Transforming an ailing business into a successful one has been helped by Chris Ang’s belief in the value of every member of his team.
What’s your story?
I began my career in finance as an Audit Associate at Crowe Singapore in 2013 and later as a Senior Auditor at PwC, gaining a strong grounding in financial analysis. In 2016, I stepped in to help my father’s struggling transport company in Malaysia. What started as a goal to break even grew into consistent milestones, earning recognition on the Straits Times Fastest Growing Companies list in 2024 and 2025. My proudest achievement isn’t just the financial growth but the people-focused culture we built, motivating achievers and creating a future where the company’s success is shared by its people.
What excites you most about your industry?
What excites me most about the crane leasing industry is the opportunity to transform its traditional image. I am committed to transforming the once dirty, muddy, and old-fashioned crane leasing industry into a modern, professional, and well-respected profession. There is still so much potential for growth, innovation, and recognition, especially in highlighting the vital role our work plays in nation building.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
My motto has always been, “Don’t try, don’t know; don’t fear, just go.” This mindset drives me to take bold steps, embrace challenges, and grow not just as a business but as a team that supports and celebrates one another. What makes me proudest is seeing how far we’ve come together, building a future powered by people who believe in the journey and in each other. Examples include leveraging social media to elevate our brand and fostering a people-orientated culture through events like Valentine’s Day, Labour Day, and Parents’ Day to appreciate our team and their families.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
The most valuable skills I’ve gained are negotiation, quick thinking, and adaptability. After Covid, when the industry was holding back to preserve cashflow, I saw a big opportunity to renew our fleet. Through bold negotiations and quick-witted decisions, we invested in more cranes and formed partnerships with industry peers, positioning Pollisum for growth while others stayed cautious. I’ve also learned to be easily adaptable, pivoting to social media to reshape the industry’s image. We invested in CGI, special effects, and creative storytelling to showcase our operators’ journeys and make Pollisum’s own people the heart and identity of our brand.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve received came from a book by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: “Most people talk; we do things. They plan; we achieve. They hesitate; we move ahead.” This mindset perfectly reflects Pollisum’s spirit of taking action, seizing opportunities, and moving forward when others hold back.
Who inspires you?
One story that inspired me was how Mark Cuban turned 91% of his employees into millionaires when he sold his company. It showed the power of creating opportunities where everyone can win. I wanted to build a company where employees don’t just contribute to growth but share in it. My motto, “Don’t try, don’t know; don’t fear, just go,” drives us to take bold steps, embrace challenges, and grow together. What makes me proudest is seeing how far we’ve come, building a future driven by people who believe in the journey, support one another, and celebrate each other’s successes.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
Recently, I was at a networking event where a speaker shared how a cleaner in his company was given the title of “Health Inspector”. That thoughtful action really struck me, it wasn’t just a new title, it was a way of saying you matter. On the way home, I couldn’t stop thinking about Pollisum and how meaningful it would be to recognise every single employee, no matter how big or small their role. Everyone truly has a part to play in driving our growth and keeping our operations running, and giving them that sense of identity and purpose is priceless.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
If I had my time again, I wouldn’t do anything differently. Life is not a bed of roses, and I believe every challenge, hardship, success, and achievement is meant to shape me into a better and greater version of myself.
How do you unwind?
Playing strategy games and spending time with my family.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
It came during a management training course on company culture. I realised success is not just about strategy but also about creating recognition systems, providing meaningful incentives, and giving people a clear sense of purpose. This lesson reshaped how I lead Pollisum, reinforcing the importance of appreciation and recognition. It inspired us to build a truly people-orientated company where lifting and supporting each other is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring our team feels valued, motivated, and connected to a shared vision as we grow together toward a future driven by purpose and unity.
Everyone in business should read this book:
FLASHES OF WISDOM by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Shameless plug for your business or career:
Pollisum is a forward-thinking crane company powered by a young, motivated, and people-orientated team. We embrace challenges with bold decisions and calculated risks, driving growth and innovation. At Pollisum, success lies in our people. Our vision is to empower every employee to build a lasting legacy and leave a mark on the industry. We focus on innovation, marketing, and building Pollisum as a recognisable brand in the crane leasing sector. We work hard, play hard, and celebrate milestones together. With passion, dedication, and a shared drive, our people are the force propelling Pollisum toward industry leadership.
How can people connect with you?
Pollisum’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pollisum-engineering-pte-ltd/
Chris’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispollisum/
Social Media Links?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pollisum
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pollisumgroup/
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.