ALTernative liVES - Marko THE EURASIAN ENGINEERING eNTREPREneuR

Marko: JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH-EAST - LANGUAGES, CULTURES, COMMUNITIES
鹬蚌相争 渔翁得利 - INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION 无中生有 

Roots and Early Influences

My foundation was built on the contrasting values of my parents:

• A Father’s Pursuit of Truth: A mathematics enthusiast turned musician and self-taught software architect. He instilled in me a philosophical, often argumentative quest for logic and truth.

• A Mother’s Green Vision: An environmentally conscious rebel who ran for local elections and valued education above all. Her "green" values are the seeds of my current mission.

Growing up with the hyper-focus of ASD and the undulating energy of bipolar traits, I navigated a childhood of winter sports in Finland and summer holidays in Croatia. My adolescence was a blur of academic performance, social experimentation, and a struggle with depression—challenges that ultimately forged my resilience.

The Professional Path: From Engineering to Entrepreneurship

For 15 years, I worked in the trenches of practical building and engineering—offices, construction sites, and factories. Much of this time was spent near Shanghai, working for a Finnish subsidiary in structural building components.

In 2026, I find myself at a crossroads. The "start of the AI age" and a shift in the global employment landscape forced me to move toward self-employment. Today, I am an engineering social entrepreneur and activist, exploring the bridge between the physical world (built environment) and soft competencies (mentorship and community building).

·          Resigned from full-time employment in mid-2024 to pursue independent venture development in the built environment and sustainability sectors.

·          Since late 2024, actively explored business opportunities, combining industry experience with self-directed learning in business strategy, data, and digital tools.

·          In 2025, established a Singapore-based venture following engagement with regional innovation ecosystems, incubators, and collaborative networks.

Current Mission and Partnerships

I am currently navigating an incubation journey, developing businesses through deep networking and social impact. My work is focused on:

• Mediera: My venture as a founder, focusing on sustainable futures.

• SCII.one: Participating in a think-tank and network society for social and environmental sustainability.

• M.A.D Garden (TCHS Global): Volunteering in permaculture gardens, bringing "Limits to Growth" models into reality.

• "Arts Warrior": Exploring music for community placemaking with Singapore retro-band, joining acoustic jam sessions to find new collective values for music, community and shared urban livelihoods.

Values and Philosophy

I believe that no environment—whether the social safety net of Finland or the wealth-driven pace of East Asia—is a guarantee of happiness. True stability comes from internal discipline and "non-violent communication."

Despite personal hardships, including a transition in my marriage and the challenges of being a part-time homemaker and aspiring business builder, I advocate for:

1. Integrity and Fairness: Inherited Finnish traits of honesty and trust.

2. The Power of Humor: Using humor and love as tools for survival when expectations fail us.

3. Cooperation over Conflict: Believing that even the underprivileged can find power through communication rather than silence and mistrust.

The Roadmap Ahead

I am a "late bloomer" who intends to finish strong. My current focus is on stability through micro-habits: Making the bed, running, cycling, and choosing focus over distraction.

I have a dream: In ten years, once my son has grown, I plan to travel by foot and hitchhiking from Asia back to Finland—a journey of several years to reconnect with the landscape that shaped me.

"Be strong, you have your own do’s and don’ts, and you got this."

 Placemaking & modular - co-worked business & living, modular kitchen...