Turning Challenges into Steppingstones for Success

Shaik Nifael Bin Shaik Nazeemuddin

Jetters Incz. Pte. Ltd.

Shaik Nifael Bin Shaik Nazeemuddin exemplifies a mindset that turns challenges into steppingstones for success. From his early years as a minority student at Nan Chiau High School to excelling in physically demanding National Service despite height limitations, he developed resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find common ground in diverse environments— qualities essential for his later achievements. In 2015, Shaik founded Jetters Incz. Pte. Ltd, leveraging his experience in roles like Senior Technical Specialist at Bio-Care Grease Control and Operations Executive at Dyna-Jet. Seeing critical gaps in the drainage industry, he built the company on service excellence, sustainability, and ethical practices. Inspired by his mother’s pursuit of perfection and his father’s lessons on humility and resilience, Shaik instilled a culture of continuous improvement within his organisation. Under his leadership, Jetters Incz. achieved significant milestones, including BizCert Accreditation, recognition in FORTUNE’s 40 Under 40, and the Singapore Fastest Growing Companies Award by the Straits Times. Beyond business success, Shaik is deeply committed to social responsibility, championing causes aligned with his values. His journey illustrates the transformative power of determination, positioning him as a leader who drives business excellence while creating meaningful community impact. Speaking with TradeFlock, Shaik shares more about his journey.

What innovative drainage solutions has your company developed for urban challenges?

At Jetters Incz., we’ve developed innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of our clients. One key innovation is our responsive communication system. Recognising that clients now prefer the immediacy of text messaging, even in emergencies, we’ve adapted our service model. Clients can text us at any time, and we ensure a response within minutes, no matter the hour. This rapid response system is more than just a tech upgrade; it reflects a shift in our service philosophy. In the drainage industry, quick, reliable communication is crucial, and we’ve aligned our approach to match client expectations. Our solution is centred around the service itself, offering an intangible yet invaluable experience. This aligns with our belief that “No one spends money to have more problems.” By adapting to changing market dynamics and focusing on responsiveness, we’ve created a customer-centric approach that sets us apart in the industry.

How do you balance technology and human leadership in today’s digital world?

Balancing technology with the human side of leadership is essential in today’s digital landscape. At Jetters Incz., we leverage technology to improve efficiency, but always with a focus on people. I make it a point to stay engaged with both our team and clients, ensuring technology supports, rather than replaces, meaningful connections. This approach stems from lessons I learnt from my mentors— my mother’s commitment to excellence drives our digital solutions, while my father’s emphasis on humility reminds me to keep the human element central to our work, strengthening relationships and fostering trust.

Who are your key mentors, and what lessons do you carry from them?

The most influential mentors in my life have been my mother, Faridah Bee; my father, Shaik Nazeemuddin; and my investor, Kelvin Neo. My mother instilled the value of perfection and pushing boundaries, encouraging me to achieve beyond what I thought possible. My father taught me humility, resilience, and hard work, with his mantra that “tough times don’t last; only tough people do.” Kelvin Neo, who invested in me at just 26, taught me generosity, thinking big, and approaching challenges with an open mind. These lessons continue to guide my leadership and entrepreneurial journey.

What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

One of the toughest challenges I faced was building and retaining a skilled workforce in an industry often overlooked. High employee turnover and recruitment struggles were early hurdles. To tackle this, we focused on fostering a positive work culture, offering growth opportunities, and implementing solid training programs to build long-term commitment. Another major obstacle was the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted many businesses. We acted quickly by relocating workers to company-provided accommodation, ensuring uninterrupted operations while others faced shutdowns. This swift action not only kept our business afloat but also deepened our client relationships. My father’s wisdom—“tough times don’t last; only tough people do”—was my guiding force throughout.

What personal values or principles have contributed to your success?

The values that have shaped my success are deeply rooted in lessons from my mentors. My mother taught me the importance of perfection and pushing boundaries, driving our pursuit of excellence at Jetters Incz. My father instilled humility, hard work, and resilience, emphasising that “nothing comes easy in life.” The principle of generosity, inspired by my investor Kelvin Neo, encourages me to think big and approach challenges with an open mind. Integrity, perseverance, and excellence remain core values guiding my leadership and relationships.

What's your top advice for aspiring young leaders?

My advice to aspiring young leaders: Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Each obstacle is a chance to learn and build resilience. Don’t fear starting small—these experiences shape your leadership. Stay curious, hands-on, and never stop learning. True leadership is about creating value for others. Strive for excellence, remain humble, and maintain integrity. Remember, as my father said, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.”