It is often assumed that talent in certain trades is inherited, but Tan Lih Woei forged his path in construction through determination, vision, and resilience. He comes from a lineage of contractors. The family business originally began in 1979 under his father, Ah Tze, who taught himself gas pipe laying.
Although the business ceased operations in 2002, Lih Woei’s early exposure to the construction world instilled in him an appreciation for seeing projects through from conception to completion. Watching Singapore develop around him, he developed a fascination with builders, architects, and developers, as well as the intricate work involved in transforming plans into tangible structures.
Growing up sharing a bedroom with his brother for over thirty years, Lih Woei learned early lessons in collaboration, compromise, and generosity. His parents encouraged him and his brother to make their own choices, an upbringing that fostered independence and creativity. Lih Woei often reflects that this freedom helped shape his open-minded approach to leadership, encouraging employees to contribute their ideas and challenge the status quo.
Embracing the Entrepreneurial Path
In 2005, after several years of working in various fields and exploring different jobs, Lih Woei realised that continuing on the path he was on would not lead to meaningful outcomes. This realisation marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. Reviving a family business was not straightforward. It required adaptability, persistence, and a willingness to face challenges head-on. A defining moment came from his uncle’s advice: competition is inevitable, and success depends on how one meets it. Lih Woei took this lesson to heart and approached every obstacle as an opportunity to grow.
Between 2002 and 2005, Lih Woei and his brother experimented with multiple ventures, including moving services, car polishing, and roles in sales and property management. None of these achieved lasting success, yet each experience contributed to their resilience and judgment. Lih Woei viewed each challenge as a grain of sand to be sifted for gold. Their breakthrough arrived when a family friend offered them a modest contract of $100,000.
Although not glamorous, the opportunity required hands-on effort, laying the groundwork for what would eventually grow into Lih Ming Construction Pte Ltd. This humble beginning exemplifies how persistence and dedication transform even small opportunities into lasting achievements.
Strength in Complementary Leadership
The partnership between Lih Woei and his brother proved crucial to the company’s growth. While Lih Woei focused on vision and academic insights, his brother concentrated on technical and process-oriented execution. This synergy allowed them to build a strong foundation, with each complementing the other’s strengths. The company’s name itself reflects this partnership: “Lih” from Tan Lih Woei and “Ming” from his brother Ming Woei.
Despite early fears of underperformance, both brothers pushed each other to banish doubt and embrace challenges. Their complementary skills enabled them to convert setbacks into opportunities for learning and improvement. In addition to collaboration, they relied on financial resourcefulness, leveraging credit lines and personal connections to fund their first projects. Their determination illustrates the mindset of turning limited resources into significant outcomes.
Building Credibility in a Stigmatised Industry
Entering the construction industry was challenging. Contractors were often perceived negatively due to unethical practices in the past. Lih Woei and his brother recognised that they could not rely solely on their family’s reputation. To establish credibility, they emphasised professionalism, rigorous verification processes, and assembling a skilled team. One of their earliest hires, Renu, brought expertise in finance and accounting and became a key pillar in strengthening the company’s operations.
Lih Woei attributes much of their early success to persistence in relationship building and adherence to standards. Even without prior influence in the modern construction ecosystem, they navigated challenges by earning trust through consistent quality work. Their philosophy demonstrates that integrity and competence can reshape reputations and create opportunities in industries traditionally viewed as challenging.
Defining Success Beyond Profits
For Lih Woei, success is measured not only by financial achievements but by the strength of the company’s values, culture, and people. “We invest a lot in training and in the growth of the company,” he shares, reflecting his belief that a business thrives when its people do.
Lih Ming Construction prioritises safety, professional training, and low staff attrition, underscoring a genuine commitment to employee well-being and development. The company’s consistent recognition for safety performance, including awards and client ratings, illustrates how ethical practices can align with operational excellence.
Key projects such as the installation of 200 charging kiosks for SG50 highlight the company’s contributions to public good. Lih Woei emphasises that investing in people, supporting local communities, and promoting ethical practices create long-term value that goes beyond immediate profits. Lih Ming Construction’s charitable initiatives, including support for the Northwest Community Development Council, the Society for the Physically Disabled, and bursaries for students, reinforce this principle.
Evolving with the Industry
The construction industry has evolved from largely manual labor to technology-driven systems. In his early years, Lih Woei experienced communication barriers with workers and observed informal work practices. Over time, construction adopted systematic processes, manuals, and safety standards, elevating professional respect for the trade.
Lih Woei and his brother embraced technological solutions early, beginning with Excel to manage operations more efficiently. Their curiosity led to partnerships with IT vendors, development of custom forms, and eventual adoption of enterprise resource planning solutions. Although not all technological investments succeeded, the iterative approach allowed Lih Ming Construction to refine systems that enhanced efficiency, accountability, and agility. This mindset illustrates the importance of persistence and learning from trial and error.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Lih Woei envisions expanding the company’s services beyond underground utilities to electricity and district cooling, ensuring continued relevance in a changing market. He emphasises that technology can transform construction from purely physical tasks to streamlined, process-driven operations, enabling faster, more effective execution while maintaining high standards.
Lih Woei’s approach reflects a long-term strategy rather than short-term gains. By bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, he demonstrates how an industry with a long-standing reputation can evolve without losing its core values.
Leadership Principles
Lih Woei has codified his leadership philosophy into the acronym LIHMING:
- Leadership: setting the tone from the top
- Integrity: doing the right thing consistently
- Harmony: cultivating trust and mutual respect
- Mastery: pursuing continuous training and improvement
- Innovation: embracing new approaches and ideas
- Nurturing: developing talent and supporting team growth
- Goal-Oriented: aligning efforts toward shared objectives
These principles emphasise that resilient leadership combines ethical practice, personal growth, and collective achievement. Lih Woei ensures his team has ownership over their work while promoting a balanced work-life culture, demonstrating that productivity does not require overworking employees.
Lessons in Resilience and Entrepreneurship
Lih Woei’s journey illustrates key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. He advises an open-minded approach, persistence, and the willingness to learn from setbacks. Every failure and challenge can serve as a stepping stone if approached with curiosity and determination. The “more you try, the luckier you get” philosophy captures the importance of active experimentation in achieving success.
By refusing to cut corners, embracing technology, and upholding professional standards, Lih Woei has transformed the perception of a traditionally stigmatised industry. His story is a testament to resilience, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership, offering inspiration for those navigating industries with entrenched stereotypes or challenges.
A Legacy Rooted in Values
Tan Lih Woei’s career reflects a balance between personal achievement, societal contribution, and organisational excellence. He emphasises that true leadership is measured not by profits alone but by the positive influence a company has on its employees, community, and industry. The success of Lih Ming Construction demonstrates that resilience, vision, and adherence to values can turn a family legacy into a thriving enterprise that continues to contribute meaningfully to society.
As Singapore celebrates milestones like SG60, Lih Woei draws parallels between the nation’s journey and his own. Building a strong foundation, staying steadfast in beliefs, and adapting to change are essential both for enterprises and for personal growth. His story encourages the next generation of entrepreneurs to embrace challenges, innovate responsibly, and maintain integrity as the guiding compass.
Lih Woei’s entrepreneurial path shows that even in a sector with historical stigma, strategy, persistence, and purpose can produce lasting impact. He has proven that resilience is not only about overcoming difficulties but also about shaping an enduring legacy through principled leadership, technological adoption, and people-centric values.
Website: https://www.lihming.com.sg/
AUTHOR BIO
ALAN KOH
Alan Koh is the Founder and CEO of Impossible Marketing, a group of companies renowned for hyperlocal marketing strategies tailored to businesses in Singapore. His professional journey began in the banking sector, where he quickly rose through the ranks, garnering eight industry awards in just four years.
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