Meet Dennis, the founder of Skies Link Engineering and a shining example of grit, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. In 1997, during the height of the Asian financial crisis, Dennis found himself $20,000 in debt with a family to support. Rather than give up, he made a vow to rebuild—one step at a time. What began as a difficult chapter turned into the foundation for a thriving business that today stands as a trusted provider of end-to-end electrical solutions in Singapore.
In this interview, Dennis shares his journey from financial hardship to business success, revealing how Skies Link Engineering grew from humble beginnings into a one-stop electrical consultancy. He opens up about the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of values like trust and reliability, and his vision for Singapore’s future in smart infrastructure and sustainable development.
Let’s go back to 1997. You were $20,000 in debt during the Asian financial crisis. What was that period like, and how did you begin to rebuild from there?
1997 was one of the hardest years of my life. The Asian financial crisis hit, and I found myself $20,000 in debt—a huge burden, especially with a family to support. It was a very dark time, but I didn’t allow myself to give up. I told myself, “If I keep moving forward, even slowly, I’ll eventually climb out.”
I worked long hours, took on whatever jobs I could, and made it a point to always honour my word. That mindset laid the foundation for everything that came after. Bit by bit, I got back on my feet—and from that struggle, the seeds of Skies Link Engineering were planted.
What made you decide to start Skies Link Engineering, and how did you grow it from that starting point into what it is today?
After experiencing financial hardship, I knew I wanted to build something I could truly call my own—something stable, long-lasting, and meaningful. I had experience in electrical work, and I saw a gap in the market for reliable, all-in-one electrical solutions.
So, in the early 2000s, I started Skies Link Engineering with just a few tools, a lot of passion, and a clear mission: to deliver dependable, high-quality work to every client, big or small. It wasn’t easy—I wore many hats, from site supervisor to admin staff—but through sheer hard work and consistency, the business grew.
Today, I’m proud to say we’ve become a trusted name in the industry.
Skies Link Engineering has grown into a one-stop electrical solutions provider. What do you believe sets your company apart from the rest?
It’s our reliability and the way we build relationships. We’re not just here to install cables or fit sockets—we’re here to understand our clients’ needs and provide complete solutions that last.
From compliance and safety to design and execution, we handle everything with precision and care. I also believe our hands-on approach and personal accountability make a big difference. Our clients know that we don’t cut corners, and we stand by our work long after the job is done.
I’ve been there, and I can say this: financial struggles don’t define your future unless you give up. Start by being honest about your situation—cut unnecessary expenses, find small wins, and rebuild brick by brick.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as the business scaled up, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was growing the team while maintaining our standards. When you’re starting out, it’s easy to do everything yourself—but as the company grows, you need to delegate and trust others.
I had to invest in training and build a team that shared my values. Another challenge was cash flow—especially in the early days, when payments could be delayed but salaries and expenses had to be paid on time.
We stayed lean, managed our resources carefully, and always delivered quality work to ensure repeat business and referrals.
In your opinion, what makes a good entrepreneur?
A good entrepreneur is someone who doesn’t quit easily. You need resilience, humility, and the ability to learn from failure. You also need to be grounded—don’t let success go to your head, and don’t let failure crush your spirit.
Most importantly, a good entrepreneur takes care of the people around them—your team, your clients, your suppliers. Business is not just about profit; it’s about relationships and responsibility.
Many entrepreneurs struggle financially at some point. What advice would you give them, based on your own experience?
I’ve been there, and I can say this: financial struggles don’t define your future unless you give up. Start by being honest about your situation—cut unnecessary expenses, find small wins, and rebuild brick by brick.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on your own progress and take pride in every small step forward. Keep showing up, and stay open to learning. Sometimes, the toughest seasons are where the biggest breakthroughs are born.
What’s your vision for Singapore over the next five years?
I see Singapore continuing to lead in smart infrastructure, energy efficiency, and sustainable development.
I hope to see more support for SMEs and more opportunities for local businesses to take part in national projects. At Skies Link, we’re preparing ourselves to be part of that future—by investing in technology, training, and staying up to date with industry standards.
I believe we can play a strong role in shaping a modern, safe, and connected Singapore.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
If I could have a superpower, I’d choose the ability to pause time. Not to get ahead, but just to catch my breath, appreciate the journey, and spend more quality time with my loved ones.
When you’re building a business, time flies—and while I’m grateful for how far we’ve come, sometimes I wish I could slow things down and take it all in.
Connect with Dennis: SkiesLinkEngineering, Facebook and TikTok.
Dennis is a member of Rainmaker, a revolutionary movement that rallies like-minded people together based on the values of Love, Authenticity, Respect, Kindness and Youthfulness (LARKY).
