Meet Lucas, a master of reinvention. From launching a brand consultancy to leading a crypto gaming guild with over 1,500 players and US$10 million in NFTs, his journey spans bold ventures. What began as a love for gaming evolved into a business where players earned real income. Lucas even moved his family to the Philippines, where local gamers could earn US$300–500 a month, more than many full-time jobs. Then the crypto crash hit. Millions lost, identity shattered, and Lucas returned to Singapore, bankrupt and broken.
Days passed in bed, paralysed by despair—until a spark returned. With just a phone, he began livestreaming his walks on TikTok. Today, Lucas has rebuilt his life as one of Singapore’s top livestreamers for health supplements. More importantly, he now shares his expertise as Head Trainer for TikTok Marketing at GEX Academy, the largest community of livestreamers in Singapore, with more than 200 students and alumni.
You have built multiple ventures, from a brand consultancy to a crypto gaming guild, once managing over 1,500 gamers and US$10 million in NFTs. What inspired your entrepreneurial journey across such diverse industries?
I started a brand consultancy in university. The business did well and expanded regionally. I invested my wealth and did well in the financial markets.
My first exposure to crypto was between 2002 to 2004, when I was mining bitcoin and ether. I believed in the power of decentralised finance and the revolution it could bring to transactions.
Eventually, I managed a small crypto fund and noticed a niche boom in crypto gaming around 2018 to 2020. That piqued my interest. I started as a gamer, buying NFTs to play and earn coins that I could convert to US dollars.
I saw a model where gamers in developing countries could earn a sustainable income, and that inspired me to scale it into a business. I poured my savings into it, hired a full team, and relocated my family to the Philippines.
Losing millions in your last venture was a life-altering event. What was the moment you realised you needed to rebuild, and how did that painful chapter shape the person you are today?
I didn’t think I could rebuild my life after that failure initially. My early career trajectory had been smooth-sailing. Hence, losing everything at 46 when my crypto gaming business failed was devastating.
My ex-wife and I parted ways due to the financial strain. After I closed the crypto gaming business, I called my parents for help for the first time in my adult life. Back at my parents’ home, I slept all day and lost all motivation. But my 80-year-old mother would peek into my room at 5am every morning to check on me. That gave me the will to go on.
One early morning, I went live on TikTok while walking around Bishan Park. I just wanted to share my thoughts. Talking into the darkness, and watching it slowly turn to light each morning, became my unexpected therapy. The voice that kept scolding “Lucas, you are very stupid” began to fade.
Within 3 months, I had 1,000 followers. That tiny sliver of community brought me hope. From that point, I started exploring how to monetise on TikTok. My life took a turn when I met my mentor, Dr. Patrick Liew, an award-winning serial entrepreneur and founder of GEX Academy.
After hearing my story, Dr. Patrick invited me to train others. At first, I hesitated. My goal then was to become Singapore’s top live-streamer.
But he asked, “Are you going to live-stream every day, or could you use your experience to inspire others who, like you once, are unemployed and looking for a means to survive?” His words struck a chord. As he explained how AI could disrupt jobs and livelihoods, I realised how meaningful it would be to share my knowledge and guide others toward success.
In my current role as Head Trainer of TikTok Marketing at GEX Academy, I run the TikTok training programme and host weekly mentoring sessions to help everyone succeed in TikTok live-streaming.
You have mentored over 5,000 people on health and nutrition. What principles guide your approach to health coaching, especially when supporting people with chronic conditions?
I’m a late-stage cancer survivor who refused chemo, medication, or surgery. During the early years of my business, I neglected my physical health. When I was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer, I was told I had less than 1 year to live. So I changed my lifestyle, everything from diet, routine, stress, and even digital exposure. I retreated to China alone, disconnected from my business, and committed to self-healing.
Now, as a health coach, I coach people through mindset shifts, routine overhauls, and emotional processing. Many chronic issues stem from our relationships, work stress, and emotional energy. Referencing my own lived experience, I work with my clients to rewire their habits and realign their environment.
Back at my parents’ home, I slept all day and lost all motivation. But my 80-year-old mother would peek into my room at 5am every morning to check on me. That gave me the will to go on.
You recovered from late-stage cancer without going through chemotherapy, medication, or surgery. What are the key lessons from your healing journey that shape your philosophy on health and life?
I believe in expressing gratitude. Every night, I place my hands over my organs and thank each one.
When I was healing from cancer, I walked daily through forests, gardens, and by rivers and beaches, allowing my mind to be quiet. Focused intent, positive energy, and surrendering to natural rhythms can do what medication sometimes cannot.
I also realised that the meaning of life is through service to others. That’s why I’m passionate about my role at GEX Academy. I’m energised by my work and this contributes to my well-being.
At GEX Academy, I train students from all walks of life and age groups. Several are in their 60s. I’m amazed by their eagerness to learn and perseverance. For example, Uncle Wong, who is 65 years old, livestreams twice a day to promote digital gadgets, making a four-figure monthly income.
Aunty Linda, 69, started her TikTok journey a few months ago. But by livestreaming her origami-making videos daily, she now has 10,000 followers on TikTok. Seeing their growth has brought me joy and fulfillment.
As Head Trainer for TikTok Marketing at GEX Academy, what patterns do you observe among entrepreneurs who struggle to grow online?
Entrepreneurs are human. And humans always seek the path of least resistance. Many expect fast results but don’t commit to consistent routines. I tell my students to focus on routines, not results. You need a repeatable process for growth.
As a trainer, I realised the importance of community support. As mentioned, GEX Academy has many mature students. Being visible on TikTok can be daunting for many people, let alone seniors who are not familiar with the platform and mobile phone functions. Through the weekly mentoring sessions and online community coaching, everyone feels supported through their challenges.
What belief from five years ago has changed?
Five years ago, I was still immersed in crypto gaming and believed that going all-in was the only way to succeed. I was aggressive with investments and over-leveraged.
Today, I value diversification and strategic allocation. That painful lesson taught me to respect risk and maintain emotional and financial resilience.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
Singaporeans have a strong work ethic and are embracing technology faster than ever, such as seniors using TikTok and Shopee.
I have seen my own life transformed through new media and I want others to experience that shift too. My hope is that more 40- to 60-year-olds develop the courage to adapt, overcome resistance, and reimagine what’s possible.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
I would choose the ability to stay present, humble, and compassionate, no matter how demanding the day may be. With the energy to serve and the heart to support anyone in my presence, I can create an even greater impact.
Connect with Lucas: TikTok and LinkedIn.
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