How a 71-year-old former pilot launched a new career as a digital solutions provider

Leo Tin Boon has carved out a high-flying career in military defence. As one of Singapore’s first helicopter pilots, he served in the Air Force for over thirty years before moving into tertiary education at the Temasek Defence Systems Institute. There, he nurtured generations of young defence scientists and systems engineers before finally retiring in 2016.

Having worked for close to fifty years, Tin Boon found himself pondering how he should spend his free time. He shared that:

“I wanted to call the shots over my workload and schedule – to work and rest however much I want, when I want it.”

He’d long noticed that the world was going digital – and fast. That’s when he began researching learning opportunities that would help him thrive in a new digital economy.

His search took him to the WSQ Social Media Sales Robot course at GEX Academy. The two-day course imparts participants with the skills and know-how to accelerate their business online through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

What’s more, Singaporeans aged 40 and above are eligible for the Mid Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES). This meant that Tin Boon could have his course fees funded by up to 90%.

He enrolled immediately and dove right in. The course covers the most effective sales and marketing strategies – social media marketing, search engine marketing, digital affiliate marketing and more – that are actively used by successful online businesses.

Here, Tin Boon picked up specific, actionable steps he could take to engage with business prospects online. “The amount of detail and information shared by the trainers was astounding,” he says.

“From content creation to responding to questions and comments, they gave us practical, proven techniques for every stage in the buyer’s journey.”

The learning didn’t stop there. Tin Boon had already been expanding his knowledge of social media marketing through various sources online, but armed with new skill sets from the WSQ Social Media Sales Robot course, he sprang into action. He applied what he learned and was successful in scaling up his marketing to a global audience, at affordable costs[1] .

Since then, things have only gotten better and better. Tin Boon credits the course for providing him the biggest return on investment because the skill sets can be applied to all businesses, no matter which industry. Now, he works freelance as a digital solutions provider, consulting small businesses on how they can use social media to nurture prospects and get more sales.

Best of all, he’s been able to work at his “own time, own target”. As a believer in lifelong learning, Tin Boon appreciates having the space and time for other enjoyable activities. For example, he has pursued other courses on topics like cryptocurrency, and even became a certified Energy Healer.

Seniors may doubt their ability to pick up digital skill sets, but Tin Boon believes that it’s all about having the right mindset[2] .

“Everything starts from the mind, so put aside your scepticism and be adaptive to change.”

Link to article 5: Five ways to get started on social media marketing with a small budget

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He adds that, “Where there’s a will to learn, there is a way to achieve your goals, so be persistent because reaping results will also strengthen your confidence in the long run.”

“I find that setting new goals brings me joy and keeps things active for me at this stage of my life,” says Tin Boon. Whatever your area of interest, staying up-to-date with developments and acquiring skill sets can help you achieve the best version of yourself.

“It’s never too late to embark on your learning journey. And with government subsidies such as WSQ accredited courses, MCES and the SkillsFuture credits – it also doesn’t have to be expensive!”

If you’re considering taking that step into the world of social media and digital marketing, just like Tin Boon did, you’re in the right place. Speak with us today and find out more about courses like the WSQ Social Media Sales Robot and get started on your journey.

GEX Academy is an Approved Training Provider (TP) accredited by SkillsFuture Singapore under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Skills Framework and an Approved and Accredited Teaching & Examination Centre for IPMA | UEN Reg. No.: 201529371H