Abdul Ladha / Donor and Volunteer

www.supporting.ubc.ca

Innovator shares success and knowledge.

As a UBC alumnus, Abdul Ladha knows the importance of an education. As a successful high-tech entrepreneur, he also knows the role education plays in building an industry. "From a global perspective, universities play a key role in the development of our country and its people. Institutions like UBC develop the ideas and carry on the dialogue with government to better our society." Ladha, who built Dexton Technologies and ableauction.com from the ground up, has donated more than 300 computers and associated equipment to UBC, and has endowed a number of entrance scholarships. He is also helping to spearhead a Faculty of Science fundraising task force to develop links with high-tech entrepreneurs. "Contributions to post-secondary institutions, in particular UBC, have a tremendous effect on our nation and the future of our children."

Are you an innovator?

I guess I'm an innovator. I tend to think of myself as more of an entrepreneur; contained risk management is what I do best. I take ideas from concept to reality.

What do you see as the country's greatest needs?

For a country to develop, you must have an enabling environment. This includes political stability, democratic institutions, and a framework of law to protect citizens. Most importantly, there must be constant dialogue between government and institutions like universities on national objectives. It is through this dialogue and these institutions that the bedrock of a nation is formed. It is here that ideas that define a free society, and a better way of life, stem from.

What do you feel are the keys to success?

Dedication. Commitment. And a lot of patience. I graduated from UBC with a $25,000 student loan and nothing in the bank. It's taken me 16 years to get to this point; the first 10 were the toughest.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

Establish a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and sound principles. Then make sure you can reflect your commitment to that cause to any investor.