When Alfred Chuang founded an infant information technology firm in Silicon Valley in 1995, its headquarters was a windowless 100-square-foot cubicle. But the computer designer from Hong Kong had visions for BEA Systems focused far outside the confining walls.
Today, the techno-tycoon heads and runs a global e-commerce software house with market capitalisation of HK$56 billion.
He did it not merely by designing sophisticated equipment, but by stressing 'service, service, service' to his customers.
'The best technology in the world is no good unless it is sold and used,' he said.
'Technology is only half the game. The culture of Silicon Valley is what makes teckies good businessmen. You've got to understand a balance sheet, understand profit and loss and have solid governance.
'And it's critical to service your customers. We're eight years old and we've got 13,000 customers. We're myopically focused on helping our customers become successful.
'It they're successful, we're successful.'