chris and Jonathan shared about their founding story creating Asia’s favourite snack — The Golden Duck. Their journey of entrepreneurship was not only one with its hardships, but also a trove of teachings and self-actualization. Partnership in entrepreneurship is one of the many key aspects for success because simply starting a business on your own is physically and mentally taxing.

Hailing from a myriad background, Chris spent his formative years representing Singapore as a national bowler, before turning his attention to various start-ups — with businesses ranging from education to entertainment. His business partner and co-founder Jonathan was the then marketing head of a prominent lifestyle and F&B group.

When asked for advice on how entrepreneurs-to-be can better start their journey on a right note (not forgetting all the failures and hardships which are inevitable during the initial period), both Chris and Jon each gave their share their takeaways from their own experiences.

How should a budding entrepreneur start his journey right?

Finding the right partner who sees the same values and beliefs as you do to drive the business forward.

Picking the right business partner creates a relationship that will help you in business in perpetuity. Laying things objectively in a partnership avoids misunderstandings, miscommunications and mistrust. As partners in entrepreneurship, it is important to trust that your partner will have your back when hard times come because it is during hard times that differentiates the “survivors and quitters”.

Be transparent and trust each other — don’t be shaken by setbacks when you have each other.

It is extremely important that both are trying to head in the same direction — that both share the same vision for the future.

What is the vision 10 years from now?

To make The Golden Duck a global gourmet snack brand.

Thank you, Chris & Jonathan, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to have lunch with us, and thanks to everyone who volunteered and took part in raising 50 volunteer hours to various charities. Also hats off to The Hive Lavender for providing us with such a fabulous meeting spot.

For more amazing opportunities, visit Time Auction Singapore to volunteer and meet inspiring mentors!

Special thanks to Time Auction Singapore’s City Sponsor: