Adversity to Achievement

In the tapestry of life, some individuals stand out not just for their achievements, but for the principles they uphold and the impact they make. Jackie, Co-founder and CEO of BorderDollar, is one such person—a beacon of inspiration whose journey resonates deeply with anyone striving for success, fulfilment, and meaningful impact. Jackie did not start with great financial standing, but today, he is one of 40 in Singapore who made it to the Gen.T list in 2023, in addition to achieving Forbes 30 Under 30.

To be at that stage, you need to be a figure that is worth emulating after, a role model and an inspiration for others. Jackie focuses on the impact he can bring to the society be it through his ideas, his craft or his money. Jackie was actually named after the actor, Jackie Chan and though he did not embody any of his "Kungfu-ness", Jackie emulates some of the ideals that he had - Hard worker, great work ethic and be courageous enough to take risks to create an impact. To Jackie, success is synonymous with innovation—a philosophy he embodies through his ventures and investments. By constantly seeking new solutions and pathways, he not only achieves personal milestones but also inspires others to think creatively and ambitiously.

Jackie shared three core values that he pursues on his road to success,

Impact: For Jackie, success isn't merely about personal gain; it's about the ripple effect of his actions on others. He believes in creating tangible, positive change through everything he does, whether it's through his investments, ventures, or community initiatives.

Fulfilment: Every day, Jackie reflects on his journey and seeks to derive satisfaction from the work he engages in. His belief that each moment should contribute to personal growth and achievement is a testament to his dedication to living a purposeful life.

Money as Time: "Money to me is a form of time. Everyone should work towards growing a bit of money so that they can save some kind of time at some point." Understanding the value of financial resources, Jackie views money not just as currency, but as a representation of time and effort. It's a tool that, when used wisely, empowers both personal growth and the ability to effect change in the world.

Some people think that investing takes tons of money or it is limited to the people with capital but as Jackie recalls, he start with just S$100 a month. "Time in the market is better than timing the market." There is a huge difference when you have a dollar and you choose to invest it rather than just letting it sit, doing nothing. Recognizing the irretrievability of wasted time, Jackie emphasizes the importance of efficiency and focus. By respecting time, he maximizes productivity and minimizes regret. The key idea here is to work every dollar so that you don't have to work for every dollar. Jackie personally takes on a more long-term approach to his investments and apart from investing into the S&P500, he has delved into other forms of investment like art and crypto. However, Jackie warns "Make sure you brush yourself up on your fundamentals first before you experiment, because again, if you want to break the rules, you got to know the rules first."

Jackie highlights that the <News> tab under each stock to be very useful. It keeps him updated with the latest information about the stocks that he is interested in or is currently invested into. With consolidated information all in one place you can make a more informed decision while investing. Additionally, Jackie had spoken about patience in investment, citing the wisdom of staying committed to a strategy rather than chasing fleeting trends. His own journey from humble beginnings to successful entrepreneurship underscores this principle.

Jackie's approach to investing goes beyond numbers—it starts with personal experience. "A few days ago, I enjoyed a piece of, I kid you not, a piece of BreadTalk bread, I was so enthused by it, I opened up my moomoo app and I wanted to buy some BreadTalk stock. However, I did not know that it was delisted quite a few years ago and I only found that out when I read the news that the moomoo app had." Jackie's story shows how personal passion and hands-on research shaped his investment choices, reminding us that successful investing begins with genuine interest and understanding. His journey is a lesson in blending curiosity with strategy for lasting financial success.

Besides investing, Jackie actively practices giving back. Growing up, Jackie experienced firsthand the challenges of financial instability after his father, the family's sole breadwinner, passed away when Jackie was young. Despite having invested in an insurance policy meant to provide financial security, it turned out to be an investment-linked one, lacking support, the family went from a comfortable middle-class life to one of need. During this difficult time, Jackie and his family relied on the kindness and support of their community. Their generosity left an indelible mark on Jackie, inspiring him to pay it forward even in times when he faced financial uncertainty himself. He understands the profound impact of a helping hand during challenging times, and this drives his dedication to giving back.

Today, Jackie actively supports various community initiatives and charitable causes, ensuring that others experiencing hardship receive the same compassion and assistance he once received. His belief in the transformative power of kindness fuels his efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Through his actions, he exemplifies how adversity can inspire compassion and drive positive change, leaving a legacy of generosity that continues to uplift others.

His journey reminds us that with determination, focus, and a commitment to learning, anyone can carve out their own path to success. Interestingly, he started painting his nail black as a way of expressing himself, reminding himself to take the uncharted path. "Just because the society says you can't do it, doesn't mean you can't right?" He ends off with three takeaways: less is more, focus is key, and never stop learning. Jackie's financial journey started off rough but still he never backs away from challenges, if he can do it, so can you.