Cover David Wong of Deemples in action
David Wong of Deemples in action
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Armed with an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, David Wong of Deemples let us trail him for a day as he went about balancing work and passion
Self-taught golfer David Wong got the idea for Deemples out of his frustration in finding people to play golf with. Founded in 2016, Deemples is a golf networking platform with a presence across Southeast Asia, connecting not just golfers but also some of the region’s best golf courses. After a day of outdoor shoot with the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M on his wrist—the same one spotted on Irish golfer Rory McIlroy—the 2025 Gen.T honouree takes us through a day in his life.
What is the first thing you check in the morning?
I’ll “waste time” on socials—that said, I’m able to stop myself at any time. I don’t like looking at emails or text messages regarding work as soon as I wake up, as I prefer to be able to tackle tasks straightaway.
What time do you usually wake up in the morning?
Around 6am–7am. I go out for a run, leaving the phone at home. Then I come home and do some strength training. Exercise is always a good way to start the day. No coffee, no breakfast, just lots of water. Lunch is usually my first meal of the day.
What time does work usually start?
Before 9am. I’ll go on Discord, our work communication platform. I’ll tackle the urgent tasks first, as the last thing I want is to make my team wait. It’s a constant struggle to get through the emails and WhatsApp messages. A lot of discussions and deals are done through WhatsApp these days.
Read more: 4 Malaysian changemakers using connectivity to drive real-world impact
Above David Wong wearing the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M
David Wong wearing the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M
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What time do you usually break for lunch?
When my girlfriend reminds me to! Sometimes, I will work up to 2pm before I remember to eat. And sometimes, I eat as early as 11am.
What is a typical lunch? Grab-and-go, or a proper meal?
It depends on whether I have meetings. I will see what’s in the fridge. Otherwise, I’ll go to the shops below my condominium. I prefer to skip the lunch crowd, so I’ll either eat earlier or later.
What time do you usually clock out of work?
When I’m hungry! Or when I have an appointment to play pickle ball, padel or badminton.
See also: As Gen.T turns 10, past and present honourees define success and the future they’re betting on
Above David Wong connects fellow golfers with the best golf course around the journey through Deemples
David Wong connects fellow golfers with the best golf course around the journey through Deemples
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What does a productive day at work feel like?
My head feels lighter when I’m hunting instead of when I’m catching up.
When is lights out?
I have a new routine where I try to get to bed before midnight.
Do you personally use Deemples?
I was a heavy user in the first eight years. I have less time to golf lately, but we have a stronger product team too, so I don’t need to be on the platform as much.
At what moment in the day do you feel like a CEO and when do you feel most like a golfer?
It’s all blended. I have no complaints since this is the path I chose.
What has playing golf taught you about time?
That time is valuable. A golf game can take four to five hours. If you already make time to golf, enjoy every moment and put the phone away. Nothing good comes from answering your phone during golf.
Above Despite being a tech entrepreneur, David Wong believes in enjoying every moment on the golf course without the distraction of technology
Despite being a tech entrepreneur, David Wong believes in enjoying every moment on the golf course without the distraction of technology
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What has being a tech entrepreneur taught you about time management?
That every second counts. I struggle to ignore certain things sometimes, but I’ve learnt it is important to protect your time.
You’re leading a tech company and chasing a low handicap. Which one teaches you the most about patience?
Golf is not a fast-growing industry, so no matter how fast you want to go or how much money you throw at it, the industry will not move at that pace. We just have to be patient but still be aggressive.
As for the low handicap, I actually find joy at sucking at golf. It gets boring if you’re too good.
What is one tech habit you’ve dispensed with because it hurt your golf game?
I don’t use much tech for golf. My clubs are super old; my balls are whatever I can find. I use a rangefinder because it was a gift, but I’d rather look for the distance markers.
Precision is an obsession for both an entrepreneur and a watchmaker. What is a recent moment—on course or at work—where a fraction of a second actually mattered?
Running your own business means you have to make a decision as quickly as possible. You can’t wait for everyone to agree with you because not everyone is going to. You either make the decision or delegate the decision to others.
Finish this sentence: “I never feel I’m wasting time when…”
I’m doing something that I enjoy, even if it is something generally considered a waste of time.
Credits
Photography: Amru Shakir
Watch: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M
Location: Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club
Topics
Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
