From Void Deck to Vanguard
In Ubi, a quiet shift has taken place over the last 20 years. Xinglong, founder of Black Tactical, grew a simple idea into a trusted name in tactical gear. He didn’t go to business school. He followed his interests, worked with precision, and stayed alert to changes in demand.
His business now serves weekend adventurers, military enthusiasts, and government agencies. He started small—but he started right.
Choosing a Different Route
Xinglong began right after National Service in 2006. While others applied to universities, he used S$20,000 from his mother to start a cybercafe. It was called Lent Cafe and operated under Block 11 near Chai Chee.
He built each computer himself and charged a simple S$4 per hour. He fixed the machines on his own. But over time, broadband got faster. Phones got smarter. Traffic slowed.
Rather than wait, he made a move. He shut the cafe down and looked for what people wanted next.
Selling Gear Before Online Shopping Was Common
Xinglong saw potential in tactical tools. He began importing flashlights and gear from overseas and listed them online. At the time, local online shopping platforms were just starting. He used Gmarket and Qoo10 before Shopee became popular.
He paid close attention to what customers liked. If buyers wanted more rugged gear, he found better brands. If something failed, he replaced it or dropped the product. He built trust with one transaction at a time.
Black Tactical Becomes the Go-To Shop
Today, Black Tactical is a well-known shop for tactical gear in Singapore. People come in to buy gloves, knives, flashlights, and more. Some are adventurers. Some are collectors. Many are NSmen and police officers.
He doesn’t just stock items. He tries them. He checks if the gloves grip well. He sprays the waterproof solution and tests it in real settings. If a pouch tears too easily, it never makes it to his shelves.
Xinglong gives advice too. If you’re unsure about gear, he’ll walk you through what works best.
Clear on Rules. Safe for Buyers.
Selling tactical gear in Singapore means dealing with strict rules. Xinglong follows every one of them.
If a product could be mistaken for a weapon, he checks with the right people. He registers it. He informs his team. If the police say a product is no longer allowed, he removes it. No shortcuts.
That’s one reason why even officers buy from him. They know they’ll get gear that is safe, legal, and effective.
Not Just a Business Respected By Peers
Over the years, Xinglong and his business have been highlighted on SG Visionaries. People respect how he built something from scratch. He’s also active in BNI Singapore, where he connects with other entrepreneurs.
He refers people, shares contacts, and helps others grow. His name often comes up as a trusted voice in the tactical and gear space.
Real Growth Through People
Black Tactical is not just about products. It’s also about people. Xinglong has a team. They manage logistics and handle compliance.
But Xinglong still talks to customers. He goes live on TikTok. He does gear tests. He shows people how things work. He explains the little details that matter in real use.
He has turned buyers into fans. Some customers return for years. Some recommend the shop to friends and family. His growth has been steady because people trust what he offers.
Featured on The Golden Nuggets Podcast
In a recent Golden Nuggets Podcast episode, host Hanafi sat down with Xinglong. They talked about the early days, the struggles, the turning points, and what Xinglong watches closely today.
You’ll hear how he picked up business skills from gaming and NS, and why he doesn’t believe in taking shortcuts with product testing. It’s a direct, clear conversation full of useful tips for anyone building something real.
Extracting Golden Nuggets
Xinglong’s story is simple—but it’s rare. He listened to what people needed. He didn’t chase big dreams blindly. He made small, smart steps.
Here are your takeaways:
- Start with what you know.
- Stay close to your customers.
- Build trust by testing before selling.
- Keep learning. Pivot when things change.
If you’re building something now, ask yourself: Am I guessing? Or am I testing?
That difference can decide if you stay small—or grow into something like Black Tactical.
