What have you achieved in your career when you are 31?

Mr Komsan Saelee, the co-founder of The Flash Group, led the group to become the first unicorn company in Thailand at the age of 31 in 2018. Within 3 years, Flash Express, the business unit of the group has become the largest courier company in Thailand.

What is the secret of his great achievement in such a short period of time? Coming from a humble background was the main driving force in pushing him to move forward in achieving greater achievements.

Mr Komsan met up with local daily vernacular, Nanyang Siang Pau during his visit to Malaysia, sharing his valuable insights and on his secrets of success. Following is the extract from the interview:

After years of waiting, Thailand has its first unicorn (a start-up company that has been established for less than 10 years and with a value of over US$1 billion) with Flash Express in 2021, a fully integrated e-commerce provider.

As the name suggests, Flash symbolises a sudden burst of light. Every planning and deployment is premised on speed and quality service. The group has expanded its reach via technology, quality courier services and innovation. With its unique business modules, which are free door-to-door pick-up, low COD rates and 365 days delivery operations with no holidays, Flash Express has become the largest courier company in Thailand in just 3 years.

Besides Thailand, Flash Express also operates in the Philippines, Laos, and now Malaysia as its latest expansion point since October 2021. Flash Express Malaysia has amassed 500 service points with 4,000 Flash employees and has targeted to increase the number of staff to 10,000 strong by year's end.

3 Elements for A Successful Business

Mr Komsan also shared his view on the key elements and core values to reaching a successful E-commerce industry:

1. Information flow: including network coverage and smartphone usage penetration.

2. Capital flow: Is the cost of capital low enough to have a smooth cash flow? Electronic payment has become a trend in many countries, coupled with the popularity of mobile banking, which has inspired him to venture into online sales and marketing.

3. Logistics: Market players play a crucial role in changing the consumers’ patterns through various offerings. With this, infrastructure-based companies like Flash Express have the opportunity to serve them.

3 Core Values of Entrepreneurship

1. Courage - Walk out from the comfort zone and be ready to meet the challenges

2. Strategy - Always equipped with a backup plan to encounter the changes

3. Progressive - Never linger on mistakes, always be ready to start over.