Dr. LEE Tsz Ching, CEO & Founder, BOXS
In the bustling arena of FinTech, where every innovation holds the promise of reshaping financial landscapes, Dr. LEE Tsz Ching emerges not merely as an entrepreneur, but as a visionary architect of change. Dr. Lee brings together the worlds of learning and business, making technology more accessible to everyone. His journey from studying to starting a company shows how smart ideas can make a big difference illustrating the transformative power of knowledge when coupled with entrepreneurial spirit.
From Scholar to Startup Founder
Dr. LEE Tsz Ching isn’t your typical entrepreneur; an academic at heart with a doctorate in FinTech, he’s driven by a desire to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Witnessing the burden of tedious tasks on businesses ignited a spark within him. “I envisioned a world where technology streamlined these processes, freeing businesses to focus on what matters most – creating exceptional customer experiences,” Dr. Lee remarked. This vision materialized in the form of BOXS Limited, an Innovative Technology Company offering a customer-centric and affordable POS solution specifically designed to empower SMEs in the F&B and retail sectors.
Dr. Lee’s path wasn’t without its challenges. As a young entrepreneur with limited real-world business experience, he faced a steep learning curve. He started with a startup mentality, focused on innovation and agility. However, his focus shifted dramatically after BOXS’ successful acquisition by Black Bear Merchant Service Limited (BBMSL), a prominent player in the payment industry in Hong Kong. This acquisition not only validated BOXS’ innovative ideas but also showcased a remarkable alignment of visions between the two entities. BBMSL, renowned for its leadership in the payment industry, shared BOXS’ overarching goal of simplifying commerce through innovative solutions. The synergy between BOXS and BBMSL represented more than just a business transaction; it marked the convergence of two entities with a shared commitment to revolutionizing retail technology. Inevitably, navigating the complexities of a larger organization presented a new set of hurdles. Scaling the business, managing cash flow, and navigating cultural nuances in new markets demanded creative solutions. Dr. Lee, however, embraced this transition as an opportunity to learn and grow. He demonstrated his adaptability and willingness to learn from experience, adopting a trial-and-error method and fostering a culture of open communication within BOXS. This fostered a sense of purpose and investment in the company’s success, allowing Dr. Lee and his team to experiment, and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Innovation Fueled by People
Despite the challenges, Dr. Lee remains passionate about fostering a culture of innovation at BOXS. He believes that groundbreaking ideas come from talented people, not just fancy technology. This philosophy translates into a work environment that prioritizes:
- Open Communication: A free exchange of ideas fosters a safe space for creative problem-solving, allowing the best solutions to rise to the top. Dr. Lee encourages open communication within BOXS, believing it facilitates a flow of ideas and sparks innovation.
- Empowerment: Team members are empowered to take ownership and contribute towards the collective vision of BOXS. This fosters a sense of purpose and investment in the company’s success. Dr. Lee leads by example, encouraging his team to take initiative and contribute their unique talents.
- Continuous Learning: Mentorship and knowledge-sharing are woven into the fabric of BOXS, cultivating a growth mindset within the organization and ensuring everyone has the tools they need to excel. Dr. Lee prioritizes mentorship and knowledge-sharing within BOXS, believing it fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth.
A Vision for Simpler Retail with Broader Impact
Dr. Lee’s vision for BOXS goes beyond profit; he aspires to make retail ‘easy’ through the widespread adoption of their solutions. This vision resonates strongly with BBMSL, as both companies share the overarching goal, highlighting their aligned commitment to simplifying commerce through innovative solutions. He envisions a future where countless SMEs, especially the smaller players, are no longer burdened by tedious tasks and complex systems. BOXS’ affordable, cutting-edge technology empowers them to streamline operations, unlock new revenue streams, and focus on what they do best – serving their customers. He believes BOXS can contribute to a larger social good through its commitment to sustainability. By providing affordable solutions, even the smallest businesses can compete and thrive, fostering a more level playing field.
Additionally, BOXS fosters community building by establishing a network of users who share best practices and troubleshoot challenges together, creating a collaborative ecosystem that empowers individual businesses and strengthens the industry as a whole. Dr. Lee perfectly captures this philosophy with his guiding principle: “I always had a simple idea that technology should be easy to use and help people; not a complicated system that everyone struggles with. That’s why we created BOXS, a solution to help merchants succeed. As we say, DO LESS, GROW FAST.”
Dr. Lee’s leadership is not solely about mentorship; it extends to educating and instilling his vision in his team members. He actively mentors and inspires aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing his experiences and insights. He embodies the potential that arises from blending academic knowledge with real-world experience, fueled by a relentless desire to make a positive impact. His message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: identify genuine problems, prioritize your customers’ needs, embrace a learn-by-doing approach, and cultivate a strong network of mentors and supporters.
Dr. Lee’s leadership extends far beyond the present; it encompasses a vision for the future of BOXS that includes the cultivation of successors for top-tier management roles. Under his guidance, the leadership team at BOXS is committed to nurturing and training individuals from within the organization to take on these critical positions. Rather than solely relying on external hires, Dr. Lee believes in the importance of developing talent internally, ensuring continuity, and a deep understanding of BOXS values and vision. By prioritizing the mentorship and development of future leaders within the company, Dr. Lee is not just building a successful business today but also laying the foundation for sustained growth and innovation in the years to come.
The Future of FinTech and Retail
Dr. Lee gazes toward the horizon of FinTech and retail, envisioning a future where these forces intertwine even more tightly. He sees Artificial Intelligence and data analytics as the cornerstones of this evolution, wielding the power to streamline operations further and unlock entirely new revenue streams for businesses. At the forefront of this transformation, Dr. Lee imagines BOXS leveraging cutting-edge technology to equip businesses with the tools they need to thrive. These tools would encompass predictive insights gleaned from vast datasets, empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize their operations for maximum efficiency and profitability. Furthermore, Dr. Lee envisions BOXS evolving beyond traditional POS systems, transforming into a comprehensive suite of intelligent business solutions. Fueled by AI, these solutions would automate tasks, personalize customer experiences, and provide real-time insights – all designed to keep businesses ahead of the curve in this ever-changing landscape.
As Dr. LEE Tsz Ching continues shaping the future of retail technology and FinTech, his work stands as a shining example of how smart ideas and hard work can make a real difference. His story is a source of inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in the fast-paced world of FinTech, showing that with passion and dedication, anything is possible.