This holiday season Gen X Singapore interviews one of our favorite overachievers, the Little Red Dot’s very own homeboy, Min-Liang Tan of Razer Inc. The dynamic CEO chats with his pal Ning Cai about some of the most bizarre and random things about him, some of which you may not yet know.
1. Okay, so people all over know you as the successful bossman of one of the world’s most innovative companies. But you’re also a whole bunch of other things: topped your class in law school and practised for years before becoming Singapore’s youngest self-made billionaire at the age of 40, and then, according to your Wikipedia page… you were a zombie. How on earth did your cameo in Dead Rising: Watchtower happen?
I’m a big fan of the zombie genre as well as the Dead Rising series. So, when the producers approached me, it was a no brainer. Furthermore, I get to act in a blockbuster. When will I ever find an opportunity like this ever? Braaaaaaiiiiiinnnnsssss…..
2. For a dude who’s only always seen in black t-shirts, you’re globally regarded for your on point fashion sense. Right now Razer is teaming up with A Bathing Ape, and a few months ago when COVID-19 hit, you converted your manufacturing capabilities to fabricate antimicrobial water-repellent face masks that are actually fashion catwalk worthy. Was there always this side to you or was there a pivotal moment during your teenage years (perhaps from a music video? Particular icon?) which encouraged all that? And, ahem, asking for a friend: Is there any evidence that you do stray away from basic black?
Life’s short – I don’t really want to bother thinking too much about what I wear. Pretty much been like this since I was young. Never really bothered with things that don’t matter to me like my fashion choices (or lack thereof). True story – whenever I want to go out incognito – I actually wear a white shirt – one of the fans actually sent me a white shirt that said “This guy can’t be Min – this shirt is white!”
3. When we caught up for dinner in San Francisco back in 2014, one thing you shared actually floored me. You said you only eat for sustenance and you’re not a foodie, at all! That’s pretty ironic coming from a man of means who can splurge on the most exotic and expensive of dishes. Was this always the case, like, was it due to an ex-girlfriend’s cooking? Memories of the bad canteen food in NUS, maybe?
I often tell people that good food is wasted on me because I can pretty much eat the same thing every day, which is very much the same situation as with my outfit. I find fulfilment in other things – like art, design and technology.
4. You seem to really get youth culture and your brand reflects that. I mean: the Razer toaster, Sneki Snek, Pikachu earbuds that charge inside a Poké Ball, Hello Kitty headphones for Tmall? Genius AF. Coming from Generation X, what do you think are the key influences that inspired the way you think and these irreverent winning ideas of yours? Was it a TV show/ book/ comic that you enjoyed as a kid, etc.
I think in some cases I’ve never really grown up. I still enjoy playing games, watching anime, bantering with the community online. And in many instances – just designing products I want for myself – hence “For Gamers. By Gamers.”
5. So, as you know, the PSLE results were just out. You must have been brilliant since you went to the top school in the country. What exactly were your grades? Also: what subjects did you enjoy and fare well in? Was there anything you struggled with? And I’m really curious… what’s the most memorable thing a teacher has ever written about you in your report card? PS: Any pics of you in uniform? :))
Confession time here: I actually missed the cut for the top school by one point for my PSLE. I only managed to go in when I appealed and they made an exception! So technically, I’m not really top school material 😀 My grades were fine in school though – but I was always getting in trouble in school – best not to talk about what I did (which I still deny it all till today)…..
6. It was back in early 2000 when I first reviewed your award-winning gaming mouse for the national newspaper. Fast forward to present day: you’re now also CEO of THX, working closely with Tesla, launched an energy drink called Razer Respawn, pushed out the Razer Pay system after famously tweeting about it with the Prime Minister, currently rolling out the all new Razer Card, and the list just goes on man… Safe to say, your status as cult leader of a global gaming giant has pretty much been cemented with your legion of fans, with some followers even inking your name, face, and iconic brand logo on their body parts. But you don’t have any tattoos yourself. Why? (Like, are you afraid of needles? LOL) If you had any in an alternate universe, what would they be? (A quote or song lyric from somewhere perhaps?)
What makes you think I don’t have a tattoo? 😉
7. To most of the world, you’re like this perfectly untouchable Mr Tough Guy. To the point that some folks have even Photoshopped rippling abs on you, before printing that photo on a large pillow and present it to you as a surprise birthday present. But what are you really afraid of? Clowns? Cockroaches? Anything? Do you perhaps have nomophobia (fear of being without your mobile phone)?
I’m afraid of having to actually design that damn toaster the fans have been hounding me for.
8. It’s almost the end of the year—who could have foreseen on how intense and challenging this year would be? Now, if you could have one super power, what would that be and why?
The power to just own everyone with one punch. I’m a lazy b******. If I could just win always with one punch like One Punch Man I would totally do that.
9. Guilty pleasures. Everyone has one after a hard day at work: binge-watching Netflix, scoffing down a tub of ice-cream, wine glass in hand and dancing like no one’s watching. What’s yours?
Trolling the Razer fans.
10. Finish this sentence: Nobody knows that when I __________, I __________.
Nobody knows that when I say I’m working, I’m actually gaming.
With highly anticipated Razer products like the Tomahawk modular gaming PC and Hammerhead True Wireless Pro earbuds launched just this month, somebody has been busy! Catch Razer’s CEO on TikTok at @minliangtan as he gallantly charms the masses with Santa Sneki Snek in Razer’s #razerlearntomeow Christmas giveaway.
