Cover CK Cheong, CEO of Fastwork (Photo: Worapon Teerawatvijit)
CK Cheong, CEO of Fastwork (Photo: Worapon Teerawatvijit)
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Chikit “CK” Cheong, the young CEO who turned Fastwork into the largest freelancing platform in Southeast Asia, believes that courage is more important than skill, and that his most important goal in life is to repay the love he has for Thailand
Many are familiar with Chikit “CK” Cheong’s quick thinking and speaking style, straightforward personality, determined gaze and overflowing passion, whether in interview clips on social media or various forums. He’s also been instrumental in leading Fastwork through crisis and expanding its market and user base since taking over as CEO in 2021.
Fastwork is an online platform for hiring freelancers, offering 'every service you’re looking for,' including manicures, hairdressers, in-home massages, logo design, website creation, interior design, architecture, electricians, air conditioning technicians, carpenters, flooring technicians, and even charity work.
“We have everything that is service-oriented. We want to be the Amazon for service,” says Cheong.
According to Cheong, Fastwork currently has more than 300,000 freelancers serving approximately 4 million clients, making it the number one app on the App Store in the business category. “We beat TikTok, Zoom, Microsoft, LINE and Meta. I’m very pleased that a Thai app has taken the number one spot,” he says with a smile.
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Above Fastwork turns idea into 'I can' (Image: Fastwork)
Fastwork turns idea into 'I can' (Image: Fastwork)
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A dream for Thailand
Although this Thai Chinese young man was born and raised in Macau before moving to live and work at a global accounting firm in the United States, Thailand is home.
“I was born homeless, without parents, since I was 13. From childhood to adulthood, my refuge has been Thailand. I return to Thailand every year. Suvarnabhumi is my gateway. That's why I want to do the best for this home.”
‘Before I die, I’ll make Thailand a better place’ is a phrase written across Cheong’s social media profiles, which have a combined following of nearly 4 million, reinforcing his strong ideology to change this country.
“Before I die, I want to be someone who changes Thailand. I know I can change it. Thailand will definitely get better. It just takes time, and Fastwork is my tool to make this country better.”
More than a business, it’s a community
The Fastwork CEO explained that the platform’s key outcome is the creation of a massive number of jobs for Thai people.
“Did you know that the people on my platform are all Thais? Over half of the money I send every week comes from people outside Bangkok. People live in Lamphun, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Sukhothai, Songkhla and more. I can distribute income outside of Bangkok and encourage Thais to return to their hometowns, to sell there, to make there, to buy there. Are you complaining about Bangkok’s traffic? I’m going to fix the traffic.”
Cheong explains that the best way to solve traffic congestion isn’t to build bridges or roads, but to spread opportunities and prosperity to various areas, encouraging people to move out of Bangkok.
“I believe Fastwork will be the most productive business for the country. It’s a business the entire country relies on, whether it’s SMEs or service providers. Everyone will have access to talented people and a wide range of services within a single app.”
Above Fastwork’s office in Thailand (Photo: Fastwork)
Fastwork’s office in Thailand (Photo: Fastwork)
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A global mission
Beyond opportunities in Thailand, Cheong’s goal is to push Fastwork to expand its business to compete internationally and elevate Thailand to the status of a ‘service exporter’ in the global market.
“The origin of soft power came when we went to Japan, Korea and other countries, and saw them using Thai products. I believe our strength lies in service. If China excels at OEM or contract manufacturing, they’ll export their products to Thailand and compete in our market. Since we excel at service, I can also export my services. I’ll make people all over the world hire Thais, attracting foreign investment into Thailand. If they invade our country with products, I’ll invade theirs with service. I’ll take Thais to invade the world,” Cheong said with a determined tone and look.
Fastwork currently has expanded into the Indonesian and Vietnamese markets, which have a combined population of at least 380 million people, or approximately six times the size of the Thai market.
Above CK Cheong, CEO of Fastwork (Photo: Worapon Teerawatvijit)
CK Cheong, CEO of Fastwork (Photo: Worapon Teerawatvijit)
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Courage is more important than skill
The young CEO believes that Fastwork has the opportunity to grow and create change for Thailand.
“I strongly believe we have the opportunity, but it’s crucial for entrepreneurs to create products or services that can take the world by storm. My job is to make that change easy, and we’re moving forward together.”
In his opinion, Thailand does not lack talented people, but lacks courageous people. He cites examples of Anthony Tan, the founder of Grab, who dared to pioneer the ride-hailing business, or Brian Chesky, who dared to start the Airbnb business model.
“These people aren’t afraid to take risks. If they’re paranoid and afraid, they won’t get anywhere. If you want to change society, change the country, and make Thailand a better place, you have to dare to create the future, to create businesses that have never existed in Thailand before. Skill may be secondary, because skill without courage is useless. For me, courage is the most important thing.”
Above CK Cheong has a vision to change and improve Thailand (Photo: Worapon Teerawatvijit)
CK Cheong has a vision to change and improve Thailand (Photo: Worapon Teerawatvijit)
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More than an inspiration, it’s a promise
Beyond his role as CEO, we often see this Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow sharing his insights, knowledge and inspiration to create ripple effects of change in Thai society. We asked what drives him to be so committed and dedicated to giving back.
“Love,” Cheong replies immediately.
“Nothing can explain what I do except my love for Thailand. And it’s an unconditional love. You might say I do it because I want to be rich, because I want to be famous, but for me, it's love. You don't have to believe me. I don't expect anyone else to believe me. It's just my love, and that's what drives me every day.”
For Cheong, Fastwork is everything to him, and this is how he repays his love for Thailand.
“I believe this will be one of the most important businesses in the history of Thailand, a business the country cannot afford to miss. To convince others is to show them that I can really do it. It's not about inspiring, it’s about my commitment to this country.”
Meet more Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2025 here.
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