Meet Paul, the founder of Leakproof Construction Pte Ltd. After years in property and facilities management, he identified a pain point few dared to solve: persistent water seepage and structural leakage. His passion for hands-on problem-solving led him to lead a company now known for addressing problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
More than just a contractor, Paul is a leader in a high-risk industry that requires both technical mastery and human understanding. From investing in specialised technologies to expanding into full renovation solutions, he’s built a business that fixes more than leaks. It restores peace of mind.
What inspired you to start Leakproof Construction Pte Ltd and how did you first discover your passion for solving leakage and structural issues?
I used to run a sole proprietorship, but two years ago I decided to incorporate a private limited company. I started out in the property management industry, managing properties on a day-to-day basis.
Along the way, I also joined a startup and became a director of a facilities and property management firm. During that time, I noticed a recurring and unresolved issue—water seepage and leakage. I have always had a passion for construction, so I made a career switch to specialise in this niche area.
My focus became solving leakage and seepage issues that aren’t easily detected by the naked eye. The goal was simple: to resolve the pain points that building owners and homeowners often face.
Many homeowners only notice leaks when the damage is already severe. What are the common warning signs people should never ignore?
When you see a patch or stain, even if it doesn’t show obvious discolouration, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. If not addressed early, seepage can damage parquet flooring or even cause interfloor leakage that affects your neighbour’s cabinets.
These signs are often overlooked, but they’re early indicators of deeper issues.
The construction and waterproofing industry is highly competitive. What has been your biggest challenge so far, and how do you overcome it?
In Singapore, the construction sector constantly faces challenges with manpower and safety regulations. Finding the right manpower is tough. We often need to engage contractors who specialise in niche areas.
For example, when dealing with underground leak lining systems, which aren’t common, we rely on specific technologies—some of which are typically used only by agencies like the Public Utilities Board (PUB).
By upgrading our skill sets and keeping pace with new technologies, we can solve these challenges more effectively. As for safety, it’s crucial that company directors are fully aware of on-site requirements to protect both our workers and the site itself. Any accident would cause delays and negatively affect our clients.
I genuinely look forward to meeting our clients, many of whom have supported us through the years. It’s fulfilling to know that when they face issues with seepage or leakage, we are able to offer holistic solutions that really make a difference.
In addition to waterproofing, your company also offers other services. How did the business expand from technical repairs to a full one-stop solution?
Our core business has always been about resolving seepage and leakage issues. However, during the process, many clients asked us to repair the damage caused by the leaks. Over time, our business evolved to meet this demand.
We now offer demolition, painting, and full renovation services so we can provide a complete solution and restore our clients’ properties to their original condition.
Running a team that works in high-risk, labour-intensive environments is not easy. What leadership principles guide you in managing and training your team?
I believe both the directors and the team must be constantly learning and upgrading their skills. As directors, we must stay updated on government regulations and industry know-how.
Similarly, staff need to be well-equipped to handle job site demands. It’s not just about technical skills; workers must also understand the risks involved in their tasks. A well-rounded knowledge base allows them to perform their work more safely and efficiently.
What excites you most when you wake up and go to work each day?
I genuinely look forward to meeting our clients, many of whom have supported us through the years. It’s fulfilling to know that when they face issues with seepage or leakage, we are able to offer holistic solutions that really make a difference.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
The barriers to entering this industry are relatively low, which means we expect to see more local and foreign competitors in the coming years.
Despite this, I believe in embracing competition by upgrading and upskilling ourselves. We must also stay on top of innovation to avoid being left behind.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
If I could have a superpower for one day, I would choose the ability to instantly transfer clarity into people’s minds, especially during critical moments. In my work, whether responding to fire safety emergencies, or guiding teams through high-pressure decisions, misunderstandings and miscommunication can cost time, money, or even lives.
This superpower matters to me because clarity is the fastest path to safety, progress, and trust. If I had one day to use it, I would dedicate it to helping people act decisively and in unity.
Connect with Paul: LeakProof, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Paul 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).
