Imagine a world where technology doesn’t just serve the privileged few but becomes a bridge to opportunity for everyone. That’s the vision driving Raymond Loong Ng, a 21-year-old whose journey from selling snacks in school to co-founding two groundbreaking accessibility-focused startups is nothing short of inspiring. But here’s where it gets even more compelling: his ventures aren’t just about profit—they’re about transforming lives, one innovation at a time.
Growing up between Vietnam and Singapore, Raymond witnessed stark contrasts in access to education and opportunities. While he thrived academically in Singapore, his friends in Vietnam often had to leave school early to support their families. This experience ignited a passion within him to level the playing field. ‘Moving to Singapore opened doors for me, and I want to do the same for others,’ he shares. This drive led him to pursue a diploma in applied artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics at Singapore Polytechnic, where he discovered the power of technology to scale impact.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can AI truly democratize access to opportunities, or does it risk widening existing inequalities? Raymond’s first startup, Resumify, tackles this head-on. Using AI, Resumify helps former offenders and people with disabilities craft compelling resumes—a tool that’s already been trialed by nearly 100 former convicts in partnership with Yellow Ribbon Singapore. ‘Not everyone can articulate their experiences in a way that stands out,’ Raymond explains. ‘I wanted to bridge that gap.’
And this is the part most people miss: his second venture, Neural Drive, is equally revolutionary. Co-founded during a hackathon, Neural Drive creates portable headsets that translate eye movements and brainwaves into simple commands, enabling paralyzed patients to communicate. ‘Existing hardware is often expensive and impractical,’ Raymond notes. ‘We’re making it affordable and accessible.’ With over $180,000 in grants and clinical trials underway, Neural Drive is poised to redefine assistive technology.
What’s even more remarkable? Raymond doesn’t draw a salary from either startup. Instead, he dedicates his free time to Singapore Youth AI, an initiative fostering peer-to-peer AI education. ‘I do this because I love it,’ he says, shrugging off the Herculean workload. ‘Seeing my products improve lives—that’s my reward.’
As he plans to study computer science post-national service, Raymond’s story raises a thought-provoking question: In a world obsessed with profit, can entrepreneurship truly prioritize people over money? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about the future of innovation and its impact on society.
