Kang Puay Seng

CEO, Gong Cha Singapore

EMBAC, Class of 2014

Kang Puay Seng is most notable for co-founding the iconic local soya bean chain, Mr Bean, in 1995, and reviving the much-loved Taiwanese bubble tea brand Gong Cha in 2017. But little do people know that his journey into the world of business began far earlier. 

Puay Seng was working in a multinational corporation before he had to take over the family’s traditional micro-manufacturing business, a move prompted by his father’s declining health. In those early days, Puay Seng faced challenges where he wrestled with the complexities of rebranding and strategising to breathe new life into his father’s legacy. This initial venture tested his grit and perseverance, as he navigated the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship and management, also influencing his approach to future hurdles. 

In 1995, Puay Seng embarked on an exciting new chapter, joining forces with a friend to start Mr Bean, a soybean milk business. Their goal was to revitalise this everyday breakfast item and make it a standout product. To do this, they decided to cast aside traditional norms and infuse their products with innovative ideas. This bold approach led them to create an array of enticing new products, from uniquely flavoured pancakes to creamy bean curds and even pearly soy milk. Their innovative spirit paid off, capturing the imagination of customers and paving the way for their brand to reach international shores. Under the leadership of Puay Seng, Mr Bean expanded to six Asian countries including Singapore, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines. 

However, he soon found himself at a plateau in his career and sought new perspectives to climb higher. He decided to enrol in the Executive Master in Business Administration Chinese (EMBAC) programme at NUS Business School, which proved to be a turning point. The programme reignited his passion for learning and offered new insights and perspectives. After graduating, he immersed himself in market research both locally and internationally in search of new opportunities.  

It was during this period that he learned of Gong Cha’s exit from the Singapore market. Recognising the brand’s significance to local consumers, he saw an opportunity to reintroduce it to the community. He repositioned Gong Cha’s brand and infused new trendy flavours, captivating bubble tea lovers and demonstrating his flair for adaptation and innovation. Over just four years, the Gong Cha brand successfully expanded to more than 30 outlets islandwide.  

Till today, Puay Seng remains a firm believer in life-long learning—in 2022, he completed another Master’s degree in Master of Public Administration and Management from the NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. He continues to inspire with his entrepreneurial spirit, and stands as a testament to the transformative impact of education and determination.