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Zhern Lai

Cross Border Business Head at Ninja Van - We're hiring!

Zhern Yung Lai is a Malaysian entrepreneur and former Vice President of Corporate Development at Ninja Van, a regional logistics unicorn.13 He spent seven years at Ninja Van, where he was responsible for fundraising and strategic M&A initiatives.1 During his time there, Zhern Yung contributed to the company's growth across Southeast Asia, helping it achieve 100% coverage in six countries with 1,000 hubs.4

After his tenure at Ninja Van, Zhern Yung co-founded Okapi Technologies, a climate fintech startup in the solar financing space.12 The company, launched in Malaysia, aims to make affordable residential solar energy accessible to homeowners in Southeast Asia.2 Okapi Technologies successfully raised funding in 2024, with participation from strategic angel investors, including Lai Chang Wen and Shaun Chong, co-founders of Ninja Van.13

Zhern Yung's background includes:

  • Over a decade of experience in finance and tech startups2
  • Previous work at Citigroup in finance2
  • An MEng in Electronic Engineering with Nanotechnology from University College London2
  • A Masters' Project on Luminescent Solar Concentrators that was awarded the Departmental Prize for Best Final Year Project in 20122

His entrepreneurial journey with Okapi Technologies combines his expertise in finance, technology, and sustainable energy, addressing the financing gap in the residential solar sector in Southeast Asia.12

Related Questions

What inspired Zhern Yung to transition from Ninja Van to Okapi Technologies?
How did Zhern Yung's background in finance and engineering influence his role at Ninja Van?
What are some key achievements Zhern Yung has accomplished at Ninja Van?
How does Okapi Technologies' financing model differ from traditional solar financing options?
What challenges did Zhern Yung face when founding Okapi Technologies?
Zhern Lai
Zhern Lai, photo 1
Zhern Lai, photo 2
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Location

Singapore