ONE used to hate business, and had to spend all his summer holidays in the family concern as a teenager, when he'd rather be out on the cricket pitch.
A second also helped out in dad's company as a child - and despite it being the furthest thing on his mind - eventually stayed on to run it.
Another dreamt of being a doctor or engineer, but ended up a property tycoon whose many projects around Singapore carry signboards proclaiming "thanks be to God".
Today, these entrepreneurs are enjoying what they do best and have not looked back since.
Click on the links below to find out which entrepreneur has impressed the judges in the annual Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award.