Inspiring alumni stories

Business co-founder shares insights into his career journey after LGS 

We were delighted to welcome alum, Lawrence Ong (LGS 2018), back to our campus last week to talk to our boys about his career journey after leaving LGS. Having recently been recognised on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2025 in the Commerce & Finance category, Lawrence’s story demonstrates how confidence, resilience and ambition can lead to remarkable achievements. 

At just 25 years old, Lawrence has already made significant strides in transforming sustainable agriculture in the Middle East. Alongside co-founder Christina Khalife, he has pioneered innovative hydroponic farming solutions that grow fresh produce in the desert – a breakthrough contributing to local food security and aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. Their company has successfully raised $3.7 million in funding and built multiple production facilities supplying leafy greens and herbs locally, with plans to expand across the Gulf. 

Reflecting on his journey, Lawrence credits his formative years at Loughborough Grammar School for instilling confidence, resilience and ambition, qualities that continue to shape his leadership today. “The biggest impact I saw in myself from LGS was my confidence and self-esteem,” he said. “Had it not been for the School, I believe that not only would I have become more introverted, but I wouldn’t have had the belief in myself to take the jumps I’ve taken in life. Teachers treat you with dignity and like an adult, and the whole school demeanour pushes people to be excellent and competitive.” 

“The education I received didn’t just equip me academically, it taught me how to communicate, how to lead, and how to push beyond what I once believed possible. Performing in school productions and engaging across co-curricular life helped shape the confidence I use every day in business and innovation.” 

Lawrence’s path since leaving school has been extraordinary: after attending university in Amsterdam and delivering a TEDx Talk on personal finance, he became the first Chief Operating Officer of a $100m-valued startup at age 22 and now leads Arable’s global mission. 

During his talk, Lawrence shared the lessons he learned as a result of his career journey with our pupils. He emphasised the importance of people skills and networking, as well as the effect that making a good first impression can have. His second lesson focused on overcoming perceived risk by asking yourself the question ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’ Finally, he encouraged pupils to ‘start immediately.’ He encouraged pupils to utilise their motivation to overcome the initial struggles associated with starting something new, stressing that you must overcome this phase to build up the skills needed to succeed. 

Lawrence’s story stands as an inspiring example for current and prospective pupils of how the confidence, curiosity and boldness cultivated at Loughborough Grammar School can translate into global impact – from classrooms in Leicestershire to boardrooms and innovation hubs around the world.