“Put your heart into everything you do. And walk the talk.”
This was the principle that guided Mr Neo Kah Kiat, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Neo Group Limited, through the early years of his career. He never wavered in his belief. And now, the same is going to bring his food and catering conglomerate to the next level.
An undulating entrepreneurial journey
Mr Neo’s entrepreneurial journey begun when he was just nine. He always knew he wanted to have his own business. Even if it was at the expense of his studies. Back then, he had no deep pockets. No real experiences. But he had grit. Tenacity. And an unrelenting drive to provide a better life for his family.
He’s dabbled with various ventures since. But it was a disappointment with the catered food at a friend’s party that sealed the deal for the self-taught businessman. He never looked back.
Trailblazing the catering industry
Today, Mr Neo is the leading man at the helm of Neo Group Limited – Singapore’s largest food and catering service provider. His persistence in delivering only the best for his customers, coupled with strategic foresight and bold investments in innovation transformed not only his own business, but the industry as well.
All hail the “Buffet King”
The veteran, well-known in the industry as the “Buffet King”, is also a recipient of many prestigious awards such as – SOE-Nexia TS Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2016; EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Food and Beverage) in 2015; Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award (Outstanding Category) in 2015; Entrepreneur of The Year Award in both the Top Entrepreneurs and Enterprise categories in 2012; Successful Entrepreneur Award (Platinum Category) by GRC Press Holdings in 2011.
An active figure in the community and a strong advocate for philanthropy, Mr Neo currently serves as Honorary Chairman of Workforce Advancement Federation, President of Singapore Lam Ann Association, Council Member of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Vice Chairman of Ren Ci Hospital, Singapore-China Business Association and Singapore Bukit Panjang Hokkien Kong Huay, Chairman (Social Service Committee) of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, Patron of Jurong Spring Community Club, as well as Honorary President of Nanyang Neo Clan Association. In recognition of his extensive community and public service contributions, Mr Neo was awarded the Public Service Medal (PBM) on 9 August 2014.
Mr Neo’s dedication to giving back to the community and helping those in need inspires many. He also actively contributes to non-profit organisations. He is Lifetime Honorary Chairman of Cheng Hong Welfare Service Society, Honorary President of Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, Honorary Chairman of Sian Chay Medical Institution, and Senior Honorary Chairman of Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution.
"I just believe in one thing: I must, must continue. I cannot fail."
The next chapter
But Mr Neo is not ready to rest on his laurels just yet. In fact, he’s unrolled ambitious plans to turn his catering company into an end-to-end food and catering solutions empire. His goal? Achieve a billion dollar turnover by 2025.
