Step by step

by Prathap David Sandai
Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences

1. Tell us about Harappan LTD.

Harappan LTD is a holding company created to manage funds and make a positive impact on the local community and (hopefully) the world via sustainable investing. It's an extension of my investment philosophy, and it enables others to invest in what I truly believe in.

2. How and when did you start Harappan? Any challenges?

After my successful investment journey, I needed a place to store and grow my wealth. Harappan was created as a vehicle to serve those means. Many people, including family members, business associates, and friends, were eager to put their money with me. A 20-year-old starting an investment fund was unheard of. Many people shrugged it off because it seemed like “too much of a challenge”.

My biggest challenge was meeting the legal requirements to set up Harappan. It was a challenge every step of the way. This made me realise a crucial aspect that separates those that succeed and those that don’t. Are you going to run toward the challenge or let it go? People have been saying, “medicine is so hard”, “why do you do it?”. “Too much of a challenge” meant nothing to me, I am more curious about the steps of getting it done. Great things are done by solving hard challenges, you need to be willing to push and push and try to find solutions to the problem, solving problems one at a time, and you will eventually reach your destination. I decided to embark on a year-long journey of meeting lawyers, accountants, and government officials to make Harappan LTD Bonafide.

I consider Harappan Ltd an extension of my business philosophy. I am grateful that I am now allowed to let others join in my journey of investing in companies that can truly change the world for the better and grow our capital at the same time.

3. What is unique about Harappan?

The company was created to invest in disruptive innovations. I believe this will make the largest wealth transfer in history. Together with my incredible team, we have created an investment ecosystem that can take on a high amount of risk and, at the same time, provide a capital guarantee to all investors. Profits also go towards our initiatives to positively impact the people around us through sustainable donations. Moreover, I believe this is probably one of the most transparent funds as we disclose everything from investor bank accounts to investment platforms to all investors as a promise to maintain transparency at all times.

4. Was there someone you consulted throughout the journey? Mentors or such?

I had so many people I learned from and many accomplished individuals I met on my journey. I knew my investment strategies and continued to learn where and how to invest from many people. They are now mostly advisors to my company. They range from institutional investors, Personal Financial Advisors (PFA), business lawyers, Harvard graduates, Market Analysts, and distinguished businessmen. The mentor who started my whole journey off was Ken Teng, an accomplished Singaporean investor, and Mr Andy Tan, former owner of an insurance firm and Malaysian billionaire. Andy personally advised me to start my journey in Labuan.

5. Quotes from you.

"Do what others are not willing to do today so u can do what others can’t tomorrow."

Don’t worry about what others might think of you. People often fear the judgment of others when in fact, most people won’t even stop to think twice about you. You are like a passing cloud in their life.

Remember, “You are climbing the mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.”

6. Your advice to current students.

My advice would be to stay ambitious in your goals and take a step every day towards that goal. Try to be realistic about what you want and what makes you happy. Break it down and work on it. Don’t try to take it all at once. Take it to step by step and solve it problem by problem.

Like in chess, you can move many different pieces to achieve the same result. You can try to use this method of thinking to find a solution to your problem. Remember, there is always a solution. Think inside, outside, and around the box. Finally, remember that it's okay to fail and take a step back because sometimes, that’s needed for a greater comeback.