JAMES YIP GHENG-HOAddress: Toa Payoh North Block 202 #18-1081 S(310202)

Mobile: +65 91017937 Email: jamesyip1979@gmail.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC SOURCING PROFESSIONAL

Strategically adept, results-driven with a lead-by-example leadership style that fosters a culture of teamwork and dedication to excellence.

Think out-of-the-box, identifying the red ocean and constant re-invention;

"The Sky's The Limit".

Professional Profile

Business-driven, highly innovative and adaptable with over 13 years of hands-on industry experience in the value-chain (Product design -> research -> production -> quality control -> branding & marketing -> inventory management -> global pricing -> global distribution -> commercial -> retail -> end-user). I have successfully managed each part of these value chain processes effectively in the course of my career.

Recruited as Head of IT and Mobile Division at Gain City Best-Electric Pte Ltd with full responsibilities for P&L, procurement and business development

Prior to this, James held challenging, yet fulfilling positions of Regional Product Manager at Lenovo (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Product and Account Manager at Asus Technology Pte Ltd, Product Marketing Manager at Toshiba Data Dynamics Pte Ltd, and Product Development Manager at TT International

With a solid background in business development, product management and strategic sourcing within global organizations, James seek a management role in a team-oriented environment with an organization where he can add value, make significant contribution and difference to the organization and its business

Personal Attributes

Highly professional visionary leader, aligned with evolving business practices and technologies

Proactive and competitive, with a strong management ethos built on integrity and quality

Supportive and collaborative team member, determined and approachable with an outgoing and engaging personality

Multi-tasker, proactive, innovative and tactful

Inspire, lead, mentor and motivate

WORDS OF PRAISE

“James was a very knowledgeable and responsible colleague, who is ever willing to help other colleagues, even those in other business divisions. He is also very keen to learn outside of his job scope”. Serene Siew, Community Advocate Manager at Lenovo

Professional Assets and Potential

Outstanding insights and cutting-edge expertise with wide ranging industry experience at management level in:

Business Development

Developing and building market positioning

Sales Planning

Budgeting and Resource Allocation

Territory management

Account management

Product Management

Product Lifecycles and roadmap

Internal and network-wide supply chain flows

Partner Resource Allocation

Sales kits, Partner training and Communication

Product launches and workshops

Strategic Sourcing

Establishing and negotiating contractual agreements

Cost control

Factory Inspection and process flow management

Legal compliance and possible risks

WORDS OF PRAISE

“James is organized, efficient, knowledgeable, extremely competent, and has an excellent rapport with people. In summary, I highly recommend James for any position or endeavor that He may seek to pursue. He will be a valuable asset for any organization”. Franky Tan, Manager at Newstead Technologies Pte Ltd

A unique leader who believes in constant innovation and redefining go-to-market strategy, not afraid to challenge the norms and reinvent the wheel. I believe in building long lasting relationship with internal and external stakeholders from ground level to top management. To be able to lead and be the voice of the company direction ensuring alignment to the short term and long term goals. Using data-centric management philosophy, I analyze and recommend strategic plans, personally execute them to realize and achieve sustainable growth in the target markets. I’m highly passionate in business development, product management and global sourcing with consistent track records in exceeding goals, fostering business growth and delivering strong and sustainable gains within multinational environment across the Asia Pacific region.

From the start of my career, I’ve worked from the ground up in retail sales for 3 years, assigned to different retailers. Thereafter I ventured into product design and development role for about 5 years working with china factories for OEM/ODM projects, developing products keeping in mind style matched with quality. I left the consumer electronics industry to go into the IT industry. For 7 years I worked at a few PC manufacturers and is currently with a retailer which completes my walkthrough in the total business value chain. I've learned valuable skillsets: (1) Product strategies from design to packaging to country price and promotion management (2) Sales strategies influencing key stakeholders, account management and business development (3) Marketing strategies employing BTL and ATL, alliance partnership and thinking out of the box (4) Strategic sourcing with contract manufacturing, factory quality control and assurance, shipping and logistics. With the back-up of my experiences I am set to achieve greater milestones in my career path, transforming ideas to realities, and to be able to contribute to the society.

DOB : 26/12/1979NRIC : S7939165DGender : MaleMarital Status : MarriedRace : ChineseDialect : Cantonese/TeochewHouse No. : 62516309Driving License : Class 3Own Vehicle : YesHobbies : Basketball, Singing

Studies History

School : St Gabriel’s Primary SchoolDate : 1985 – 1991Highest Qualification : PSLE

School : First Toa Payoh SecondaryDate : 1992 - 1995Highest Qualification : Full GCE ‘O’Levels

School : Catholic Junior CollegeDate : 1996 - 1997Highest Qualification : ‘A’ levels

School : Ngee Ann PolytechnicDate : 2000 - 2003Highest Qualification : Diploma in Accountancy

School : RMIT University by SIMDate : 2006 – 2007

Highest Qualification : Bachelor in Business Management (Specialization In Marketing) Distinction in Distribution Channel (Final semester core subject)Distinction in Global Marketing (Final semester core subject)

Contact Referee 1 : Katherine Kasper, Sales and Marketing Manager of Orange CommunicationRelationship - Former Supervisor, Contact no: 96861752

Career Summary

Personal Particulars

Contact Referee 2 : Hiroshi Utada, Managing Director of NHJ Japan Limited

Relationship – Former Supervisor, Contact no: 83882116

Gain City Best Electric Pte Ltd

Established in 1981, Gain City started out with a simple quest of improving lifestyles and a focused vision to be Singapore's trusted air-conditioner retailer. Today, renowned as Singapore's largest air-conditioner retailer, the brand is synonymous with excellent air-conditioning installation and maintenance service provider, as well as the preferred go-to 1-Stop retailer for consumer electronics.

Position : Head of Retail & Commercial: IT Hardware, Software, Peripherals & Mobile Division

Date : 1st October 2012 to Present

- Purchasing and Business Development Lead for IT Hardware, Software, Peripherals & Mobile Division- 5 direct reports, 20 indirect reports- Lead a team of buyers to manage the business portfolio of IT Hardware, Software, Peripherals & Mobile Division- Lead commercial sales on coverage of key LOB (lines of businesses) such as Government & Education, SME,

Medical, Banking and Finance, Services, F&B, Engineering, Media and Animation - Participate in the region's market business development- Responsible for managing top line and bottom line performance for retail, commercial and regional LOB for all

brand categories under IT Hardware, Software, Peripherals & Mobile Division- Work closely with vendors to support retail programs, local and regional pricing- Work closely with retail showroom managers and marketing to drive retail LOB- Work closely with marketing to support programs for both consumer and commercial LOB- Assess individual brand’s profitability and decide in-house brand share to maximize company’s profits- Introduce new processes to improve operational efficiency

Career Summary (From current)

Company Portfolio

Job Scope

ACHIEVEMENTS- Secured partnership with Chevron to build store-in-store retail sales points in 21 Caltex Petrol Stations- Won Dell’s fulfilment partner for PC Notebook Polytechnic Tender 2013 to 2014 covering all major tertiary schools

including 5 polytechnics, ITE and SUTD - Won Dell’s fulfilment partner for PC Notebook Polytechnic Tender 2015 to 2016- Won Dell's fulfilment partnership for NUS Tender Notebook Sales 2013/2014- Spearhead and develop SMB commercial business- Develop and strategize Gain City’s regional LOB for ASEAN market

Team Leadership Regional Business Development Product Training Education Lead

Reason for leaving: Interested to pursue a general management or high management role

Lenovo (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Lenovo is one of the world’s largest makers of personal computers and makes the world's most innovative PCs, including the renowned ThinkPad® notebook as well as products carrying the ThinkCentre®, ThinkStation®, ThinkServer®, IdeaCentre® and IdeaPad® sub-brands. The company employs more than 23,000 people worldwide, including 1,700 designers, scientists and engineers, representing a broad collection of nationalities and languages but at the same time working with one unified language and vision: to build the world’s most exceptionally engineered personal computers.

Position : ASEAN Product Manager for ThinkStation®

Date : 21st September 2011 to 30th September 2012

- Take the lead role in managing the Lenovo Think Station business in ASEAN including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.

- Manage the full product lifecycle for Think Station range of workstations- Responsible for driving the region's market share in each respective countries through sales and marketing plans, market

intelligence and involvement in key customer visits including initial point of contact (lead generation), presentations, proposals, through contract negotiations and execution. Meet/exceed minimum quarterly and annual sales objectives.

- Work closely with the internal sales and marketing teams; utilize relationships to ensure that product implementation schedules are met. This includes matrix communication with WW (Beijing & US) and APLA (HK) counterparts.

- Facilitate strategic partners' resources to assist in the sales process.- Engage, equip, and lead all sales channels (including distribution partners) with appropriate training, tools, and strategy

development for ThinkStation products/services.

- Experience in solution-selling of server class workstations in key vertical industries including manufacturing, media and animation, finance, medical, R&D and Oil and Gas.

- Experience in workstations and virtualization solutions, skilled in use of internet, software applications including PowerPoint, Word. Excellent oral and written communication skills and knowledge of ISV software solutions such as Adobe, Autodesk and Solid works

Partner WorkshopPartner ProgramStrategic Partner AllianceRegional Sourcing

Company Portfolio

Job Scope

ACHIEVEMENTS- Growing the workstation region market share from 5.6% to 13.2% in Q4 FY2011- Winning over HP in a landmark project with Malaysia Government for 7,000 units of workstations deployed in 2011-12

Experience Gained

Product Leadership ASEAN Market Development Key Vertical Industries Country team building

Reason for leaving: Career advancement for leadership position

Asus Technology Pte Ltd

ASUS is a global technology leader renowned for innovation and quality today, with revenue of over 8 billion U.S. dollars and a brand value of 1.324 billion U.S. dollars. ASUS has over 16 product lines, including its industry-redefining Eee products, desktop barebone systems, servers, notebooks, handhelds, network devices, broadband communications, LCD monitors, TVs, wireless applications, and CPT (chassis, power supply and thermal) products.

Position : Country Product & Account Manager of Asus System Team

Date : 1st Feb 2010 to 18th Sept 2011

- Plan Eee Family Product Roadmap quarterly and marketing promotions programs- Communicate and strategize sales and marketing plans with Taiwan HQ- Manage local distributors Ingram, SIS & Ban Leong for inventory and channel support- Manage P&L and growth funds needed for partner programs and promotions- Participate in channel sales meetings to negotiate and plan sales and support- Account Manager for Superstore accounts as well as channel dealers- Business Development for new accounts as well as corporate accounts - Manage and increase ROI for Asus Global Partner Program (AGP)- Accountable for quarterly sales target and Eee family P&L

Company Portfolio

Job Scope

ACHIEVEMENTS

- Instrumental in pushing Asus consumer market share in Singapore from No. 5 to No. 2.

- Spearhead Eee family AIO PC and Ebox business to local market in 2009

- Successful management of superstore accounts with average quarterly growth from Q1 2010 to Q2 2011: Harvey Norman (9%), Courts (12%), Challenger (15%), MC2 (15%)

- Opening of new accounts: PA Mart, Carrefour, Mustafa, PC Connect

- Won NUS/NTU tender in 2011 for Asus tablet

- Successful collaboration with non-IT channel - Chevron to sell Asus Notebook PC and Eee products at 32 Caltex outlets in 2010 over a 3 months period.

- Development of new corporate accounts with SME/SOHO companies.

Customized SolutionsComponent lifecycle Product Demonstration ISV Partner Workshop

Highly motivational teamworkProduct Management Key Account Management

Reason for leaving: Headhunted to a regional role, it is an opportunity for me to learn country business management at a regional level.

Toshiba Data Dynamics Pte Ltd

Since 1979, as a distributor of Toshiba communication and IT products manufactured by Toshiba Corporation, Toshiba Data Dynamics Pte Ltd (TDSP) has grown to be acknowledged as one of the leading telecommunications and IT companies in Singapore today. World-renowned for the leading edge technology, market dominance and quality products, TDSP's "Dynamic Difference" has made significant contribution towards making Toshiba, a leading brand in this challenging marketplace.

Position : Product & Marketing Manager of Mobile Computing Business Unit

Date : 21st May 2007 to 31st December 2009

- Plan Singapore’s notebook PC monthly purchase and marketing programs- Manage price construction of B2C and B2B notebook SKUs - Plan and manage funds for partner programs and promotions- Participate in dealers’ meetings to negotiate and plan notebook SKUs loading and support- Analyze monthly PO from HQ and negotiate on SRP/ margin support- Manage Toshiba Data’s notebook business profitability and sales revenue- Participate in quarterly Toshiba distributors’ meeting - Manage and increase ROI for partner programs and promotions - Accountable for quarterly and semester budgeting- Manage 2 marketing staff for channel marketing activities - Collate market intelligence – Competitors’ price and promotion analysis- Plan quarterly local IT shows (IT, PC, Comex and Sitex)- Plan and execute dealers’ events

Company Portfolio

Job Scope

ACHIEVEMENTS- Reduction of old SKU from 120 days average to 45 days average- Successful strategic planning of promotions and marketing activities with banks which lead to exceeding sales budget for

Comex 07, Sitex 07, IT Show 08, PC Show 08, Comex 08 & Sitex 08 on year-year growth projection

VALUE-ADD ACTIVITIES- Introduction of design and print agency pioneering Toshiba’s B2C brochures and POSM materials to improve market

confidence and increase brand visibility.- Build collaborations with banks, media and various vertical industries on sales generating activities

Regional Distributor Meetings Marketing ManagementDistribution Strategy

Reason for leaving: Movement to a vendor level to learn distributor and product management at HQ level.

TT INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

TT International is a leading Singapore-based player in the global trading of consumer electronics. Her other lines of business include the development of AKIRA, her very own house brand of consumer electronics; as well as the provision of competitive warehousing and logistics services.

Position : Global Product Development Manager/ Retail Marketing(IT peripherals/Audio Accessories & Consumer Electronics)

Date : 20th October 2005 to April 2007

- Define target SKU by distribution channel, product category, business unit, product line, price points- Determine Akira’s quarterly business plan according to global merchandising guidelines- Introduce and develop Akira’s quarterly product roadmap according to quarterly business plan- Develop Akira’s product brochures and marketing collaterals- Determine each quarter’s business plan according to global merchandising guidelines- Maintenance of SAP material master and management of New Product Introduction (NPI) program- Define Akira product line-up for presentation to international markets at AKIRA Sales Seminar- Work closely with local-based regional sales team to determine product sales and flow- Analyze and validate purchase pattern and formulate cost competitive strategies- Evaluate management, financial and technical capabilities of suppliers’ to minimize company’s risk- Collate, compile and prepare identified reports for management review- Visit suppliers during overseas tradeshows to discuss purchase requirements- Work with marketing and sales teams to plan and execute product launches and campaigns

Company Portfolio

Job Scope

ACHIEVEMENTS- Increased inventory turn-over by 0.5 month reducing warehousing costs by 15% - Increase in business size of AKIRA IT accessories category from USD$1.5m (2005) to USD$2.5m (2006) specifically to

Cambodia, Brunei, Russia, Nigeria, Malaysia and Singapore- Introduce new products to regional markets such as AKIRA microphone (wired and wireless), AKIRA brand of earphones,

wireless headphones and portable speakers.

Retail MerchandisingRegional Factory InspectionNew Product Development

Reason for leaving: Change in environment for personal development and career opportunities.

NHJ (Nichimen Harilela Japan) Japan Ltd

Japan-based design and manufacturer for digital cameras, MP3 players and hi-tech gadgets. The establishment is a merger between 2 companies - Japan trading firm Nichimen Ltd and the Harilela Group. Sales and distribution centers are located globally at USA, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, UK and Singapore as the Regional Hub for Asia Pacific.

Position : Sales and Marketing ManagerDate : 1st October 2004 to 1st October 2005

- Pioneer the distribution of a portfolio of Japan brands of digital products in Singapore and Thailand - Determine retail pricing of digital products for local and Thailand market- Consolidate new product market data and plan New Product Introduction (NPI) program- Report to Japan HQ for Marketing Updates / Sales Update / Product Feasibility- Travel to HK and Shenzhen for QC feedback and products component - Negotiate terms and conditions for new channel retail accounts- Recruit and train competent salesman to station at different retail stores - Define salesman commission and bonuses- Spearhead below and above-the-line marketing/promotion programs- Build rapport with media – Newspaper and Magazine editors- Establish proper office documentation for sales and logistics - Implement cost-cutting controls for the company - Manage after-sales service for clients and end-consumers

Reason for leaving: HQ ceased operations in Japan

Company Portfolio

Job Scope

ACHIEVEMENTS- Spearhead local channel dealers’ distribution of company’s products with sustained growth (50% per quarter) and

profitability (avg 20%) after taking into account all overhead costs.

- Spearhead Thailand dealers’ distribution of company’s products

R&D and Quality ControlSales and Marketing ActivitiesProduct marketing and country price management

Mindnet International Pte Ltd

Mindnet International was established to distribute MYOB accounting software. MYOB accounting shrink-wrapped software are distributed to corporate retail and MYOB Business Partners.

Position : Sales and Marketing ExecutiveDate : January 2004 to September 2004

- Manage sales for existing corporate retail- Manage a small team of sales promoters- Open new retail market accounts- Implement marketing bundle promotions with other products- Weekly sales review with Business Partners and corporate retail

Reference Contact: Serene Liew, Director for Mindnet International Pte Ltd

Reason for leaving: Company restructuring

Orange Communication Pte Ltd

An exclusive/sole distributor company for German brand of telecommunications devices(Olympia) such as office PABX systems and Home/office DECT phones with good distribution points such as COURTS, Harvey Norman, Safe Superstore, Weitnauer Airport, Sim Lim Square and Funan IT Mall.

Position : Sales PromoterDate : November 2000 to December 2003

- Primarily to promote my company’s range of telecommunication products like DECT phones and PABX systems.- Assigned to different major retail stores like COURTS, Harvey Norman, SAFE Super Store and Weitnauer Airport to

generate good sales- Provide impeccable after-sales customer service

Company Portfolio

Job Scope

Company Portfolio

Job Scope

ACHIEVEMENTS- $20,000 sales for COURTS Toa Payoh Pre-opening sales (Over 2 weeks period)

- Average $14,000 per month sales at allocated stores (Weekends)

- Average $25,000 per month sales at allocated stores (Full Time)

- Top sales promoter for 3 consecutive months at COURTS Ang Mo Kio

- Pioneered outdoor sales distribution business for OLYMPIA brand of DECT phones

Reference Contact: Catherine kasper, Sales and Marketing Manager for Orange Communication

Reason for leaving: Change of environment to work in accounts related field.

PCI Limited Pte Ltd

A manufacturer of printed circuit boards to liquid crystal display (LCD) modules and PCB assemblies. PCI Limited is listed on Singapore Stock Exchange in year 1992.

Position : Accounts AssistantDate : June 2002 to November 2002

- Handle full sets of accounts and book keeping- Handled staff salary payment for PCI Limited sales and marketing departments

Reference Contact: Mrs. Tan, Manager Accounts Payable department for PCI Limited

Reason for leaving: 6 months school attachment

Company Portfolio

Job Scope

ACHIEVEMENTS- Good assistance to auditing company, KPMG for audit of PCI 2002 accounts leading to efficient audit and result in lesser

time spent for Audit Company to stay at PCI premise.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER)

NHJ Singapore Pte Ltd has provided me a steep learning curve of spearheading a business and extending business networks through cold calls and meeting new clients. With autonomy of responsibility stretching from managing a small local sales and marketing team to solving quality issues (direct liaising with factory operations in China) to holding budget meetings at regional offices (HK, China & Japan) to pushing sales to resellers’ (Singapore and Thailand) to training staff to planning marketing strategies with PR firms, it has developed my business acumen in managing all areas of a SME start-up.

TT International/AKIRA has provided me a deep level of understanding of managing a brand of products, and also a critical understanding of product development in an OEM/ODM procurement environment requirement. It has also developed my creativity in product development/packaging and ability to meet tight schedules in procurement and sales to international markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, South Africa and UK. It has also honed my communication abilities with China and Hong Kong suppliers using mandarin and Cantonese.

Toshiba Data Dynamics has given me a steep learning curve in the distribution business for notebook PC. I have learned how to be versatile with numbers to ensure strategic allocation of margins and funding to partners to meet sales loading target. I am also given the opportunity to manage 2 marketing staff to ensure BTL activities for B2C and B2C marketing activities are met. I have participated in regional distributor meetings including T3M – Strategic Planning Course by SMG Training Systems and Six-Sigma Training Course by Toshiba Japan Business Intelligence Department which has widened my knowledge on foreign business methodologies in a local business environment.

Asus technology Pte Ltd has provided me a strong knowledge of managing distributors as a brand vendor and how to effectively manage their resources to ensure a seamless flow of products and services to our channel markets. I am also given the opportunity to plan product roadmap with Taiwan counterparts for the local market and autonomy to decide the strategy of resource allocation. As a vendor, i learn how to manage a brand together with distribution partners and resellers through Asus Philosophy of business practice: Humility, Integrity, Diligence, Agility and Courage.

Lenovo (Singapore) Pte Ltd has provided me an insight of managing a key profitable product line (ThinkPad) on a regional

base. Operating on a matrix reporting system, communication parties include ASEAN team based in Singapore, APLA team based in Hong Kong and WW team based in US & China. I learn that strategic planning and communication with multiple stakeholders who are key drivers of the business are equally important. My portfolio is unique in the way it allows me to expand my job scope to explore areas of business development and driving sales pipelines directly and indirectly with our customers. One major learning experience I gained is to be able to speak professionally at product launches and workshops held regionally.