Being an entrepreneur is not easy

Being an entrepreneur is not easy. Surviving the early days, sustaining for stability, growing for profitability and ultimately scaling for the right exit all require different skill sets. So many give up way too easily and if you need to be motivated and encouraged then you really should not be an entrepreneur in the first place. It’s a tough and lonely journey as most will not understand it. And pls do not think that there is work life balance. That’s just bullshit some so called fake lifestyle entrepreneur telling you that there is. The truth is you just have got to work hard, smart and fast to get to a stage where you can have a better work life integration. That’s how most successful entrepreneurs really get to where they are today. It’s great to get inspired by some social media posting, at some motivational entrepreneurs convention or even seeing people in fancy business class travels. Just always remember that it takes a whole lot more and failing forward to success is just part of the process. All the best. 😉

PORTMAN University Makes History with the Soft Launch of the World’s First AI-Powered Accredited University.

Thank you everyone that came to support our mission to make a significant difference to fix a broken education system for the 21st century. We are not making education better neither are we building just another university. We are replacing and redefining education by building an intelligence infrastructure to train intelligence. We don’t need better teachers or build better schools. We need better intelligence training tools. Welcome to PORTMAN. Welcome to the cognitive revolution. A better way forward to learn, think and apply. 

PORTMAN University Makes History with the Soft Launch of the World’s First AI-Powered Accredited University. 

Seri Kembangan, Malaysia – 14 August 2025 — PORTMAN Education Group has officially unveiled PORTMAN University, the world’s first AI-Powered Accredited University headquartered in Chicago, USA.
The event gathered business leaders, government representatives, and strategic investors to witness the start of a new era in education — one where artificial intelligence, technology, and borderless learning converge to empower the next generation of global learners.

“We are not here to build better education and we are definitely not here to build another university,” declared Mr. Ernie Chen, Chairman and Founder of PORTMAN Education Group. “This is the Cognitive Revolution. We are redefining & reimagining what education can be, empowering human intelligence to learn, think and apply smarter, faster and accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world.”
Following Mr. Ernie’s address, YB Wong Siew Ki, ADUN of Seri Kembangan, commended the initiative for “placing Malaysians at the forefront of global educational innovation” and emphasised the importance of preparing young people for an AI-driven future.

The audience then heard from Professor Ethan Stuart, Vice Chancellor of PORTMAN University — himself an AI figure character leading a team of AI-powered virtual leaders who manage the university. Ethan introduced how the AI-Powered University works, sharing that students can receive instant responses from professors and support teams 24/7 — a first in the world. 

The ceremony also featured the presentation of a USD 100,000 scholarship from Yeoh Foundation, presented by President, Dato’ Sri Matthew Yeoh and Vice President, Joy Cheng to support education initiatives across PORTMAN Education Group.

The soft launch in Malaysia precedes PORTMAN University’s official global launch in Chicago, USA this October.
Kindly visit 

www.portman.university to discover more.

Today marks a new era in education.

Imagine a University that is borderless, current, relevant & totally autonomous with 24/7, 365 days ready to serve with absolutely no down time and always with a smile to personalize learning for each and every student while understanding your emotions to serve you better.

🎉 Today marks a new era in education.
We’re proud to officially unveil the Pre-Soft Social Media Launch of PORTMAN University — the world’s first AI-Powered Online University, proudly headquartered in Chicago, USA. 🇺🇸✨

📍 The Soft Launch will be held on 14 August at PORTMAN College (physical campus in Malaysia), while the Official Launch is set for 14 October in Chicago, USA — the home of PORTMAN University LLC, where the top management will be flying in to establish global business operations.

This isn’t just another online learning platform.
PORTMAN is education redefined — built from the ground up with artificial intelligence at its core. From AI-driven admissions and personalized learning paths to real-time academic support, intelligent tutors, and automated performance analytics — every part of the student journey is powered by innovation.

🚀 What sets us apart?
We’re not using AI to improve education.
We’re using it to reimagine what education should be — flexible, responsive, data-driven, and deeply human-centered.

💡 With today’s launch, we proudly take our place as a trailblazer in the global education landscape — combining deep industry insights, cutting-edge tech, and a bold vision for the future.

To everyone who believed in this mission — thank you.
To the next generation of leaders, learners, and innovators — welcome to PORTMAN.

📍 The future of education begins here.
Let’s shape it together.

👉 Visit: www.portman.university
hashtag#PORTMANUniversity hashtag#PORTMANEducationGroup

Welcome to a brand new PORTMAN Education Group

I have been able to 10X the growth of my business every year for the past 22 years being an entrepreneur. Suffered badly during the pandemic with lots of challenges in both business and personal. I survived. I decided that I was not going to go through the whole process again to rebuild. This time around I was not going to grow my business anymore with just 10X. I was going to scale it 1000X. The question is how? It took me some time to figure it out. I was inspired and the show is about to start. 24 months. The clock starts on 1 July 2025. Welcome to a brand new PORTMAN Education Group. We are grateful. 🙏🔥💯💪

It’s Now Official! We have officially launched the American Investments & Capital LLC !

 

It’s Now Official! 

We have officially launched the American Investments & Capital LLC, part of the American Group to power SEA Unicorns with American Capital markets funding. I am now the Managing Partner, Investments & Capital Management (SEA) responsible for M&As for the region. 

The PORTMAN Education Group will be setting up PORTMAN University in USA with the American Group & Yeoh Foundation, USA. This is part of the strategic plan towards our targeted IPO in 2028. Thank you for the support and we are grateful. 🔥💯🙏

Pls refer below for Media Release. 

🌟 PORTMAN College Hosts Landmark Agreement Signing Between Dato’ Sri Matthew Yeoh & Mr. Ernie Chen to Launch American Investments & Capital LLC 🌟

📍 Seri Kembangan, Selangor – In a powerful move to connect Southeast Asia’s top businesses with U.S. capital markets, Dato’ Sri Matthew Yeoh and Mr. Ernie Chen officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to launch American Investments & Capital LLC, under The American Group of Companies.

✍ Held at PORTMAN College @ Mines2, this signing marks a major milestone as both leaders aim to power SEA unicorns with the American Dream 🇺🇸 — driving cross-border investments, talent growth, and faster IPOs on NASDAQ 💹.

🚀 This entity will be a key investment bridge, giving U.S. investors access to high-growth Southeast Asian startups across tech, education, healthcare, and more. Beyond funding, it offers advisory, board roles, commercialization rights, and SPAC opportunities.

💬 “America can never truly understand Southeast Asia better than Asians do. I’m an Asian who loves and practices Asian values with a Western management approach,” shared Mr. Ernie Chen, Co-founder & Director. “After 21 years building businesses across SEA and 9 years living in America, I understand both cultures. I can bridge both worlds — and give U.S. investors real access and insight into SEA markets. I also give full credit to Dato’ Sri Matthew Yeoh for his vision and courage to bring two worlds together.”

💬 Dato’ Sri Matthew Yeoh added, “I’ve long dreamed of bringing real value between America & SEA. For years I searched for the right partner — and finally met Mr. Ernie Chen, who shares this bold vision. Together, we aim to build something greater for both regions.”

✨ The event welcomed investors, founders, leaders & media to witness the launch of a transcontinental venture to reshape innovation in SEA 🌍.

You don’t have to win all the time

 

I have been an entrepreneur for more than 25 years. I have had many achievements and even more failures that most are not aware of. You don’t have to win all the time. You just have to win more than you lose and after a while you just get better at getting it right all the time. I guess that’s what you call experience and wisdom. And this goes for business, family and everything else. Life is what we make of it and while we are doing it, we want to do it with people that we enjoy doing life with. It’s really that simple. I continue to grow education businesses, spend time with my core teams and also most importantly create beautiful memories with my little family. Always remember to enjoy the journey and not stress over the little and big things. It will always turn out for the better if your intentions are sincere with gratitude in action. I am always grateful for what I have and have not achieved as the journey continues for better days ahead. 🙏

You only FAIL when you STOP trying

 

I have been in business long enough to see that even big and successful businesses fail. Yes big and notable brands. The only difference between the ones that succeed and fail is that they will continue to find ways to overcome all challenges and obstacles. The reality in business and life is very simple. We only fail when we stop trying to find ways to move forward. The secret to success is really that simple. Just don’t stop. Just don’t quit. All the best and have a great week ahead. 💪🔥