The Power of 100: Reflections on Success, Purpose, and the Long Game, Part 4

Each one begins with a simple question: When did you last feel the joy of success? And ends with a reflection on the number “100” – a symbol of perfection, completion, and possibility. From legacy and leadership to risk, resilience, and reinvention, these personal snapshots offer a powerful reminder: That the journey matters just as much as the milestone.

(Related: The Power of 100, Part 3)

THOMAS RUPF
Co-Head Singapore & Chief Investment Officer Asia, VP Bank

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
Success rarely follows a straight path. Rather, it is shaped by persistence, adaptability, and shared purpose.

One of the most meaningful moments of my career did not stem from a single achievement but from years of cumulative dedication. A defining moment came in 2018 when VP Bank Singapore upgraded its merchant banking license to a wholesale banking license, thereby enhancing its platform capabilities. This milestone was more than just a business achievement. It was a testament to co-creation, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence. Our teams collaborated seamlessly across functions and time zones to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, evolving client needs, and technological advancements.

When we went live, we weren't just reaching a business milestone, we were building something lasting for our clients and our people. Each time our Asia business reached a new milestone, whether receiving industry awards and accolades or experiencing client growth despite challenges such as regulatory shifts, evolving client expectations, and market volatility, it was a testament to our commitment. Such success is especially rewarding because of the trust we have built with our partners and clients, who recognize our strengths, consistency and adaptability.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
100 represents more than just a milestone; it’s a mindset. Striving for 100% isn’t about chasing perfection; it's about showing up every day with full commitment. In Asia’s dynamic wealth landscape, it means being fully present for clients, focused on providing personalized investment advice, and taking accountability as a leader. At VP Bank, our boutique approach enables us to build deep, long-term relationships. That’s our version of 100: Not quantity for quantity's sake, but quality and trust delivered consistently. Success is not a finish line; it’s the quiet confidence of knowing you’ve done your best and are surrounded by people who share the same purpose.

LEIGHTON CLARKE
Group CEO, Space Furniture

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
Success, to me, is a shared experience. Over the past two decades in the furniture retail industry, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a talented team where success is something we celebrate frequently – whether through team achievements, client satisfaction, or the growth of our partnerships.

What makes these moments meaningful is knowing they come from genuine effort and collaboration. I’ve seen goals turn into reality: New showrooms, expanded markets, and career growth for our people – all of which bring joy. Of course, success is never without its challenges. There have been failures along the way, but they’ve provided valuable lessons that keep the journey interesting. Perhaps that’s why I’ve stayed with the business all these years – there’s always something to learn, something to build, and something to be proud of.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
To me, ‘100’ represents resilience – navigating change while staying true to your vision. Reaching this milestone reflects an extraordinary ability to adapt, maintain integrity, and evolve without losing sight of what matters. It’s a testament to enduring purpose in an ever-changing market.

CHARLENE KANG
Founder, Vault@268 Pte Ltd

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
Losing a parent's sole support system at the age of 13 is devastating. In the 1980s, Singapore was radically different. This age represents a huge scholastic shift from primary to secondary school, making it an already difficult time. Losing a critical pillar of support amid a transition makes things much more challenging. Due to poor judgment, the will was kept in a bank's safe deposit box. As the only underage kid, retrieving the will was difficult. The process was far from perfect and confidential.

In reaction to this experience, I founded and registered Vault@268 in 2011. The company conducted extensive research before launching in 2015. Vault@268 was created to protect our right to privacy. The moment of achievement occurred when our client took advantage of the gratis will custodian service included with each box. After years of navigating the complexity of compliance, we are continually adapting to meet our clients' demands. What made it genuinely remarkable was the awareness that our services were now being used to preserve the privacy of others, which I had long desired following my own experience. Knowing that our customer could protect their privacy and the contents of the safe deposit boxes gave me a tremendous sense of satisfaction. It was about solving a problem. This moment embodied the heart of why I founded Vault@268 and justified the years of hard work and dedication we had put into making this vision come true.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, and milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
At Vault@268, "100" symbolises our journey and accomplishments. For us, "100" means the perfect score and our highest service standard. We celebrated our 10th anniversary of protecting clients' privacy and belongings in May 2025. We placed a 10-year time capsule in our private vault to be opened in 2035 to celebrate our dedication to excellence and the future. Gunnebo, the global Chubbsafe producer and distributor, turns 190 this year. The Automated Safe Deposit Lockers technology we use at Vault@268 has operated successfully at "100."  Our customers trust us 100% to secure their assets and goods, as seen by this smooth operation. In essence, "100" represents our dedication to quality and our clients' trust over time. It reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence and our long-term connections with those who entrust us with their most valuable possessions.

MICHAEL OSTERGAARD
CEO, Design Collection

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
Success is not a single accomplishment. It is the passion that each team member brings to the table every day, building and growing our business and culture. It fuels performance and inspires others to push beyond limits. This passion not only drives individual growth, but also propels the business forward, igniting a shared sense of purpose and belief that together, we can achieve extraordinary results.

It is a dynamic force, never static, and it thrives on our ability to adapt, transform, and unlock potential – whether in people, ideas, or the market itself. It is the culmination of collective effort, focus and trust. Trust in each other and that the learnings we make will build a stronger business. For me, success lies in fostering this environment that not only encourages growth, but ensures it, affirming my belief that focus and performance will guide us to success no matter the business unit, brand, or market we address.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you?  ‘100’ is not a static destination. It’s a dynamic journey of discovering potential not only in the business, but within the people who drive it. It symbolises progress, the ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles, and the commitment to continuous improvement, trust, passion, and ambition. Empowering people to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities is the cornerstone of this journey. When individuals feel empowered, they unlock their creativity and drive, fuelling innovation and performance across the board 

It´s a testament to focus. Achieving goals by aligning expectations and visions in an ever-evolving market. It reflects the adaptability needed to stay relevant and the collective effort required to reimagine possibilities as the world transforms.

Ultimately, ‘100’ reminds us that everything is in motion, and so are we. Through focus, adaptability, and trust, we continually strive to not just reach milestones, but to redefine them.

NICK LIM
CEO, Asia, The Travel Corporation

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
As the saying goes, success is a journey, not a destination – and I’ve been fortunate to experience several meaningful moments along the way. Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of growing travel brands across Asia and advancing in my career. But the moments when I’ve truly felt the joy of success have often been more personal – like the birth of my children or celebrating milestone birthdays with my family. 

To me, success isn’t always tangible. It’s a feeling that often comes with deep gratitude. Yes, promotions, financial rewards, or even buying a new car are great markers of progress. But over time, I’ve come to realise that true success is about long-term happiness and knowing what truly matters to you. I don’t believe anyone can feel genuinely successful if they’re miserable. So it’s about ambition, purpose, and achieving what you set out to do. I’m no preacher, but I do believe that everyone can find their own version of success if they stay true to what’s most important to them.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you?  “100” is a powerful symbol of strength and achievement. It marks a significant milestone –one that reflects dedication, perseverance, and resilience. It also represents the pursuit of perfection, something I continually strive for across all aspects of life – whether at work, with family, or in personal passions. While perfection may not always be attainable, the drive to give my best and push boundaries is what makes the journey meaningful.

USHA CHANDRADAS
Co-Founder, Plural Art Mag; former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP)

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
When we first started Plural Art Mag, it was honestly a bit of an experiment. We started off as student bloggers, trying to write about Southeast Asian art in a way that felt accessible but still thoughtful.

There wasn’t much of a blueprint, and there were plenty of moments when I wondered whether it would resonate with anyone. Years later, hearing that our articles were being used in classrooms, referred to by artists and curators and cited in academic writing, the work felt quietly meaningful. It reminded me that success doesn’t always arrive loudly or involve huge financial payouts – sometimes it looks like slow, steady work that ends up mattering.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you?
I don’t think of “100” as perfection. For me, it’s about showing up with your whole self. It’s when the effort you put in matches your values. I’ve worked across law, education, arts publishing, and public service, and I’ve learnt that success isn’t always linear or tidy.

Sometimes it’s just knowing that you’ve done something with integrity, and that the people on the other end – whether they’re students, friends in the community, clients, or readers – felt seen or supported. That kind of quiet impact? That’s my idea of “100”.

BEPPE DE VITO
Founder, ilLido Group

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
One defining moment that stands out was when I opened il Lido on Sentosa in 2006. At the time, the idea was met with skepticism, many believed the location was too remote, too quiet, and not commercially viable.

But I felt something different. I believed in the potential of the place, the experience we could create, and the people who would come if we gave them a reason to.

When the restaurant not only found its footing but became a celebrated destination, that was a powerful moment. Not just because it was a personal win, but because it validated a vision that few shared. The joy came from knowing I took a risk on something I deeply believed in and it worked. It reminded me that success isn’t always about consensus or certainty. Sometimes it’s about holding your ground.

That said, I have also made mistakes, wrong business decisions, ventures that didn’t work out as planned. Every success I have had is built on lessons learned the hard way. This journey hasn’t just been about passion; it is my livelihood, and it directly affects the people I care most about – my family, my team. That is why every win feels meaningful: Because it comes with real risk, and real stakes.

'100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
To me, numbers don’t define success, passion and persistence do. “100” might mark a milestone, but I have never chased metrics or symbols. I have always believed in showing up every day with intention, giving my best, and letting the work speak for itself. Success, for me, is in the craft, in the people I work with, and in the guests who return time and again. If anything, the number ‘100’ is a reminder that every achievement is made up of countless small efforts.

HIDEAKI NAGAHISA
COO, Glico Asia Pacific

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?  
For me, success isn’t something one can achieve alone. It comes from working together as a team, sharing the same goals, and supporting each other. That is why, rather than a sense of joy, success evokes in me a deeper sense of gratitude towards those who made it happen.

What makes those moments meaningful is the satisfaction from knowing how far we've come together. When our work is recognised and well-received, it is fulfilling because we have come from being diverse individuals to contributing to something greater than ourselves as a team.

One moment that stands out is when we brought Almond Koka to Southeast Asia. It was a milestone for our health and wellness portfolio, and showed what we can do when we work together. We collaborated with A*STAR on a clinical study on almond paste, while listening closely to what consumers in each market needed. It took coordination across many teams, all driven by the same belief in the product and our company purpose.

What stayed with me was the sense of shared purpose. 

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you?  When I think of "100," I think of Glico’s century-long journey born out of Japan. It all started with a clear and simple idea: To nourish lives through food that promotes health and happiness.

I’ve been with Glico for over 35 years, having shared over a third of Glico's enduring and rich history. So, crossing the 100-year milestone feels very personal to me. Beyond just a number, it’s a reminder of where we came from, and our responsibility to keep moving forward in the right direction.

Reflecting on our purpose of “Healthier Days, Wellbeing for Life”, we know we can stay relevant by continuing to innovate. That means more food innovations from developing high-quality ingredients and using more sustainable practices.

So for me, “100” is a new beginning. It’s both a celebration and a challenge – to keep growing, caring, and building for the next generation.

RENITA SOPHIA CRASTA
Head of Legal, TGR Real Estate; Co-President, Singapore Corporate Counsel Association; Board Director and volunteer across various Community Organisations

Success comes with effort, uncertainty, or even failure. Can you share a moment when you truly felt the joy of success, and what made that moment meaningful?
True success for me isn’t measured by titles or accolades, but by the strength of the relationships we build along the way. Whether in the workplace or in the community, it’s about trust, shared purpose, and the willingness to work together toward something meaningful. When that kind of synergy happens – when even the beneficiaries feel part of the collective impact – it’s something special.

One moment that stands out most vividly was during the pandemic. In the face of fear and uncertainty, people from all walks of life came together to support those who needed it most. From isolated seniors to our migrant worker brothers, we saw a groundswell of compassion and solidarity.

That experience reminded me of something simple yet powerful: The best communities are forged not in good times, but in moments of challenge. And when we show up for each other, that’s where real success begins.

‘100’ often represents success, perfection, milestones. What is the significance of ‘100’ to you? 
The number 100 often symbolises peak achievement – something that resonates deeply in circles I’ve been part of, especially in the legal world, where high standards and relentless striving are second nature.

But with time, I’ve come to see that our personal 100s may look very different from one another. And while it may sound like a cliché, I truly believe what matters more than any numerical benchmark is whether we’ve lived meaningfully – with compassion, and with impact on the people around us.

Reaching 100 issues is a milestone worth celebrating – for any magazine. It reflects 100 rounds of creative effort, teamwork, and storytelling. But the deeper question is: How many of those 100 have stirred thought, sparked action, or helped build community?

From what I’ve seen, PORTFOLIO has done just that – and I’m glad to support any publication that keeps striving for those kinds of meaningful 100s in life. Here’s to many more issues.