SUNRATE's rapid ascent in the fintech world has been nothing short of remarkable, a testament to the dedication and vision of our team. Today, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on Darren Thang, our Head of Marketing, and delve into the insights that drive his success and shape our brand's trajectory.

Darren, Head of Marketing at SUNRATE, getting ready for a game of tennis.

Tell us a bit about yourself, Darren. What do you do at SUNRATE?

My passion for both finance and marketing began early in my career at PhillipCapital, where I managed operations across 16 countries. Thereafter, my experience as an investor, combined with over a decade of marketing leadership at B Capital Group and Hatcher+, further deepened my understanding of the investment sector and reinforced my passion for the fintech payments space. In 2022, SUNRATE caught my attention, and I was eager to be part of the pioneering team in Singapore. Since then, I haven’t looked back, now leading a global function and continuing to help shape the company’s growth.

At SUNRATE, my role is to ensure our brand resonates with our target audience while driving marketing efforts that contribute to business growth. From strategic planning and campaign execution to team management and market analysis, it’s a dynamic role that keeps me constantly engaged and challenged.

We heard that you were a former varsity tennis team captain at Singapore Management University (SMU). What inspired you to get into tennis?

My passion for tennis ignited during my university days at SMU, as I was drawn to the sport’s strategic depth, mental resilience, and physical demands. I began training intensively right after National Service, dedicating myself to daily practice in the six months leading up to university.

After my first year of joining the tennis club in SMU, I took on the role in the executive committee as Marketing Director, and by my third and fourth years, I had the privilege of leading the team as captain. The thrill of competition, the drive to push my limits, and the camaraderie of being part of a team made the experience incredibly rewarding.

Are you still into tennis? What are the key drivers behind your success?

While I no longer compete as intensely as I once did, I still enjoy a good game of tennis at least twice a week. More than just a sport, tennis has instilled in me invaluable lessons that I apply to my career—particularly the importance of discipline, strategic thinking, and mental resilience.

·      Discipline: Discipline is key, as both tennis and marketing demand consistency, dedication, and a structured approach to achieving long-term success.

·      Mental resilience: Having resilience is critical; setbacks are inevitable in both sports and professional life, but the ability to bounce back, stay patient, and trust the process makes all the difference. Things won’t always go your way, but staying committed, adapting to challenges, and believing that tough times will pass is what ultimately leads to success.

·      Strategic thinking: This plays a crucial role as well—just as anticipating an opponent’s moves is essential on the court, analysing market trends and adapting strategies is vital in business.

Have you encountered any major challenges and how did you bounce back from setbacks?

Setbacks are inevitable in the fast-paced world of startups, and I’ve certainly faced my fair share. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with frustration when things don’t work out as expected at work. Much like in tennis, where losing streaks test your patience and resilience, the workplace presents moments where progress is hindered by constant obstacles.

Whether it’s a project hitting unexpected roadblocks or a strategy not delivering the anticipated results, these moments can be discouraging. Instead of letting frustration take over, I’ve learned to step back, analyse the situation, and adjust my approach. More importantly, as a leader, I strive to set an example for my team and cultivate a team that remains motivated, adaptable, and ready to take on any obstacle.

Where do you see yourself heading next?

For me, the next chapter is about solidifying SUNRATE’s position as a leading global fintech brand. We are on an exciting growth trajectory, and I’m eager to play a key role in shaping our marketing strategy and driving our continued success. Beyond business growth, I’m also passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and mentorship within the marketing team—empowering them to reach their full potential. At the same time, I believe in continuous learning, especially in the ever evolving fintech space, where there is always something new to discover.