Aaron Yeo, SIM-UB alumnus, Co-Founder, Waa Cow!

We are scheduled to meet Aaron Yeo, Co-Founder of Waa Cow!, at his Citylink Mall outlet. Amongst the lunchtime crowd, we easily spot him making his way through the gleaming, alabaster-coloured hallways. Noticeably, he moves with purpose, but at a pace all his own.

Our chat begins with the Waa Cow! origin story. Learning more about the beginnings of the beloved homegrown beef bowl sensation, we better understand how the project was the confluence of opportunity, purpose and execution.

“I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, which is why I enrolled in the Business Administration programme at SIM-University at Buffalo (SIM-UB),” Aaron shares. “I did very well, winning the 2014 SIM-UB award for academic excellence. This allowed me to pursue my masters. But then about midway through, an opportunity came along for me to take over a restaurant. So, I took a Leave of Absence, and Waa Cow! was born.”

It is easy to admire individuals predisposed with self-assuredness. They are the ones who have the conviction to take a leap of faith, jumping into waters unknown to attempt something that would encumber most others with uncertainty and self-doubt.

Recalling the idea that sparked Waa Cow!, Aaron describes the purpose behind the venture, “Back when we started in 2016, wagyu beef was not as accessible as it is now. We thought it would be a good idea to democratise wagyu beef. Up until then, it was mostly reserved for very high-end restaurants and commanded a hefty price.”

 

Expected and Unexpected Sources of Inspiration

Taking a good idea, seizing on the right opportunity to put theory into action; those are the intangible components to success. The tangible component comes from utilising the right knowledge, skill and experiences at our disposal to execute plans and achieve objectives.

Recalling his time at SIM, Aaron remembers specific aspects of his university education that helped him build his business, “The SIM-UB programme helped me understand the foundations of business. I learnt how each function, such as HR, Accounting, Marketing, and Strategy, go hand in hand to ensure business success.”


 

Aaron’s time at SIM prepared him for his entrepreneurship journey in more ways than one. On one hand, there was the practical knowledge that has helped him build and grow Waa Cow!. On the other, there were lessons and experiences that shaped the way he thinks, helping to evolve his analytical outlook and perspective. According to Aaron, one such alternative source of inspiration, came from an elective module in world civilisations.

“It really changed the way I view the world and brought me a lot of perspective,” Aaron declared. “Often times when humans want to predict the future, we use history as a baseline. Human history is a fascinating way to get a glimpse of where we are headed to as a society.”

Sometimes the best lessons experienced go beyond practical application, but they bring something equally valuable - helping evolve and shape an individual’s approach. Aaron recognises this and foresees it being something he will continue to lean on as he charts the course for the Waa Cow!’s future.

“Education forms a person’s mindset, a person’s thinking – and that stays with you through life,” he astutely explains.” Someone once said that the talent is in the choices – and education empowers us to make better choices, winning choices.”

 

Lived Experience and Giving Back

An equally important part of any SIM alumnus success story always centres on how an individual pays it forward. For Aaron, while Waa Cow! is a labour of love he has been nurturing for seven years, it is through the success of his business that he has also become involved with another cause close to heart.

As he discusses a personal aspect of his life, Aaron revealed, “I found a lot of strength after being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I always think back to my 16-year-old self in school, struggling to keep up with lessons, and I wondered how many other students out there must be facing the same issues.”

For Aaron, learning to overcome and thrive despite ADHD, were experiences he wanted to share in the hope of inspiring others.

“I’ve worked with SPARK, and also another group called Unlocking ADHD,” he shared. “I’ve given multiple talks and worked on community projects. Not only sharing about my journey, but also about life as an entrepreneur with ADHD.”

More than just the scrumptious beef bowls and business success, Aaron’s story is also about using your platform to spread awareness. Which is why we wish him continued success on his journey both as an entrepreneur and spokesman for ADHD.