CEO Insights Magazine

Indoor mapping and navigation technology stand at the forefront of modern innovation, revolutionizing how we navigate complex indoor environments. Its importance lies in its ability to enhance user experiences, streamline operations, and improve safety in various settings such as shopping malls, airports, and hospitals. Recognizing this significance, Ocean NG co-founded Mapxus, demonstrating a deep understanding of the pivotal role indoor mapping and navigation technology play in enhancing experiences and facilitating seamless navigation within indoor environments.

Ocean Ng, a visionary leader in the realm of technology and innovation, stands as the Co- Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Mapxus. With an illustrious career spanning two decades, Ocean Ng has carved a niche for himself as a driving force behind groundbreaking advancements in indoor mapping and positioning technology. As a stalwart in the industry, his journey embodies a relentless pursuit of innovation and a steadfast commitment to revolutionizing the way we navigate indoor environments.

Below is an excerpt of Ocean Ng’s exclusive interaction with the CEO Insights ASIA magazine.

Could you give a brief account of your professional journey? Also, tell us about the inspiration behind the establishment of Mapxus.

My professional journey spans various roles, rooted in entrepreneurship and technical consultancy, dating back to my tenure at the university some two decades ago. My expertise blossomed during my time at the RFID Lab at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where I delved into a plethora of technologies including AI, IoT solutions, RFID, mobile, and e-commerce platforms. The inception of Mapxus stemmed from a deep-seated aspiration to embark on my entrepreneurial voyage. Before Mapxus, I co-founded companies specializing in smart mobile app development, social enterprise for healthcare and smart logistics solution known as Locision. Locision was co-found during my collaboration with Dr. John Chan, my esteemed partner, around 2014, that the vision for Mapxus took shape.

Inspired by a critical need observed firsthand, we set out to tackle the challenges posed by indoor mapping and navigation, particularly in densely built urban environments like Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore and other smart cities in Asia Pacific. The catalyst was Dr. Chan's insight, gleaned from a firefighter friend, highlighting the dire lack of accurate building layouts crucial for emergency response. Our mission at Mapxus is crystal clear: harness cutting-edge technology, such as AI and leveraging existing infrastructures like Wi-Fi, to establish indoor mapping and positioning data. We envisage a future where everyone benefits from seamless navigation through complex urban landscapes with accessibility. Our journey thus far has been fueled by a relentless pursuit of innovation, propelled by our belief in the transformative power of indoor GIS.

As we forge ahead, our goal remains unwavering: to make indoor mapping smarter, simpler, and accessible to all. Mapxus isn't just about maps; it's about empowering individuals and communities with the tools to navigate their world effortlessly. In essence, Mapxus is not just our map; it's everyone's plan.

Define Mapxus as an organization and its position in the market.

Mapxus stands as a pioneering force at the forefront of indoor mapping and positioning technology. As a technology company, our primary focus lies in providing cutting-edge solutions for indoor navigation. We pride ourselves on not just owning proprietary technology, but on being the infrastructure that powers indoor map data. Through our SDKs and partnerships, we empower partners, developers, and organizations to create a diverse range of applications, from barrier-free navigation to shopping experiences and travel guides.

Positioning ourselves as both a technology provider and an indoor map data infrastructure company, we offer our services to a wide array of partners, enabling them to leverage our technology in building comprehensive solutions. Our success speaks volumes, especially in the Asia Pacific market, where we lead the charge in facilitating the digital transformation of smart cities. With Mapxus, navigating complex indoor environments becomes not just easy, but smart and intuitive, setting new standards for digital navigation solutions globally.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

My leadership approach centers around fostering innovation and collaboration within our team. We prioritize research and development, investing significant resources to encourage creativity and problem-solving. We maintain an open-door policy, valuing every individual's input and ideas for improving our solutions. We believe that even small improvements can have a significant impact on user experience.

Drawing from my journey from a technical consultant to C-level, I've learned the importance of continuous learning and knowledge-sharing. We cultivate a culture where team members from diverse backgrounds and expertise can learn from each other, fostering a rich environment of mutual growth and understanding. By sharing my experiences and insights, I aim to align everyone towards our common goals and decision-making processes.

Moreover, we emphasize building strong relationships with our team members, going beyond mere HR interactions. Through initiatives like Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP), we ensure that everyone shares in the company's success and feels personally invested in our collective objectives. This alignment of interests fosters greater engagement and dedication, propelling us toward shared success. Ultimately, our goal is to cultivate a culture of shared learning, collaboration, and mutual success within the organization.

How do you stay informed about ongoing industry trends?

Staying abreast of industry trends is pivotal for us, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of indoor mapping and positioning technology. We adopt a proactive approach, constantly scanning the horizon for emerging technologies and market shifts. Adapting to change is ingrained in our culture, ensuring that we remain agile and responsive to evolving trends. As a leader, I emphasize the importance of staying dynamic and flexible in our strategies. We maintain a keen focus on our key objectives while remaining open to integrating new technologies into our existing framework. Leveraging our expertise and past successes, we explore innovative ways to merge different technologies and create novel solutions.

Our commitment to innovation extends beyond mere adaptation; we actively seek opportunities to pioneer new trends and disrupt conventional norms. Whether it's integrating indoor maps or exploring the potential of AI integration, we consistently push the boundaries of what's possible. Drawing from my background as a technology consultant, I bring a wealth of experience in integrating diverse technologies. This enables us to not only anticipate industry shifts but also capitalize on them to drive our business forward.