Technology, Ramen, and Versasec: An Interview with Thomas Tang

Date: 2025-06-11
Author: Versasec

Ellen: Welcome, Thomas! It’s so great to have you onboard and for me to get a chance to talk to you. Let’s dive right in. Could you share your professional background and how you found Versasec?

Thomas: Absolutely, Ellen! It’s a pleasure to be here. My journey has been quite the ride. Originally from Malaysia, I pursued my education at Arizona State University. That led me to a position at Motorola, and then a very enticing offer from Schlumberger took me to Singapore, working with cellular technology in Southeast Asia. After a couple of years, an opportunity in Paris came up, where I delved into smart card readers, back when they were the size of tissue boxes! Eventually, I returned to the United States, landing in Texas, where I continued working on technology partnerships and early smart card/credential management development. Later I started my own logistics company, managing smart card supplies and employee badges for major corporations.

Then, in 2015, I took a detour into the food and beverage industry, opening and managing several ramen restaurants. This year, after a decade in the restaurant business, I felt the pull back to the corporate world. A conversation with Carolina from Versasec, whom I had crossed paths with years ago, caught my attention. She described Versasec’s family culture, starkly contrasting the impersonal feeling often found at large companies. That, coupled with my past experience in the industry, made Versasec the perfect fit.

Ellen: That’s an incredibly diverse career path! I am so happy your path led you to Versasec. What excites you the most about your role at Versasec?

Thomas: What truly excites me about Versasec is that it allows me to do what I love – connecting with customers and understanding their needs. Throughout my career, whether at Schlumberger, in logistics, or my ramen shops, I’ve always thrived on solving customer problems. At Versasec, this involves understanding their credential management challenges and tailoring our solutions to meet their unique requirements. I enjoy learning about their businesses and processes, and then figuring out how we can integrate our technology to help them. It’s particularly fulfilling when we find a solution that truly makes a difference in their environment. It’s very satisfying to be part of a team that expertly guides and supports customers within this niche market. Where we get to hear that our help was just what the customer needed. Returning to this type of world, where I can help craft effective solutions, has been incredibly exciting.

Ellen: It’s fantastic to hear your passion! Living and working in so many different places must have given you a unique perspective. What were some of the most significant takeaways?

Thomas: Oh, definitely. Living in different countries is entirely different from vacationing. It immerses you in the day-to-day realities. The most significant takeaway has been understanding the nuances of different cultures. Simple things like daily routines and work ethics can vary dramatically. I found it especially rewarding to venture beyond tourist spots and truly integrate into the local community. Learning new languages was also a major challenge, but ultimately very rewarding. It allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level and gain insights into how things are done in various parts of the world. For instance, what “9 to 5” means in one country can be entirely different in another! This exposure has definitely made me a wiser person, and it helps me approach business and relationships with a much broader understanding.

Ellen: It’s great to hear. On a more personal note, you mentioned ramen restaurants. I love ramen! Do you still enjoy cooking?

Thomas: Yes, I still enjoy making ramen very much! Working with my friend chef Ryo Izawa, I’ve always admired his passion for educating people about authentic Japanese cuisine, and the way he runs the business is admirable. It’s not just about profits; it’s about providing an authentic experience and educating customers. It warms my heart when a customer from Japan says my ramen tastes just like home. Those small, daily wins are very rewarding.

As for other hobbies, I used to snowboard a lot, but I’ve gotten a bit lazy. However, I am really into mountain biking! I often go to Colorado, New Mexico, and Arkansas with friends for multi-day trail rides. I love the scenery and the chance to escape into nature. I also enjoy off-roading with my SUV, exploring trails and finding scenic spots for quiet contemplation. Most of my daily routine, however, revolves around my kids, my wife, and their activities. My daughter’s into volleyball and my son is very serious about baseball. So I am spending most evenings and weekends either at a game, a practice, or a tournament.

Ellen: For our audience interested in trying your ramen, including myself, how can they taste a bit of what you’ve described?

Thomas: Of course! The restaurant is called Samurai Noodle, located in Houston, Texas. It’s a place where we really try to create an experience that’s as close to being in Japan as possible. We hope to see you and the Versasec community there!

Ellen: Count me in! To wrap up, how would you describe Versasec’s work culture, and how has your experience been so far?

Thomas: I must say, Versasec has truly lived up to everything Carolina described. I’ve been here for three months now, and I am so grateful for the experience. It’s a very caring environment where everyone is treated like family. I’m not just a name and a number; I’m part of a team that values my input and contributions. Many companies today have lost that personal touch, especially in our AI-driven world where everything seems automated. But at Versasec, people still matter. I feel connected, supported, and valued. It’s refreshing to work for a company that genuinely cares about its employees and customers. I believe many companies have lost this in their culture of how employees are treated.

Ellen: Thank you, Thomas. It’s been such a pleasure hearing about your journey and your perspective on Versasec.

Thomas: Thank you, Ellen. It’s been a great conversation!

Note: If you are interested in joining the Versasec Team – check out our open positions here: https://versasec.com/job-openings/