Sea Limited is a leading technology company that connects people through digital entertainment, e-commerce, and financial services. With a strong foundation in Southeast Asia, the company expanded its influence globally, delivering products that engage millions. Starting as a gaming platform, it grew into a diversified business with Garena, Shopee, and SeaMoney as key segments. Garena's Free Fire became a global success, while Shopee established itself as a dominant e-commerce platform. SeaMoney enhances financial inclusion with digital payment solutions. Strategic market expansion, technological advancements, and a commitment to user experience have positioned the company as a major force in the industry.

In Conversation with Forrest Li, Chairman & CEO of Sea Limited

Sea Limited has grown into a technology leader with multiple business segments. How do you balance priorities across gaming, e-commerce, and financial services?

The foundation of our business is understanding what users need. We started with gaming, which gave us a strong base. As we expanded, we saw clear connections between entertainment, shopping, and digital payments. Each segment strengthens the others. Our teams focus on delivering value in their respective areas while working together to create a seamless experience for users. Decisions are driven by data, market insights, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior.

Garena’s Free Fire became a global hit. What factors contributed to its success?

Free Fire resonated with players because it was designed with accessibility in mind. We optimized it for mobile devices with lower specifications, making it available to a wider audience. The game is easy to pick up but offers depth that keeps players engaged. Community engagement, frequent updates, and understanding player preferences helped us build a strong user base. The success of Free Fire also reinforced our approach to content development.

Shopee has expanded beyond Southeast Asia. What made that possible?

We built Shopee by focusing on what users expect from an online shopping platform. Localization played a key role. Each market has its own buying habits, payment preferences, and logistical challenges. By understanding these differences, we could adapt our approach and offer features that made sense for each region. Investments in logistics, customer support, and seller tools strengthened our ability to scale.

SeaMoney is a relatively newer business unit. How does it fit into your long-term vision?

Digital payments are essential to both e-commerce and gaming. We saw an opportunity to bridge gaps in financial services, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited. SeaMoney allows more people to participate in the digital economy, making transactions easier and safer. Our long-term vision includes expanding financial solutions to reach more businesses and consumers.

What challenges do you face as CEO when expanding into new markets?

Every market has its own complexities. Regulations, competition, and consumer expectations vary widely. Expanding responsibly means doing our homework—understanding local dynamics, building strong teams, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. We approach expansion with a mix of patience and agility, making sure we can offer value while sustaining long-term growth.

How do you keep innovation at the core of Sea Limited?

Innovation starts with people. We invest in talent, ensuring our teams have the resources and freedom to experiment. Data helps us identify trends, but creativity drives our ability to respond effectively. We encourage collaboration across teams so that ideas flow between gaming, e-commerce, and financial services. This allows us to stay ahead of industry shifts and create new opportunities.

Leadership in a fast-growing company requires adaptability. What lessons have you learned over the years?

Adaptability is crucial. The world changes quickly, and so do user needs. One of the biggest lessons is to stay close to the ground—listening to users, employees, and partners. Decisiveness is important, but so is being open to feedback. Growth comes with challenges, but the key is to approach them with curiosity and resilience.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses?

Focus on your users. The best business models come from solving real problems. Understand your market deeply, be willing to adapt, and surround yourself with great people. Scaling requires persistence and strategic thinking. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but staying committed to delivering value will always be the right approach.

Forrest Li, Chairman & CEO, Sea Limited