Interview with Toh Kian Khai, GoThere.sg

Some of you already know it, some don’t. For those who do, GoThere.sg has become almost a necessity for finding their way around Singapore. GoThere.sg allows you to find your way from point A to B using public transport and even to avoid ERP, if you’re driving. We speak to one of GoThere’s team, Kian Khai.

What is GoThere.sg?

gothere.sg utilizes a map-based interface for obtaining public transport directions and other information based on our own GIS data and proprietary routing algorithms. Through the site, a user can obtain directions, estimated time and cost to go from one location to another in Singapore based on the most efficient mode of public transport – bus, MRT or taxi. It also allows users to search for nearby amenities within a location including restaurants, banks etc.. The site currently serves several thousand unique visitors each day and is growing rapidly since it’s inception in May 2008.

Who makes up the team and what were your backgrounds before doing this?

Dominic Ee (Director, Technology)
Having graduated with an Honours Degree in IT from Queensland University of Technology in 2007, the first time entrepreneur has been instrumental in delivering gothere.sg by developing the infrastructure. Dominic is currently responsible for conceptualising new products and research of the latest technologies.

Toh Kian Khai (Director, Business Development)
Kian Khai graduated from NUS in 2007 with an Honours Degree in Economics, and has one year experience in business development in an MNC in the automotive industry. He will be exploring new opportunities for the company as well as managing any projects that the company will be taking on. Other responsibilities include the administrative and financial aspects of the company.

Kuan Chih Yuan (Director, Engineering)
Chih Yuan graduated with an Honours Degree in Computer Engineering from NUS in 2007, and has one year experience in IT consulting with Accenture. He will be working together with the business division in the company to handle the technical requirements of projects and delivering results to clients.

Ang Junhan (Director, Products)
Junhan graduated from NTU with an Honours degree in Computer Engineering in 2008 and is a first time entrepreneur. He is passionate about creating innovative products and he will be overlooking the development of new products as well as improvement of existing products and services.

Why did your team start GoThere.sg?

We were not satisfied with the online navigation sites available, and we thought we should make something better. We aim to make navigation and finding places easy. By creating products emphasising on speed and user-centric designs, we want to improve the whole user experience of locating services and traveling to destinations.

You demoed your new iPhone app a few weeks back, how is that coming along and how many downloads do you have to date?

We are still finalising the app, and we’ll be testing it before submission to Apple to be listed in the app store. We are keeping our fingers crossed that Apple doesn’t take too long.

What can your fans expect next from GoThere.sg? Both web and mobile version?

We’re very focused on user experience, we will always keep this in mind when we are improving current services or creating new products.

Location Based Services: Yay or Nay? Where do you see LBS going?

Yay. Google and other major tech companies are actively researching and developing in this area, so I think there’s a good chance that LBS is finally going to take off after a very long hype.
I’m not too optimistic about social networking coupled with LBS. I do see LBS taking off on the commercial side of things, if consumers get better deals with the sharing of their location, and businesses get to do much more targeted marketing, it’s a win win situation.

I understand that you are self-funded, no need for venture funding?

We are planning to get some funding for future expansion of the company.

What is your business model?

We’re concerned with technology and innovation at the moment. We have a couple of models in mind, but we are still researching into them, so until it’s decided, we do not wish to discuss too much.

Are you planning to expand your team?

We are always looking for good developers who are a good fit.

If you had to pick, Marketing or Technology?
Technology.

Looking back, what has been your moment of greatest euphoria?

I think we had the same satisfaction whenever we reached a major milestone. From the initial launch, to the redesign, launching our own maps, and getting ourselves mentioned in the budget speech. They all felt great.

Has there been any time that you felt like quitting? How was it like to try to push yourself back up?

Not yet. We have been rather fortunate so far. I think we’ve been doing great with hard work, some luck and help from other people. Of course, doing what we believe in keeps us motivated.

Would you have done anything differently?

Work even harder and faster.

Where do you see GoThere.sg in one year?

It will be the name that comes to mind when people are looking for places.

Top 3 qualities an entrepreneur must have?

Passion, Perseverance, Diligence.

Thanks, KK. All the best with GoThere.sg!

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