Justin Quek
Age: 29
Occupation: Managing Director
Nationality: Singaporean
Many men are lacking composure these days. They are fickle and indecisive and often complain and lament all the time.
A man of substance is someone...
Who knows what he wants and takes action in following through to to get what he wants, with a quiet confidence and composure.
Which male icon or celebrity do you admire and why?
Honestly speaking, I can’t think of anyone that I admire to that extent. I do enjoy reading autobiographies of the greats such as Lee Kuan Yew and Warren Buffett, but I think everyone has a certain component of life that they contribute to, so there are no greatest, but there are definitely greats that I can learn from. These are people represent the epitome of success, they know what they want and have the foresight, talent and diligence to steer them in the direction to achieve.
What style item can you not live whout?
My watches. Simply because there’s too little time in life and I’m constantly checking the time. I’m a man with too many things on my hands, so Monday to Sunday I’m always looking at my watch. As a style item, I think a watch speaks volumes about a man.
What are your pet peeves?
I’m a very relaxed person and it’s hard to piss me off, but there are three things that really annoy me and they are arrogance, because I believe in life we should always exercise humility. The second is punctuality, I'm a real stickler for that. The last is dishonesty. The worst thing in life is lies. I believe that once trust is breached, it’s almost irreparable.
If you were marooned on an island, what 3 essential items would you need to stay sane?
There are no three items I can think of, but I’d like to have three more people for company. More people also means we can keep each other calm and spark more creativity – so we can figure out ways to get off the island!
In your opinion, what are the issues affecting the modern man today?
I think an issue affecting the modern man is sensitivity, or rather, over-sensitivity. Many men are lacking composure these days. They are fickle and indecisive and often complain and lament all the time. I ask them, “So what are you doing about it?” And they reply, “Oh, nothing. I’ll just see what happens.” I admit that I whine sometimes, but I always get something done. It’s fine to be emotional, but what matters is what comes out of it.
Name three of your favourite movies.
Empire of the Sun, it was beautifully shot with a strong storyline and great cast. Bicentennial Man, many people didn’t want to see this and I thought it’d be rubbish, but I was surprised to discover that it’s an absolutely beautiful movie about the relentless pursuit for love and for something greater than yourself. Austin Powers, because it’s a great no brainer movie which always cracks me up.
I shall gather more votes by…
Using bribery. If you want a free meal at my restaurant, just vote for me (laughs). Seriously, if you like who I am and what I say resonates with you, by all means.