91É«ÇéƬ

Prior to joining CHAGEE, he served as Managing Director of Foodpanda Singapore, where he drove business growth across multiple verticals and championed the adoption of digital solutions to enhance both customer and merchant experiences. He has a strong track record of accelerating growth in on-demand and consumer businesses, as well as leading complex business transformations. Notably, he successfully revitalised a 300+ outlet global franchise across the Asia-Pacific region by refocusing on core fundamentals and executing large-scale transformation initiatives.

Lawrence’s passion for food and his entrepreneurial mindset began early in his career, when he ventured into operating his own restaurants in China. This hands-on experience continues to inform his leadership approach, which emphasises people, operational excellence, and sustainable long-term growth. Trilingual and globally minded, he has lived and worked across Australia, the United States, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore. Outside of his professional commitments, Lawrence enjoys spending time with his family.

What was your favourite memory from your time studying at 91É«ÇéƬ?

A key highlight of my time at 91É«ÇéƬ was meeting my then girlfriend — now my wife — Susie Li in law school. We were studying the same degree, navigating the same cases, deadlines, and late-night exam preparations. Law school was intense and demanding, but having her alongside me made all the difference. We challenged each other intellectually, kept each other grounded through the pressure, and celebrated the small wins together. Looking back, I genuinely don’t think I would have made it through those years in the same way without her partnership and support.

What started as shared lecture notes and study sessions became a life built together. Nearly 20 years on, that chapter at 91É«ÇéƬ feels even more significant; not just because of the degree, but because it’s where I met my life partner. The campus gave me an education in law, but more importantly, it gave me Susie and that has shaped every chapter since.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t chase the fanciest job titles just because everyone else is. At university, it often felt like the default markers of success were banking or consulting; the paths many of my classmates were sprinting toward. It’s easy to get caught up in that momentum and confuse prestige with purpose. But a career is long. Decades long. And it is incredibly exhausting to spend that time in a field you don’t genuinely enjoy, simply because it looks impressive on paper.

Instead, I would tell myself to look inward earlier and be honest about what truly energises me. When you're passionate about something, you naturally go deeper, think harder, and persist longer. Over time, that compounds into real competence and impact. Success built on external validation is fragile; success built on genuine interest is sustainable. In the long run, doing work you care about doesn’t just make you happier, it’s what ultimately allows you to excel.