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Chong Hou
Digital Payments (Platform) & Partnerships
Professional Background
Chong Hou is a seasoned professional with a unique blend of engineering education and an enduring passion for finance. He embarked on his career in the financial sector, beginning with individual wealth management sales where he diligently serviced retail clients. This early phase laid the groundwork for his impressive trajectory, as he transitioned to servicing ultra-high-net-worth clients, a move that broadened his understanding of the intricate dynamics involved in wealth management and client relationships.
His thirst for knowledge and growth led him to take a strategic corporate career break during which he ventured into entrepreneurship. This decision reflects his proactive mindset and desire to explore the nuances of business beyond the corporate confines. After gaining invaluable insights from running his own business, Chong re-entered the corporate world when an intriguing opportunity arose in a Payments role at Visa.
In this capacity, he not only honed his knowledge of payment systems but also developed a substantial understanding of customer behavior, which is crucial in today's fast-paced financial landscape. His role required him to be at the forefront of partnership development, where he successfully optimized consumer spending through innovative partnerships and strategic initiatives.
Chong’s expertise in payments has further expanded as he transitioned into a merchant acquiring business and delved into digital wallet payments and platform management. These roles have allowed him to craft seamless customer journeys and develop scalable platform capabilities that empower broad customer acquisition performance and efficient merchant onboarding.
Education and Achievements
Chong holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with Honors from the prestigious Nanyang Technological University. His educational background in engineering provides him with a robust analytical skill set, allowing him to approach problems systematically and devise effective solutions, particularly in the technology-driven financial services sector.
Throughout his career, Chong has consistently worked with leading organizations, enhancing his financial expertise and leadership skills. He has held significant roles at notable institutions such as:
- Payment & Platform at DBS Bank: Here, Chong furthered his experience in payment technologies and platforms, solidifying his ability to manage complex financial operations.
- Director, Consumer Credit and Global Client Account at Visa: In this high-impact role, he was responsible for overseeing major client accounts and driving the consumer credit portfolio in the Asia Pacific region, escalating Visa's brand presence in competitive markets.
- Product Manager, Affluent Platform Development, Asia Pacific at Visa: As a product manager, he played a pivotal role in developing platforms that cater specifically to affluent clients, showcasing his understanding of niche markets and consumer needs.
- Relationship Manager, CitiGold, IPB at Citibank Singapore: His tenure at Citibank solidified his client management skills, where he focused on delivering tailored financial solutions to high-net-worth clients.
- Relationship Manager at American Express Bank: Early in his career, his role at American Express equipped him with a foundation in premier customer service and financial products.
Chong's diverse experiences across these leading financial institutions have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior, payment systems, and relationship management, shaping him into a versatile leader adept at navigating the complexities of the financial landscape.
Contact and Connect
Chong Hou is passionate about sharing his knowledge and insights in the realm of finance and technology. He welcomes connections with peers, industry leaders, and those interested in innovative financial solutions.
Through his journey, Chong has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both personal and professional growth, making him a valuable asset in the financial services industry. With a deep-seated expertise in payments, customer relations, and scalable solutions, he continues to drive success in every professional endeavor he undertakes.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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