Darrel Chua
Aerospace Engineering & Economics
College of Engineering
Summary
I am a self-starter with well-balanced knowledge and experience in Aviation, Mobile, Gaming and Open Source technologies. While I started in large MNC, I ventured out of the comfort zone and had been embarking in own startups and taking on challenging projects.
My work had always require a lot of travelling. Singapore is my home although I had worked in California, USA and also started a mobile development studio in Chengdu, China. My specialty skills include startups, aviation, mobile games/apps development and marketing/BD in China/Asia Pacific region.
In my spare time, other than serving as Honorary Secretary of Singapore Institute of Aerospace Engineers, I also organize the Free and Open Source Singapore with over 500 members that promotes free sharing and contribution to open source technologies.
Featured Skills
Work Experience
General Manager Jan 2016 - Present
FTS SingaporeFTS is a new aerospace hardware technology startup and my job is to assist in strategy, product planning, and marketing in the global markets.
- Established FTS overseas branding and marketing including website, logo, namecards, marketing collateral, youtube channels, etc.
- Responsible for setting up FTS Asia HQ in Singapore from 2016, overseeing the registration, office buildup, financial reporting, HR, and admin systems.
- Responsible for marketing of FTS wireless IFE products in Asia where the team was successful in signing 2 airlines within the first year of operation and also oversee successful of EASA STC application and installation for wireless streaming systems onboard hardware.
- Oversee FTS global expansion by assembling a top-class marketing, technical and program management team in FTS USA (Newport Beach). The FTS USA team was successful in signing up the first two Canadian airlines and received FAA STC in Nov 2017.
- Managed Middle East customer and also oversee expansion into Russia region, targeting Russian aircraft manufacturers.
- Support hardware and software Product Development of FTS current and future products by providing Product Requirements, testing prototypes, and executing product rollouts.
- Responsible for Ancillary Revenue generation plan and execution for the region by working with airline customers and ad networks partners.
- Responsible for acquisition of media content including movies, TV, music, games and apps for use on FTS inflight platforms.
- Support overall FTS/Feitian group global strategy and planning for Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity solutions
President Dec 2010 - Aug 2015
Enveesoft (Chengdu) Co., Ltd 云晖软件（成都）有限公司 ChinaFounded, self-funded, and grew business in establishing a development studio in Chengdu China, focusing on games and apps for Smart Mobile and In-flight Entertainment.
Responsible for business strategies and operations for Singapore and Chengdu. Enveesoft was the first and only company in China approved by both Panasonic and Thales to develop on their IFE platforms.
Responsible for technical direction and product development and life cycle management for mobile and IFE games and apps.
Grew Chengdu development studio from zero to 60 members strong within
3.5 years. Revenue grew from 700K RMB in first year to nearly 5M RMB in third year
First Chinese company to launch 15 Inflight Entertainment games on China Southern Airlines in Mar 2013. Second airline Xiamen Airlines launched in Sep 2014. Secured third airline Eurowings in Jun 2015. Subsequent airline customers were Air China, Tibet Airlines etc.
Developed and launched 3D Mobile MMO “Aerial Kingdom” in several markets including China, Taiwan and Japan
Strong network with Singapore authorities, local/regional game publishers, developers, communities, and networks
CEO Apr 2005 - Dec 2007
eFlyte Asia Pacific Pte Ltd SingaporeeFlyte develops and supplies Inflight Entertainment games and apps to airlines. Our clients include Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Air China, China Eastern, Japan Airlines, etc. eFlyte partners include Popcap, MumboJumbo, GarageGames, TLK Games etc.
- Founded eFlyte Asia Pacific office in Singapore and led a team to develop
- IFE games and apps on Panasonic and Thales IFE platforms
- Successfully grew the business from zero to 50% market share in Asia Pacific in 3 years
- Successfully exited as the company was acquired
Regional Manager, Media Products Dec 1999 - Mar 2005
Panasonic Avionics Corporation United StatesWorked in RD of Panasonic Avionics in Lake Forest, California USA for 3 years, and subsequently returned to Singapore for another 2 years, heading up the Apps Development/Integration Center.
Setup Panasonics media and app group (MASMEDIA) and responsible for third party app and content developers- Managed a team that developed and maintained interactive GUI app for several asian airlines- including China Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, China Southern and Asiana airlines
- Developed a suite of Asian inflight games with TWP Corporation (Acer Game
Zone) of Taiwan - Multiplayer mahjong, poker, Big2 etc - Developed a suite of single and multiplayer games with US and Canadian game companies. Also developed a Gameboy emulator with Nintendo of America
- Conceptualized and developed worlds first 2-way air/ground Inflight SMS/ Email inseat messaging application that is generating healthy returns and flying on at least 15 airlines
Honorary Secretary Apr 1993 - Present
Singapore Institute of Aerospace Engineers SingaporeSIAE is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Aviation Safety and Aerospace Technology. SIAE’s continuing education programs have helped to maintain a pool of qualified professionals to support Singapore’s drive to be the aviation hub of choice. In recent years, SIAE has embarked on the mission to build a strong aviation culture for the Next Generation Aviation Professionals (NGAP) to ensure future safe air transport. My responsibilities as Hon Sec include overseeing governance, compliance, and smooth operations of the Institute.
https://www.siae.org.sg
IFE and Product Development Engineer Apr 1993 - Jun 1999
Singapore Airlines Limited SingaporeStarted in SIA Engineering company, then in Singapore Airlines as IFE Engineer and later, Product Development Executive.
Responsible for all IFE matters outside of content acquisition, including technical, functional requirements, product development, coordination and project management with vendors. Monitor vendor performance and make purchase recommendation to SIA management
Oversee all IFE systems including overhead audio/video, PRAM, AVOD
sytems, GUI development and updating, SATCOM, Games and Applications
Responsible for development and launching of AVOD 1.0, AVOD 1.5, S3000 S3000i AVOD system with Panasonic Avionics, including functional definitions, media specs, media updating, etc.
Managed the Inflight Gaming(Gambling) trial with IEL (division of Harrahs
Casino) which lasted 2 years and was operating on more than 10 aircraft
Education
2nd Upp Honors in Electrical Engineering (Electronics) (Electrical Engineering) Apr 1989 - Apr 1992
Nanyang Technological University SingaporeOther Skills
Q&A with Darrel Chua
What was the most significant event that made you the way you are now?
Worked in US for 3 years and also went to Chengdu to startup a company (self-funded).
- Upvote | 0
- Posted 3 years ago
- Comment
What did you do to make yourself marketable?
Networking, networking and networking. Learning, learning and never stop learning.
- Upvote | 1
- Posted 3 years ago
- Comment
What are some personal projects or ideas you have worked on or are working on now?
Currently I have built
- a Open-source robot using ROS
- 6 DOF robotic arm controlled via RaspberryPi and Python
- Triple-monitor Flight Simulator
- Programmable drones
- Upvote | 1
- Posted 3 years ago
- Comment
