Detail

From his early days at SP to his current role as a leader in industrial IT, Terence’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs, showing that dedication and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements.

Laying the Foundations

Curiosity is a powerful motivator. For Terence Teo, a fascination for his uncle’s engineering projects led him to pursue a Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at SP. Here, he transformed his passion into a successful career and nurtured a lifelong dedication to the importance of continuous learning.

“My uncle’s work fascinated me, and it seemed natural to follow in his footsteps. SP offered the perfect platform to begin my journey.”

SP Life – A World of Difference

Transitioning from secondary school to SP was an eye-opener for Terence. The freedom and autonomy allowed him to thrive, and he was supported by dedicated lecturers who ensured that he had the skills and knowledge to do well.

“The lecturers at SP were incredibly patient and supportive, especially when I struggled with subjects like engineering drawing. Their extra tutorials and remedial lessons were crucial in helping me succeed.”

Projects that Leave a Mark

One of the most impactful experiences at SP was Terence’s Final Year Project (FYP), supervised by Dr Loh Wai Kwan. The project required close collaboration between the teams handling hardware and software, fostering a deep understanding of practical engineering.

“Our project was demanding but rewarding. We spent extra hours in the electronics lab, learning everything from PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication to system integration. This hands-on experience was invaluable.”

From Academia to Industry

After graduating, Terence embarked on a career as a Systems Design Engineer at Matsushita, where he applied his SP-acquired skills in factory automation and programmable logic controllers. This next step felt like a logical extension of his education in SP. Terence’s tenure included an enriching six-month training programme in Japan, which solidified his technical expertise.

“The training in Japan, in particular, was pivotal in enhancing my understanding of electronic circuit design and system maintenance.”

Embracing his Entrepreneurial Side

Seeking to broaden his skill set, Terence transitioned to a sales role at TME Systems. This move was motivated by his desire to develop essential skills for his entrepreneurial aspirations. The experience gained in sales, including negotiation, marketing, and customer management, proved instrumental when he founded Anewtech Systems in 1999.

“I believed that sales skills were crucial for entrepreneurship. My time at TME Systems taught me how to manage client relationships and understand market dynamics, which were essential when starting my own business.”

Building Anewtech Systems

Terence’s vision for Anewtech Systems was clear from the start. Together with two partners, he established the company and grew it into a successful enterprise over the years. His leadership and strategic direction have earned Anewtech numerous accolades, including the prestigious Enterprise 50 (E50) Award in 2021.

“The journey wasn’t easy, especially the first five years. But the foundation laid at SP and my industry experiences were instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving success.”

Mentoring the Next Generation

Terence remains deeply committed to education and mentorship. He actively engages with educational institutions, mentoring students and supporting entrepreneurship projects to nurture future generations.

“I believe in giving back to the community by mentoring young talents and sharing my experiences. We also accept many interns from the various polys. If they perform well, they can become our future staff. This is another way for us to recruit.”

The Lifelong Learner

Despite his achievements, Terence continues to value education. He recently completed an MBA to complement his practical experience with academic knowledge, and further refine his skills in business administration and strategic management.

“I believe we should always upgrade ourselves. The MBA provided insights that enhanced my analytical and managerial skills, reinforcing the importance of continuous education.”

To new SP alumni, Terence eagerly shares some valuable advice, drawn from his decades of experience.

“Stay curious and never stop learning. Keeping up with new knowledge and skills is essential. Success is about finding fulfilment in your personal life and giving back to the community. Make time for your family, hobbies, and causes you care about.

Mr Terence Teo
President of AutomationSG & CEO Founder of Anewtech Systems
Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 1984