I am Vignesh Wadarajan, a tech buff, sports enthusiast, and adrenaline junkie. I started my own company when I was 18 years of age, Jankosoft, a web and mobile application development firm in 2001. Ever since I have exposed myself to a variety of businesses across a wide range of industries. I now own 4 businesses, Jankosoft, Expedite Transportation And Logistic Services, Xcite Learning Center, and Gift tag.
While I kept myself occupied with my entrepreneurial escapades, in 2007, I stepped into the limelight and soon journeyed through stardom. I have made my name as an actor, singer, and host. I Am regarded to be one of the popular personalities in the local Tamil media fraternity.
Entertainer
Growing up I always kept to myself, wasn’t expressive, wasn’t a performer. I would have never imagined then that I have the caliber within me to accomplish what I have done today.
MY JOURNEY
Singer
I ventured into the media world through the MediaCorp Vasantham Idol show, Vasantham Star 2007. I was one of the finalists and finished 4th. I still remember how special that year turned out to be. All 4 finalists, including myself, had immense fan following and support. Had week after week bookings to perform at Community Centres Singapore-wide as well as in private events. Shortly after the competition ended, offers to act and the host came my way.
Actor
My first long-form drama was Silanthi, with MediaCorp Studios’Eaglevision.
Vettai Season One: Pledged to Hunt (Produced by Eagle vision, Mediacorp). I played one of the lead characters, popularly known as ASP Seelan in this award-winning drama series that took Singapore Indian viewers by storm. Vettai: Pledged to hunt was directed by Anuradha Kanderaju and Abbas Akbar.
Cop drama Vettai Season One: Pledged to Hunt, took home a slew of awards at Pradhana Vizha 2011, Vasantham’s annual awards show honoring the best in the local television industry. Best Opening Title – Pradhana Vizha 2011
Most Popular Series – Pradhana Vizha 2011 Best Actor, Shabir – Pradhana Vizha 2011 The drama series was also sought after for its online initiatives where the drama’s webisodes were widely watched and garnered impressive viewership. The webisodes were an extension of the main drama’s storyline, which was directed by Abbas. The webisodes also garnered a Finalist nomination for PromaxBDA World in the Interactive Media category for Vettai.
Vettai 2.0: The Next Generation, once again I played the lead role as ASP Seelan. ASP Seelan was part of the team handling situations at District X and is well versed in the gang culture of Timing. ASP Raghav, ASP Shiva, ASP Meera, Inspector Sudarshan, Inspector Mugi & ASP Seelan from the top core team. The ultimate objective of this team was to take down these three gangs at any cost. The second season once again didn’t fail to keep viewers at the edge of their seats. And for the second time, Vettai hit the big screen not just in Singapore but in JB as well. It was deemed a huge success! The drama has also attracted a large and active web-based community, who lent their support for the show through its Facebook page and microsite. Other dramas acted include KA: The Spark Within as Vivek and Naduvula Konjam Thukathai Kannum alongside Kollywood and Drama Serial Actress Rekha. also performed in cameo roles in MediaCorp OKTO’s REM Girls.
Host
Vignesh’s stint in hosting started in Vasantham through Kalakkal Pattu(Eng: Top 10 Songs) andArinthum Ariyamalum (Eng: In Conversation with Singapore’s Entrepreneurs) followed by MediaCorp Vasantham’s high-rated info-ed programs, Oru Kaithiyin Diary (Eng: A Prisoner’s Diary) and ICE (Eng: In Case of Emergency). And the very latest was in FRIENDS Season 1-3, an info-ed program on Vasantham.
Awards
2014: Vignesh Wadarajan was awarded the prestigious SME 500 Award for Jankosoft Pte Ltd. The Promising SME 500 Campaign was spearheaded to recognize the exceptional achievements of businessmen and women in Singapore, highlighting their commercial success and also recognizing their contributions to the economy and the community at large. This campaign also serves as a platform to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to likewise pursue their dreams and ultimately to create a sustainable entrepreneurial culture in our nation.
I must say there is a season to sow and a season to reap. In business, you can’t expect to enjoy the fruits of labor as soon as you start. I had my fair share of ups and downs, there were times where the downtime was for such a long period of time where I had doubts if I was really meant to do this. I am thankful that I made the decision to preserve and that’s one of the most important decisions I have made today. I am also really proud to be a recipient of the Promising SME 500 2014 award.
I must say there is a season to sow and a season to reap. In business, you can’t expect to enjoy the fruits of labor as soon as you start. I had my fair share of ups and downs, there were times where the downtime was for such a long period of time where I had doubts if I was really meant to do this. I am thankful that I made the decision to preserve and that’s one of the most important decisions I have made today. I am also really proud to be a recipient of the Promising SME 500 2014 award.
As an Entertainer
- – 2011: Nominated in MediaCorp Vasantham’s Pradhana Vizha under the Most Popular Male Artiste.
- – 2012: Nominated under The Best Info-Ed Host and The Most Popular Male Artiste categories respectively.
- – 2014: Nominated in MediaCorp Vasantham’s Pradhana Vizha under the Most Popular Male Artiste.
Singer
Have sung on tv, stage, and private events. Have an idea to cut my album soon
Actor
Acting grew on to me by chance, and now I really enjoy it. One day, I want to act in a Kollywood Movie!
Host
Had always thought a host requires special training. I was not wrong. It really does require lots of experience. lol
Entrepreneur
I must say there is a season to sow and a season to reap. In business, you can’t expect to enjoy the fruits of labor as soon as you start. I had my fair share of ups and downs, there were times where the downtime was for such a long period of time where I had doubts if I was really meant to do this. I am thankful that I made the decision to preserve and that’s one of the most important decisions I have made today. I am also really proud to be a recipient of the Promising SME 500 2014 award.
MY JOURNEY
2001: Jankosoft :
It was a teenage “fun venture, some of my friends agreed to join me to help grow the business. Business took a halt when I received my National Service Callup.
2005: Property Agent in Propnex :
Didn’t take any action.
2006 – 2008: Personal Financial Planner in AIA :
Had a great time, learned a lot about sales, customer procurement, and how customer experience made all the difference.
2008 – 2011: Right Angle Investments :
This was initially a mortgage brokerage firm but later changed our business model to become a small investment firm. It’s no longer in operation.
2011 – Jankosoft Pte Ltd
Jankosoft Pte Ltd made a comeback in July 2011 as a premier web and mobile application development firm. Since its inception, we have done dozens of content management systems (CMS), eCommerce designs, websites, and IOS apps for small business owners and SMEs.
2011: Expedite Transportation and Logistic Services
It was started and owned by Ridzwan Salleh, a mentee and a good friend. I was welcomed in as a Director in 2011 September. Our core business is in the supply and management of delivery riders for the food outlets in Singapore. From a lean group of 10 riders, today Expedite houses 60 riders, does business with some of the big names in the industry like Pastamania, Sakae Sushi, Mad Jack, Yoshinoya, 7 Eleven, and grosses in excess of $600,000 per annum.
2012 – Gifttag.com.sg
I conceptualized Gifttag.com.sg. An application made to make connections personal; one can also call it a customer-care portal. Sales and business owners, who are too caught up with growing their businesses and not having an avenue to store their growing customer’s data and also stay in touch with them with Gifts, SMSes, Greeting Cards and Email all of which personalized in their own business brand. Gifttag.com.sg is gaining popularity for being the first of its kind and innovative application.
2012 – Xcite Group | Xcite Learning Centre
Xcite group and Xcite learning center is a venture between my cousin Saravanan Kasinathan and myself. It was really nice to start a business with family; my brother Jegadeeswaren was also actively involved during the start-up process. It was really a beautiful experience.
