IN the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur, amidst the dynamic rhythms of Southeast Asia's bustling metropolis, See Chin Joo's story unfurls with a captivating blend of passion, resilience, and unwavering determination.
As one of the driving forces behind Inspidea, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kucingko Berhad, Malaysia's largest 2D animation studio, (the other being his business partner, Andrew Ooi), See's visionary leadership has not only made a significant impact in the global animation industry, but has also led his company to remarkable success.
"Finally, we meet!" I exclaim in delight, as a youthful-looking bespectacled man, clad in a simple earth-brown T-shirt over a pair of blue jeans, rises the moment I approach his table at the back of this usually bustling cafe in Bangsar. His beam is broad as he extends a friendly handshake before calling for the waiter to take our order.
This former financial analyst turned entrepreneur, fuelled by an insatiable passion for creation, may seem unassuming at first glance. However, beneath his understated demeanour, lies a powerhouse of creativity and innovation.
Somewhere from the recesses of my memory bank, I recall that this is the individual, alongside his dedicated team, who's responsible for bringing to life beloved cartoons such as John Bravo Goes to Bollywood and Arjun & The Adventure of the Ice Lotus.
These animations haven't only captured the hearts of audiences worldwide but have also been embraced by renowned production houses in the United States and Asia such as Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Hasbro.
"So, CJ…" I begin, using the familiar acronym that many know him as, "what's your story?" With a grateful smile, I acknowledge the waiter as he places a cup of piping-hot coffee on the table, before turning my attention once again on the beaming 53-year-old in front of me.
THIRST FOR ADVENTURE
See's journey can be traced back to his early years in Malaysia, where he attended the Methodist Boys' School in Kuala Lumpur. Growing up in a bustling household with his parents and five other siblings (he is the second youngest of six), See was instilled with the values of perseverance and hard work from a young age.
His late father, a stalwart in the business world, ran a prominent tin can manufacturing company, leaving an indelible impression on See's entrepreneurial spirit — something he discovered later in his life.
"My dad, who passed away two years ago, used to run a tin can manufacturing company, one of the biggest in Malaysia. It was a family business and a public-listed company, which has now been taken over by a third party. Mum has always been a homemaker," shares See.
Despite the familiar comforts of family life, See's thirst for adventure led him to embark on a journey to Australia for his pre-university education. After completing his Form Four, he managed to secure a partial scholarship from the Australian government to pursue two years of high school education in Australia, thus prepping himself for pre-university.
At a young age, he found himself immersed in a new culture, far from the familiar streets of home. "I was in Australia for six years. I spent a bit of time there doing my pre-university after Form Four," shares See, adding that it was good to be thrown far from home as it helped to instill in him a sense of independence.
But, after his studies at the University of Melbourne, when where he attained a Bachelor of Commerce, See made the decision to return home. "I'm glad I opted to do this. Many people who studied with me decided to stay on, citing that the quality of life was better there. But personally, I found the dynamism of Asia then more appealing, especially for those inclined towards adventure or business."
Australia back then, with its laid-back vibe, didn't quite appeal to his entrepreneurial spirit, confides See in recollection. "Malaysia's proximity to bustling hubs like Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan added to its allure. It was a stark contrast to the Australia in the years between 1989 and 1993."
CARVING A PATH
Upon his return, See began to carve his path, starting with an accounting firm before transitioning to KLOFFE Bhd, or Kuala Lumpur Options and Financial Futures Exchange, as a compliance and surveillance officer in its pioneering team.
Following this, he served as a financial analyst with J.M. Sassoon Research Malaysia for three fruitful years. However, the economic crisis in Southeast Asia, which led former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to peg the ringgit to the United States dollar, eventually led to See losing his job and forcing him to embark on a journey of introspection.
But it wasn't long before things took a turn for the better; See's entrepreneurial spirit and never-say-die attitude helped to propel him forward and defy the odds. In May 2002, See went on to set up Inspidea together with Ooi, his long-time friend.
Motivated by the government's initiative to teach maths and science in English, they began developing an educational animated series for children, anticipating interest from local television stations.
Their new business operated out of See's house with about RM200,000 in working capital, mainly from savings, borrowings from family members and capital from two shareholders. It was challenging as they had no income at the time. When their shareholders decided to leave, they bought out their shares with whatever savings they had left.
Inspidea's first animation series, Johan the Young Scientist, was rejected by national broadcaster RTM, which was a major setback for See and Ooi considering the time and money they invested. The series had taken 18 months to produce at the cost of RM500,000.
There was no turning back with such high stakes in place. They took their maiden series to an international trade show in Cannes, France where they finally found a broadcaster based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and secured a deal.
TRANSFORMING THE LANDSCAPE
Now, with nearly two decades of experience under its belt, Inspidea has emerged as a trailblazer in the world of 2D animation, offering specialised production services to global broadcasters and streaming platforms.
"I'm the executive producer or producer," says See. With a team of 260 people, from a mere four when they first started 22 years ago, the studio has produced a plethora of content. From conceptualisation to execution, Inspidea's collaborative approach ensures that each project is brought to life with unparalleled precision and creativity.
As his company continues to soar to new heights, See remains steadfast in his commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling. With each project, he seeks to inspire, entertain and captivate audiences around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of viewers of all ages.
"I'm very challenge-driven," he muses with a smile, adding: "If you ask me what three words best describe me… I'd say, persistence, perseverance and passion. You need to love what you do, and you need to just keep pushing — no matter the obstacle."
"The thrill of creation ignites a fire within me," See reflects, drawing parallels to the spirited ethos of Bob the Builder and his resounding mantra: "We can do it. Yes, we can!"
A DREAM TO SOAR HIGHER
"My dream? That's the thing…!" exclaims the affable KLite when I ask him about his early aspirations. "When I was young, I really wanted to be pilot," recalls See, elaborating: "I actually went for an interview with Singapore Airlines but got rejected because my eyesight wasn't perfect. I'd seen the advert for the position and immediately applied. Even from very young, commercial aviation was something I was intrigued by."
Despite this early setback, his love for aviation has never diminished. Chuckling, See confides that as a child, he spent countless hours assembling model airplanes. "I don't know where the interest came from. Maybe it was a boy thing. Some boys like trains. I loved airplanes."
Taking a quick sip of his coffee, See continues: "You see, my childhood dream was to become a pilot. Yet, here I am, leading this company. Still, deep down, I harbour aspirations beyond animation. Running an airline has always intrigued me. It represents a new challenge, a different realm of operations — where revenue, service quality and product innovation take centre stage. It's a tantalising prospect, for sure!"
Aeroplanes and cartoons — these were his real loves growing up, confesses See, eyes crinkling with mirth under his dark-rimmed glasses. Backtracking a little, he shares that during the dawn of cable television's golden era in Malaysia back in the 1990s, he found himself captivated by the whimsical worlds of Cartoon Network, Disney and Nickelodeon on Astro.
"In those days, there was no such thing as a cartoon for prime time or a cartoon for adults," remembers See, adding: "Try going to Netflix now, and you'll see there are lots of cartoons for adults."
Drawn to the artistry and imagination of animated storytelling, See's passion for aviation seamlessly intertwined with his love for animation, laying the groundwork for his future endeavours.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties of entrepreneurship, particularly in the early days, See has remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, guided, he muses, possibly by the wisdom of his late father and the unwavering support of his family.
"I think my father indirectly inspired me to become an entrepreneur even though when he was alive, he always used to say he never understood what I actually did for a living," shares See, chuckling heartily.
As he reflects on his journey thus far, one thing remains certain: the sky is the limit for this visionary entrepreneur and the inspiring legacy he continues to build with each passing day.
Reflecting on his proudest achievement, See confesses that he can't help but marvel at the journey that he'd embarked upon with the cartoon business. "It's something I never envisioned setting up," he admits, continuing: "But rather, it felt like one of those moments where life chooses you."
With a background in finance and aspirations of becoming a pilot, he found himself drawn into the world of animation — a realm he never anticipated. "Yet, looking back, there's a common thread: my enduring love for cartoons," acknowledges See, concluding softly: "Life, it seems, has its own plans for us… and navigating this unexpected path has certainly been both challenging and rewarding."
As he continues to chart new horizons and inspire generations with his creativity and vision, See reminds us that the greatest adventures often begin with a single leap of faith.
In the end, his story isn't just about building a successful business — it's also about daring to chase dreams, embrace change and carving a legacy that transcends the boundaries of imagination.
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