JENN HUI KHONG
Summary
Dynamic and experienced Regional Business Director with a strong background in R&D / Innovation, Sales & Marketing, APAC Channel Sales Management, Direct & Distribution Sales, Project Management, Technology Transfer and Commercialization.
Proven track record in strategic portfolio generation (proteomic, genomic, cell culture, regenerative medicine), business expansion, market share growth, revenue & profit growth, strategic execution of sales directives, creating innovative & competitive advantage for partners and customers.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Business Director
Biomed Diagnostics Pte Ltd
10.2017 - Current
- Responsible for day-to-day business dealings with customers, including designated key accounts and territory-based management with assigned Business Executive(s)
- Prompt provision of pre and post sales service and support in response to customers, RFQs and Tender requirements
- Develops and perform strategic execution of sales directives in accordance with marketing plan or targets set
- Achieve assigned sales and gross profit targets, conversion rate and/or other critical KPIs set
- Enhance business acumen by updating findings from market sensing and changes in competitors' landscape
- Create competitive advantage/value-add for customers with reasonable protection of the interest of the Company
- General support to sales team by building research and data-supported marketing models to better optimize the market challenges and opportunities
- Responsible for profitability, pricing and inventory to ensure sales solutions being developed are aligned with inventory projections and true market demands
- This includes managing oversell, developing solutions to make use of undersold areas and assisting to build media plans that effectively capture the strategies that are taken to market
- Other responsibilities include timely submission of sales reports, forecast and market information, engage in cross-functional projects/synergy cross-selling, and support management's directives and efforts
- Regional responsibilities include business development initiatives especially in the life science, molecular diagnostics, biopharma and Agritech portfolio for the Group
- To closely work with the HQ to monitor and develop the life science, molecular diagnostics, biopharma and Agritech business
- To spin off business consultancy service to support companies expanding globally
- To co-develop innovative technology and commercialization
- Market Coverage: Territories: South East Asia, Asia Pacific & China
- Product Portfolio: Proteomic: Flow Cytometry, Western Blot, Antibodies, Elispot/Fluorospot, Nanovials (Single Cell Proteomics), Genomic: NGS, Nucleic Acid Extraction, qPCR, Digital PCR, Qsep (Nucleic Acid Integrity), Ultrasonicator (Nuclei acid fragmentation), Single Cell Genomics, Epigenetics, Cell Culture: Media customization, Specialized supplement, FBS and FBS free products for cancer cells, stem cell, patient derived cell, organoid, Molecular Diagnostics: Early detection of Colorectal cancer, Lung cancer, Blood cancer, Pan cancer panel, MRD test, Rare disease, Kidney disease, Women’s Health: Ovarian cancer test, Endometrial cancer test, Premature birth test, NIPT, Regenerative Medicine: MSC, MSC conditioned media, Exosome, CAR-T, NK and medicinal plant extracts for wellness, cancer treatment, woundcare, skincare (aesthetic) in human and animal, Animal Diagnostics: AI-assisted Digital PCR kit for Shrimp Pathogen test, Research animal health monitoring tests
Co-Founder
AVP International Pte Ltd
07.2016 - 09.2017
- Cognigo Talent Identification and cognitive skill brain development program - Launched in Malaysia and Singapore
- Distribution of infectious disease / cancer rapid test kit - Drive and expand Myanmar market via partners
- Distribution of cancer supplement (Avemar) - Drive and expand Singapore and Malaysia market via partners
- Social Media Offline to Online Marketing - Promoting Wechat business Official Account
- Assist client to penetrate china market via Offline to Online e-commerce platform
- Assist client to digitalize their business
- Assist client to collect big data by accumulating followers and payment gateway
Regional Marketing and Business Development Manager
Sysmex Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
01.2015 - 07.2016
- Plans and prepares new product launch collaterals and annual marketing and sales plans
- Conducts analyses required for strategic decision support relating to target markets, market segmentation, SWOT analysis, competitive intelligence, positioning, and others that may be brought about by the market dynamism of the assigned business unit
- Translates science, technology, & customer requirements into marketing messages and product positioning, and communicates clearly with country representatives / business partners / distributors (sales/marketing people, country heads)
- Conceptualizes marketing communication tools leading towards the achievement of the product-specific strategy
- Develops high impact marketing and educational programs leading to system and brand conversion
- Prepares comprehensive competitive comparison portfolio and communicates clearly to individual country sales/marketing members
- Sets up competitive pricing for all products within the assigned BU
- Drive and expand market share by guiding and managing the business partner representatives (distributors/affiliates)
- Oversees the design and implementation of approved product initiatives, including launch of new products & services, introducing product enhancements, and coordinating pricing modifications
- Identifies competitor activities and develops strategic actions to address them
- Provides expert assistance to business partner representatives (distributors/affiliates) as second/third level support, depending on each individual country structure
- Handles customer complaints and implements corrective/preventive actions in a professional and timely manner
- Establish strategic initiatives with key opinion leaders (KOLs) to support the continuous success of the assigned BU
- Conducts comprehensive and highly professional product and marketing training to all business partners
- Drives the development of appropriate customer / market segmentation, segment-specific value proposition, and associated sales/marketing tools
- Spearheads and/or support regional marketing activities such as seminars, trade shows, etc., as needed
- Provides support and guidance to business partners regarding products and market-related issues
- Manages Sysmex NPP – strategic marketing site (for assigned BU)
Sales Account Manager
Agilent Technologies Singapore (Sales) Pte Ltd
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Drive business expansion for GC, GCMS/MS, LC, LCMS/MS in Oil & Gas, Food, Environmental, Semiconductor and Material Industry
- Drive and expand market share by guiding and managing the business partner representatives (distributors/affiliates)
- Responsible for generating existing and/or new sales for assigned named accounts or assigned geographic, territory, industry or accounts list, or for identifying and recruiting strategic partners to embed and/or resell company products
- Promotes and sells products and/or solutions to current or new customers/partners and informs customers of new product introductions
- Creates, monitors and revises lead generation plans
- Responsible for developing customers and maintaining their satisfaction
- Maintains positive ongoing long-term relationships with key customers
- Interprets customer needs and works to meet those needs; identifies potential business opportunities, able to handle leads independently
- Works on sales assignments with broadly defined objectives
- Solves some non-routine issues, challenges and problems within field of specialization
- Analyse competitor and improvise new strategy to penetrate market
- Product presentation and training
Application & Sales Specialist
Leica Microsystems Pte. Ltd.
06.2012 - 06.2013
- Well trained and knowledgeable in optical and microscopical techniques
- Promote sales in life science and clinical industry
- Drive and expand market share by guiding and managing the business partner representatives (distributors)
- Conduct demo and presentation to educate end users and create product awareness
- Provide pre-sales and post-sales support, training and problem-solving service
- Conduct market and competitor analysis
- Develop marketing and sales strategy to penetrate the market
- Provide technical support for dealers and distributors
- Negotiate and discuss with decision maker to close deals
- Provide technical support and drive sales for distributors
Field Application Scientist
Merck Millipore Pte. Ltd.
05.2011 - 05.2012
- Provide pre-sales and post-sales application and technical support for all bioscience products and instruments (Luminex technology for protein detection, scepter for cell count, muse, direct detect, and flow cytometry including guava and amnis)
- Provide follow-up support in disseminating technical information on specific applications to assist customers or distributors in optimizing applications and offering solutions
- Act as Liaison between customer and R & D and responsible for detailed record keeping and project management on key accounts
- Responsible for manual demonstrating complex applications in key accounts and training customer and sales on proper usage and optimization of manual protocols at key accounts in field
- Deliver training modules on multiple protein detection and flow cytometry, data analysis, laboratory technique, instrument installation, repair and operation
- Play a key role in enhancing differentiation of products and services on scientific, technical, ergonomic and economical principles
- Conduct talks and discussion with scientists and clinicians to generate awareness and potential leads
- Assist scientist to troubleshoot and solve technical problems in research
- Analyze competitor strength and weakness in market
- Analyze market trend in research industry and funding source
- Work together with Regulatory Affairs Compliance Manager in medical device registration
Junior Research Fellow (Part-Time PhD)
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)
06.2003 - 04.2011
- Investigate the role of Ipl1 (homolog of human AuroraB kinase) in the regulation of spindle assembly
- Investigate the role of CDC20 in regulating spindle extension
- Conduct assessment of the role of CDC6 in the context of G1-M checkpoint and understand the mechanism for premature segregation of unreplicated chromosomes
- Screen for up and down-regulation of proteins involved in premature spindle extension using SILAC mass spectroscopy
Research Officer
National Cancer Centre, Singapore
06.2002 - 06.2003
- Worked in gene therapy using Herpes Simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) amplicon vectors as a delivery vehicle to deliver potential therapeutic gene
Research Associate
Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation
01.2001 - 12.2001
- Performed study of double strand breaks repair and telomerase involvement in the onset of tumour cells
- Conducted mutagenesis study on a putative helicase gene (DHH1) isolated from yeast (also a human homologue) that is believed to play a key role in the initiation of cancer progression
Research Assistant
University of Malaya, Malaysia
03.2000 - 12.2000
- Assigned to conduct molecular and epidemiological research on Nipah virus
- Trained extensively in the technique of epitope mapping using the phage display technology to map the epitope of Nipah virus coat protein and also involved in sequencing of the virus genome
Research Assistant
Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre
01.2000 - 02.2000
- Characterized the Subterranean clover mottle virus (SCMoV) at molecular level by developing constructs suitable to study the genome recognition and expression strategies of SCMoV as well as to find new evidence for function of encoded genes
Research Assistant
Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
12.1998 - 12.1999
- Assisted in the isolation of chitinase producing soil organisms and followed by cloning of the chitinase gene into transgenic plants that confer resistant to fungal attack
Honours Year Student Attachment
Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre
01.1998 - 12.1998
- Performed study of gene expression in root-knot nematode infected plant roots or giant cells
- Isolated up and down-regulated genes upon infection of plant roots by nematode
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) -
National University of Singapore
01.2012
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biotechnology
Murdoch University
01.1998
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Murdoch University
01.1997
Skills
Research Skills:
Molecular Biology
- Genomic DNA, Plasmid DNAand Total RNA isolation, Genomic DNA extraction via CSCL gradient, NGS, Cloning, RT-PCR, Differential Display RT-PCR, Real-Time PCR, Digital PCR, Southern Blot, Northern Blot, reverse Northern Blot, Dot Blot, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Site-Directed Mutagenesis, Phage Display, Single Cell and nuclei isolation, Ultrasonicator for nucleic acid fragmentation
Cell Biology
- Mammalian Cell culture, Transfection, Viral-mediated transduction, Luminex xMAP technology, Flow Cytometry (FACS), Luciferase Assay, ELISA, tunnel assay, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunofluorescence cells staining, Immunofluorescence Telomeric Chromosome Staining, Chromosome Spreads, Virus packaging, Virus harvesting, Virus tittering and concentrating, Cell culture (2D/3D and organoid)
Microscopy and Imaging
- Immunofluorescence Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, in vivo Live-cell Imaging to detect protein localization and protein interaction, Dissecting Microscopy, Microinjection Microscopy
Protein Biology
Mammalian cell Protein Extraction, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, 2D-Gel Electrophoresis, in vivo and in vitro Co-immunoprecipitation, Ubiquitination Assay, Kinase Assay, Bacterial Protein expression and Purification
Yeast Biology
- Yeast Transformation, Yeast Plasmid DNA and Protein Isolation, Yeast Colony PCR, Yeast Gene Disruption, Yeast Crossing and Dissection
Preclinical Study Using Animal
- Completion of the Responsible Care and Use of Laboratory Animal Course
- Tumour xenografts in nude mice, Mouse dissection for organ extraction
Plant Biology
- Plant and fungal transformation, Plant culture, Fungal culture, Plant root infection with nematode, Nematode harvesting, Chitinase Assay
Research and Grant Writing
- Experience in writing annual research progress reports
- Experience in writing research proposals for collaboration and funding purpose
- Excellent in analytical skills when interpreting experimental observations and designing experiments
Mentorship / Training / Supervisory
- Assisted in training, guiding and mentoring junior college/polytechnic/university attachment students
- Business director leading sales and application scientist team
Software and Analysis
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, FACS Analytical Software, Leica Application Suite software
Sales & Marketing
- Social media marketing (LinkedIn/FB/Instagram/Tiktok), Digital marketing (SEO, google Ads, Hubspot), Lead generation (SciLeads, CRM), Brochure design (Canva), DAI (CoPilot Chat gpt), Data Analysis (Google analytic, PowerBI)
Project Management Projects
- Co-develop Rare Disease NGS kit and Digital PCR Shrimp Pathogen kit, Customization of CRM and PowerBI software for the lead generation and sales dashboard, Market launch of Healthcare and Woundcare product
Technology Transfer and Commercialization
Exploit Technologies, A-star
- Attended the Traineeship in Technology Transfer Management (T3M) programme
Modules attended: TTM101 Introduction to Intellectual Property, TTM103 Intellectual Property Assessment Overview, TTM105 Essentials of Licensing, TTM106 Evaluation of Technology Disclosure, TTM108 Commercialization Planning, TTM109 Technology Commercialization, TTM110 IP Marketing Strategies and Tactics, TTM113 Business Planning and Elevator Pitch, TTM114 Fundamentals of Entrepreneurial Finance, TTM118 Self Marketing, TTM119 Entrepreneurial Marketing, TTM115-3 Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship Workshop, TTM206 Angel Investment Management
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/30/75
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Malaysian/Singapore PR
- Driving License: Class 3 (possess own vehicle)
- Marital Status: Married
Accomplishments
- Certificate of Completion of LS Intermediate Microscopy Training in Germany (2012)
- Certificate of Completion of Stereomicroscopy Training in Switzerland (2012)
- Certificate of Completion of Luminex and Guava flow cytometry Training (2011)
- The 180th Guinness Effort Award (Year 2000)
- Outstanding performance in Biochemistry II (Year 1997)
Communication Skills
Fluent in English, Fluent in Mandarin, Fluent in Malay, Fluent in Cantonese, Fluent in Hokkien
Hobbies And Passions
- Entrepreneurship – Startup company, Pitching to investors, Co-development of new products, Fund raising
- Physical exercise - Marathon runner, Badminton, Mountain Climbing, Strength training
- Mental & Character development – Neuro-linguistic Program Certified
- Music: Piano, Singing
- Voluntary work
Publications
- Reductional anaphase in replication defective cells is caused by ubiquitin conjugating enzyme Cdc34-mediated deregulation of the spindle, Jenn Hui Khong, Tao Zhang, Jayantha Gunaratne, Walter Blackstock, Uttam Surana, Cell Cycle, 11, 15, 2896-2910, 2012
- A Mechanism that prevents premature chromosome segregation when initiation of DNA replication fails, Khong, J. H., Surana, U., The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology Symposium, 2008
- An Efficient and Safe Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Amplicon Vector for Transcriptionally Targeted Therapy of Human Hepatocellular Carcinomas, Paula Lam, Y. P., Sia, K. C., Khong, J. H., et. al., Molecular Therapy, 15, 6, 1129-1136, 2007
- Isolation of Nipah virus from Malaysian Island Flying Foxes, Chua, K. B., Koh, C. L., Hooi, P. S., Wee, K. F., Khong, J. H., et al., Microbes and Infection, 4, 145-151, 2002
- Functional analysis of DHH1, a potential player in carcinogenesis, Khong, J. H., Teo, S. H., The 11th Scientific Meeting of the Malaysian Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, 2001
- Reservoir of Nipah virus identified, Chua, K. B., Lam, S. K., Koh, C. L., Hooi, P. S., Wee, K. F., Khong, J. H., et al., International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 2000
- Gene expression in root-knot nematode infected plant roots, Khong, J. H., Jones, M. G. K., Potter, R. H., Proceedings of the 9th Annual Meeting of the Combined Biological Sciences, Western Australia, 1998
Timeline
Regional Business Director
Biomed Diagnostics Pte Ltd
10.2017 - Current
Co-Founder
AVP International Pte Ltd
07.2016 - 09.2017
Regional Marketing and Business Development Manager
Sysmex Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
01.2015 - 07.2016
Sales Account Manager
Agilent Technologies Singapore (Sales) Pte Ltd
01.2014 - 12.2014
Application & Sales Specialist
Leica Microsystems Pte. Ltd.
06.2012 - 06.2013
Field Application Scientist
Merck Millipore Pte. Ltd.
05.2011 - 05.2012
Junior Research Fellow (Part-Time PhD)
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)
06.2003 - 04.2011
Research Officer
National Cancer Centre, Singapore
06.2002 - 06.2003
Research Associate
Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation
01.2001 - 12.2001
Research Assistant
University of Malaya, Malaysia
03.2000 - 12.2000
Research Assistant
Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre
01.2000 - 02.2000
Research Assistant
Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
12.1998 - 12.1999
Honours Year Student Attachment
Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre
01.1998 - 12.1998
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biotechnology
Murdoch University
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Murdoch University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) -
National University of Singapore
Similar Profiles
Durjayend S/O SivarajDurjayend S/O Sivaraj
Medical Technologist Intern at Innovative Diagnostics Pte LtdMedical Technologist Intern at Innovative Diagnostics Pte Ltd
Yuzila Mohamad YusoffYuzila Mohamad Yusoff
Deputy HOD Haematology at Innoquest Laboratories Diagnostics Pte LtdDeputy HOD Haematology at Innoquest Laboratories Diagnostics Pte Ltd
SIBI SHANMUGASUNDARAMSIBI SHANMUGASUNDARAM
Medical Technologist at Innoquest Diagnostics Pte LtdMedical Technologist at Innoquest Diagnostics Pte Ltd