SAM★INK® Story: The Journey of Resilience
3 min read · Updated November 2026
SAM★INK® manufactures wide-format inkjet inks in Singapore for print shops and distributors. We focus on eco-solvent and solvent inks. Behind the business is Sam Leong's story of hard work, practical experience and resilience.
Meet Sam Leong
Samuel Leong Sek Kin 梁锡坚 (Sam Leong), MSc, MBA, is a Singaporean manufacturer and exporter and the founder of Inkjet Systems Pte Ltd, the company behind SAM★INK®. He leads product strategy, international business development and export operations. He also develops household hygiene and cleaning products through ECOSAM®, an Inkjet Systems brand.
Resilience from an early age
Born in Singapore in 1965, Sam grew up with a family history of resilience, from his grandfather HW Leong's wartime courage to his father Alan Leong's determination to become a school teacher after studying in a canvas tent.
At 13, Sam began working in a local grocery store. Those early experiences helped shape his belief in mindset: approaching difficulties with a willingness to learn, work hard and keep going.
From Hewlett-Packard to SAM★INK®
Sam worked several campus jobs to finance his education at The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned an MSc. He later built his career at Hewlett-Packard, working in printer production and becoming a regional marketing manager in 1995.
In 1997, he developed recyclable inkjet media. In 1999, he began building SAM★INK®, focusing on eco-solvent inks. The early years were hands-on: mornings visiting prospective customers and afternoons manufacturing, often across 16-hour working days.
That experience connects the founder's story to the needs of a print business: understanding the application, choosing the right ink and paying attention to production quality. Our quality policy describes our production checks and customer-feedback process.
Continuing to learn
Sam holds an MBA from Golden Gate University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in Emerging Technologies there, with a concentration in Generative AI. His doctoral work examines whether AI-assisted decision-making can improve productivity, profitability and governance in business operations.
Drawing on his manufacturing experience and ongoing research, he is interested in helping smaller enterprises adopt AI responsibly and understanding its implications for jobs, skills and livelihoods.
Family and community
Sam is married to Dr Grace Kwan, a family physician, and is a father of four, including one beloved child whom the family has lost.
Sam joined the People's Action Party in 2025 and volunteers at Meet-the-People Sessions in Braddell Heights. Under branch guidance, he helps with resident registration, case-writing and practical support for the team.
He also serves as elected Chairman of the Management Council of MCST 4525, a 102-unit industrial development. Working with fellow council members, he supports collective oversight of maintenance, procurement, financial planning and compliance. His approach to service emphasises listening carefully, working with others and following through.
Corporate secretary
Michael Palmer served as a Member of the Singapore Parliament from 2006 to 2012 and was elected Speaker in 2011.
Find ink for your printing business
Explore our Mimaki-compatible inks, Mutoh-compatible inks and Roland eco-solvent inks. Check the individual product details for your printer and ink system.
For eco-solvent and solvent ink compatibility questions or distributor enquiries, contact SAM★INK® with your printer model, current ink system, application and destination country.