Beating the Algorithm

Dive into the riveting journey of Cheo Ming Shen in Beating the Algorithm, where entrepreneurship, life lessons, and personal growth intertwine to form a narrative of resilience and vision. From his childhood dreams inspired by the Japanese manga Doraemon, to navigating the high stakes of corporate leadership and the unpredictable tides of Silicon Valley-style innovation in Southeast Asia, Cheo’s story is a masterclass in understanding the game of life.

This book isn’t just about business; it’s about the human spirit’s capacity to adapt, learn, and succeed against all odds. Cheo shares his ascent from a self-described academic underachiever to the CEO of a publicly listed company, detailing the rollercoaster of launching startups like Nuffnang and Dayre, facing betrayals, and embracing the unexpected joys of life like his marriage and fatherhood.

With candid reflections on success, failure, and the art of pivoting in both business and personal life, Beating the Algorithm offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs, dreamers, and anyone looking to find their path in an ever-changing world. Cheo’s narrative is both a cautionary tale and an inspiring saga, proving that with the right mindset, you can indeed “beat the algorithm” of life. Discover how to find purpose, build trust, and turn every life experience into a stepping stone for greatness.

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Endorsements

Direct, heartfelt, and accessible — Beating the Algorithm is a powerful first draft of Singapore’s digital media history. Authored by one of its true pioneers, it chronicles the highs and lows of Ming’s efforts to shape the nation’s online landscape and his lessons on leadership and entrepreneurial experiences.

I first met Ming in 2009—before Instagram and TikTok—while setting up a blog for then-MP Josephine Teo. By that time, Nuffnang was already a household name. As fellow travelers in the digital space, I’ve watched with admiration as Ming reinvented himself time and again—as a digital media trailblazer, entrepreneur, and angel investor.

Mothership’s success was built on the foundations laid by pioneers like Ming. He helped cultivate a vibrant online community of Singaporean tastemakers and opinion leaders—people whose distinct point of view, style, and humuor paved the way for platforms like Mothership to thrive. This book is essential reading for anyone in the digital media world

Martino Tan, Co-founder and Managing Editor, Mothership.sg

This book offers more than a fun trip down memory lane to the web 2.0 era and the rise of blogs. Ming, one of Singapore’s bright stars, gives great advice on starting businesses and investing in them. A great read if you’re looking to be an entrepreneur.

Terence Lee, Chief Editor, TechinAsia.com

Thinking of starting a business or investing in one? This book is a must read, as readers can learn from both Ming’s successes and mistakes – and he speaks of the latter in unfiltered honesty and humility. My favourite takeaway from this book is while readers might feel disheartened reading about his downfalls, Ming always sums it up with positivity in the form of lessons and never loses his enthusiasm for the next big idea. This book may give u invaluable insight into beating the algorithm, but it’s also a heartwarming story of grit, trusting in people despite being betrayed, and never giving up.

Wendy Cheng aka Xiaxue, OG Blogger and Influencer

If you want to build championship habits – in business, sports, or life – this book gives you the mental edge to lead from within.

Joseph Schooling, Olympic Swimming Champion

Enjoyed Ming’s reflection on his journey —not just the highs, but the raw look at the stumbles, self-doubt, and screwups behind the scenes. A great reminder that every failure or setback, as he shows, is just data for what comes next.

Declan Ee, Co-Founder and President of Castlery

This book offers a glimpse into the resilience required to build something from the ground up. Ming shares openly about what it takes to follow your passion and to not give up.

Marcus Tan, Co-Founder and President of Carousell

A compelling, honest and insightful account of the entrepreneurial journey – full of hard-won lessons, powerful reflections, and practical wisdom. This book doesn’t just tell a story. It invites you to reflect on your own and empowers you to keep going, no matter the obstacles.

Simon Alexander Ong, Best selling author of “Energize”

This book is more than just a story of entrepreneurship—it’s a testament to resilience, grit, and the power of staying true to your vision. Beating The Algorithm shares the ups and downs of Ming’s journey, which are both inspiring and instructive, great for anyone looking for real-world lessons if you’re looking to start something.

Mong Chin Yeoh aka @mongabong, Social Media Influencer

In the media