MJ Foo, Managing Director of Apex Chemicals, attributes his business acumen to his upbringing in Singapore, where he was exposed to business conversations from a young age through his father. A naturally outspoken individual, MJ is passionate about sports, sunshine, and boundless energy.
Throughout his career, MJ has experienced his share of failures, which have taught him invaluable lessons. He now strives to learn from others’ mistakes, embracing failures as stepping stones to success while exercising caution and balance. MJ believes in committing fully to endeavours, working hard, and celebrating equally hard, maintaining balance in life.
In the marine industry, MJ views success as a marathon, not a sprint. Outside work, he prioritizes family, dedicating weekends to his parents, sister, wife, and two children. Grateful for his excellent team and seasoned mentors, MJ stays focused on short-term and long-term goals.
MJ’s aspirations extend beyond business. He aims to establish non-profit schools in various countries, starting with India, providing education, textbooks, stationery, and basic meals to underprivileged children. This initiative seeks to empower them to transform their lives.
In a candid and insightful conversation with Delphine Estibeiro, Marex Media, MJ shares Apex Chemicals’ ambitious roadmap for India, underscoring the company’s dedication to developing eco-friendly products, cultivating a diverse workforce, and championing gender equality and inclusivity.
Strategic Growth Plans in India…
As part of our strategic growth plan, Apex Chemicals is prioritising the establishment of supply points across all coastal regions of India, ensuring seamless accessibility and efficient logistics. Building on this foundation, we aim to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in India by 2026, leveraging the favourable business environment and incentives introduced by the Indian government to attract foreign direct investments.
Eco-Friendly Evolution…
Apex Chemicals is implementing a multifaceted sustainability strategy. At our Singapore factory, we are installing solar panels to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity consumption. Beginning in 2025, we will systematically replace our fleet with electric vehicles, reducing our carbon footprint. Furthermore, we are actively researching and developing greener, plant-based surfactants to transition away from traditional surfactants derived from heavy crude oil.
Sustainable Maritime Solutions…
Apex Chemicals is committing to sustainable maritime solutions through strategic collaborations with Indian universities. Together, we will research and develop novel products that boost cleaning efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. This initiative supports the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambitious decarbonization goals.
Revolutionizing Ship Cleaning…
Beyond cleaning products, Apex Chemicals has dedicated significant resources to researching and developing cutting-edge equipment. These innovations drastically reduce ship cleaning time and chemical requirements, resulting in substantial decreases in chemical and wash water disposal worldwide. By introducing these groundbreaking solutions, we are confident in our ability to positively impact the maritime industry.
Inclusion Drives Success…
We cultivate a vibrant, diverse community, welcoming individuals from all cultural, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. This inclusive ethos, shaped by the Singaporean government’s emphasis on unity in diversity, is fundamental to our core values. By embracing our differences, we create a harmonious, high-performing work environment.
Power of Teamwork…
Apex Chemicals is proud to report exceptional performance, characterized by robust growth and consistent target exceedance. This achievement is a direct result of our talented and committed colleagues, who embody the company’s values of innovation, efficiency, and excellence. As we continue to leverage these strengths, we are well-positioned for sustained expansion and long-term profitability.
Vision-Driven Decision Making…
To reconcile short-term pressures with long-term goals, Apex Chemicals adopts a holistic approach, aligning immediate actions with our overarching strategic vision. We achieve this through prudent resource allocation and open communication channels, ensuring unwavering focus on future growth.
Marex Media