Professional Profile

Mr Lim is currently the Managing Director of Escalar Global Pte Ltd, a Singaporean company that provides business consulting, product distribution and project management in the Defence, Security and Aerospace sectors. He retired from the Republic of Singapore Airforce (RSAF) after serving 26 years as a fighter pilot and held various key command and staff appointments, where he developed strategic long-term plans in capability development and operations as well as managed over 50 special defence acquisition programmes for the RSAF and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

He helped establish new organizations in the RSAF transformation and commanded various Planning and Operational structures, Multilateral Exercises, the Fighter Group in the Airforce, a local F-16 Squadron as well as the inaugural F-15 squadron in the USA. Prior to founding Escalar Global, he managed various commercial companies in the Aerospace, Defence and Advanced Technology sectors where he expanded the companies’ businesses in countries such as China, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, Macau, Thailand, Philippines, Bangladesh, UAE, US, UK and Israel.

This included establishing satellite offices in China, Vietnam and Philippines. Some of the notable commercial projects that he had successfully accomplished were a fully electric 9-seater commercial aircraft prototype development, Role Specialised Vehicles development, Unmanned Aerial and Ground Vehicle acquisitions, Fighter Aircraft Simulator upgrades, Counter Unmanned Airborne System acquisitions, Communication Network System and Cyber Defence System acquisitions.

Experience and Achievements:

  • Company Management – Singapore with subsidiaries in China.
  • Strategic planning and Operational management – Singapore, US, China
  • Business Internationalisation – Asia (China, Vietnam, South Korea, Macau, Taiwan, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines), Middle East (UAE, Israel), United Kingdom, USA.
  • Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships – Singapore, Asia, Middle East, UK, USA
  • Establishing new set-ups in foreign countries – US, China
  • Managing marketing and sales – Singapore, China.

Career Summary

2017-Present

Managing Director
Escalar Global Pte Ltd.

Started a company with a unique business model to lead global contracting for innovative young high technology companies that require a one-stop shop of services and market access to fuel their business growth. Established a unique platform that networks all the elements of the business ecosystem necessary to succeed in deal closures, such as sales opportunities, customer bases, product partners, strategic technology partners, funding partners and services partners

  • Established a network of sales channel in 9 countries
  • Established a network of more than 40 product owners and suppliers for the Defence & Homeland Security, Fire and Emergency Response, as well Cyber Security sectors. They range from some of the biggest and most established global defence companies to the most innovative start-ups
  • Established network of funding mechanisms, business and operational consultants and legal service providers
  • Closed more than $8M worth of contracts for companies in the first year of operations.

2016-2017

Chief Commercial Officer
HOPE Technik Pte Ltd.

Established, lead and manage the company’s business growth strategy. This include the planning and execution of internationalization, streamlining business scope and business model, strategic partnership assimilation, market entry, company branding and marketing as well as product & services sales. Leading an increase in profitability through an aggressive business development plan to open new markets and sales channels (overseas and local), growing a larger product business focus, establishing new structures and processes as well as recruiting experienced staff.

Establish, lead and manage the company’s business growth strategy. Responsible for:

  • Annual and 3-year business plan for company which includes all business units and subsidiary companies.
  • Annual budget for all business development, marketing and sales activities.
  • Achieved >30% CAGR over the 2year period.

Planning and execution of internationalization, streamlining business scope and business model, strategic partnership assimilation, market entry, company branding and marketing as well as product & services sales:

  • Starting from only 1 overseas customer, established sales channels and partnership in 9 countries for 3 different business areas (Engineering consultancy and product development services, product sales and distribution, manufacturing partnerships) within the first 18 months
  • Increased overseas sales to about 5% of revenue in first year and first overseas sale of a new vehicle product within 9 months.
  • Established 1 subsidiary company out of the 3 business units. Managing the establishment of 2 more new subsidiaries for new product lines by end 2017.
  • Opened 1 sales office for the new subsidiary in China in Aug 17.
  • Increased the visibility and established branding through a strategy of government agencies collaboration and media events, partner engagements, new websites with new company tag line, business scope and clear product lines as well as annual trade exhibition/ conference participation plan.
  • Established a strategic partnership for direct contracting with 1 Ministry. Co-chairman with 2PS of Ministry for Steering Committee.
  • Established strategic partnerships with 3 of the largest global defence companies for technology transfer, new capability build up for new product segment and 2 way market access. Collaborated in more than 3 large tenders in last 12 months.

Established and executed new sustainable business model of profit sharing, co-marketing rights and manufacturing rights for products/ solutions developed for new customers.

  • Initiated a JV with a leading MNC for new co-branded robotics product.
  • Initiated technology partnership framework with IBM, GE and NEC.
  • Initiated long term defence contracting mechanism through JVs in 2 countries.
  • Initiated discussions on the establishment of a centre of robotics excellence with a MNC.
  • Established new structures and processes as well as recruiting experienced staff.
  • Recruited and built a credible team from 3 original staff to 9 staff covering BD, sales, marketing and industrial/ product design.
  • Established and Chair a weekly tender/ proposal approval meeting to provide guidance and approval for the business strategy of each opportunity and proposal/ tender in order to increase the success rates of each opportunity.
  • Implemented a BD and sales tracking process for up to date customer and market assessments, opportunities/ pipelines, product analysis and survey feedbacks, sales cycle, probabilities of closing etc to maintain a short cycle capability to understand the customer/ market and adjust/ enhance plans.

2013-2015

President and Chief Executive Officer
Mil-Com Aerospace Pte Ltd

Developed, lead and managed the group businesses including expansion into new territories and service offerings. Established certified Aviation technical training centres in Vietnam, China and Philippines, through UK (EASA 147) and US (FAA and Boeing) partnerships. Established overseas Pilot training partnership in New Zealand. Established a new Aviation consultancy business arm within the group

  • Developed, lead and managed the group businesses including expansion into new territories and service offerings.
  • Established 3 certified Aviation training centres China (subsidiaries and in collaboration with Chinese aviation universities), Vietnam (profit sharing partnerships) and Philippines (JV), delivering EASA Part 147 and FAA approved courses as well as Cabin Crew training.
  • Directed the 2 subsidiary training centres in China, managed by General Managers on location.
  • Supplied engineers and technicians to SIAEC and overseas MROs
  • Established a subsidiary company with 3 experienced airline industry professionals providing consultancy to set up of airlines and airport operations as well as aircraft chartering services. Focus were opportunities in low cost/ private company airlines and 2nd tier airports in Indonesia, Vietnam and China.
  • Established a partnership for Pilot training in New Zealand with CASA qualification.
  • Established a partnership for private jet leasing.
  • Established a representative agreement for sale of cargo space to DHL delivery.

1987-2013
Retired Colonel
Republic of Singapore Airforce

Developed various strategic long-term plans (capability development, equipping and operational) for the Airforce and Joint Command, reporting directly to Chief of Airforce and Chief of Defence Force respectively. Transformed, established and lead new organizations within the Singapore Armed Forces, including a new Airforce organizational structure (up to 1,000 men and women) and new overseas squadrons. Developed and established new foreign Airforce engagement approach and process as well as managed the relationship between strategic partners and suppliers. Justified, acquired and managed over 50 special defence programmes. Planned, managed and lead various exercises from HQ level exercises to foreign exercises. Received various decorations and distinctions for service. Wrote speeches for Permanent Secretary (Defence).

  • Developed strategic longterm (15 year) capability development plans for the Airforce.
  • Involved in various strategic capability and operational classified studies (Airforce and Joint Command level).
  • Team member of the Airforce Organization Restructuring
  • Lead, established and implemented the restructuring of the Airforce Campaign Planning complex and process
  • Headed the development of the Airforce operational strategies and plans
  • Headed the development, capability acquisition and programme management of all Airforce aircraft and Airdefence systems to include training, communication, networked systems, sensor and weapons systems etc.
  • Developed, justified and implemented various policies, processes and guidelines for the Airforce level engagement with strategic partners and OEMs that affect Government to Government decisions.
  • Commanded the F-16D+ squadron in Singapore and was the first Commander of the F-15SG, establishing the first overseas F-15 squadron in the US. Lead and managed the setting up of the squadron to include the squadron infrastructure, operations and maintenance capability, hangars, workshop, spare storage, housing for serviceman and families, schooling and integration of Singaporeans into the US community, negotiations with the US military and government contractors on contractual equipment and services delivery terms, assimilation and acceptance of a common military system between the 2 militaries, acceptance by and relationship building with the community and local leaders, managing budget and capability build up timelines etc. 
  • Lead, managed and participated in various multi-country exercises and Defence relations engagements
  • Responsible for Raise, Train and Sustain in areas of pilot generation, systems, doctrines and tactics development as the deputy commander of all the fighter squadrons.
  • Conferred scholarship by the RSAF to study in NUS and holds a BSc in Materials Science.

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  • 95 Jalan Sultan #02-10, Singapore 198998

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