I received a request from Sebastian Chen (one of the founders of SG60 Voices from the Heart) in end Mar 2026 to read and do a review of his book, The Cockroach Way. I agreed and below is the said review, which is unique in two ways from my previous book reviews. First, Sebastian sent me a soft copy, and it is the first time that I do a book review using a soft copy. The administration and annotations had to be done digitally. Second, this is a non-fiction book based on a fictional cockroach called Kok Seng.
In a way, this book is like a play. It features different familiar and pressured scenes of Singapore, but always returns to the constant conversation between Sebastian (humble and idealist) and Kok Seng (wise and realist). However, the tone of Sebastian (the protagonist) is always honest, raw and poignant. There is also always the conflicting theme between what familial and societal expectations and what the individual could achieve. And the recognition the latter should receive, especially in terms of their skills, perseverance and lived experience in trying to survive and exist. Additionally, the character of Kok Seng adds both insights and humility, framing resilience in a way that is simple yet profound. The cockroach way is the value of adaptation, stealth, patience, and relentless endurance. Finally, the book reflects the main message that many strong individuals actually build their resilience through setbacks, not advantages.
Three Selected Chapters
- Chapter 7: Hide, Blur, Emerge- Prepare, Survive, Show Up. Do We Always Need to Show Up?
Everyone expects us to show up all the times, but do we really have to do that? Sebastian think otherwise, he thinks we should survive first and “shine” later. The cost of constant showing up will lead to overcommitment, overextension and over-performance which is dangerous and lead to losses. He thinks we should hide when needed in chaos, and emerge when ready, mentally, emotionally and physically. This is his survival strategy, and there is nothing cowardice about this. Hiding is to enable preparation, “restoration in the shadow” and recharge. Closing thought:
- Hide.
- Act Blur.
- Prepare.
- Then emerge-fully, intentionally, resiliently.
- Showing up isn’t always required.
- But when you do, it counts.
- Survival isn’t just endurance.
- It’s strategic, messy, intentional preparation.
- And that– that is the cockroach way.
- Chapter 10: Stay Low, Move Quiet– The Art of Invisible Power
During preparation, you stay low and move quietly. You strike when the timing is right. Energy is currency, the more you converse, the more powerful you will become. “When generals teach camo, it’s not to be mysterious–it’s to survive and win.” In business and life, the same applies. The converse may lead to burnout, and worst case, burn down. Moving quietly will also give you surprise, which is the power because it forces the world to react without preconditioning. It’s the “tactical stealth” that makes your move effective. “Eat.Sleep.Train.” is the motto. Closing thought:
- Noise sells attention, Quiet builds empires.
- You don’t owe the world your panic. You owe it your presence, at the right time, with the right power.
- Do that. Crawl now. Strike later.
- Chapter 14: Swarm When Necessary– The Strategic Collective in a BANI World
Sometimes, survival demands a Swarm= strategic collaboration under pressure. Like cockroaches, each member contributes, adapts and protects the collective. You swarm when a threat or opportunity is bigger than what one person can handle. It’s urgent, tactical, deliberate and messy. In a Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensive world, the ability and willingness to swarm is absolutely important and beneficial–it’s a survival strategy. Swarming strategically has multiply impact, only if the individual is ready. Closing thought:
- In a BANI world, your best bet isn’t to be a lone hero.
- It’s to be part of a swarm that knows when to move, hide, strike–and when to step back and recover.
- Because survival isn’t just personal.
- Sometimes, it’s collective
Key Takeaways
- This book is a must read for those who are not doing well as it teaches them strategies to do better, and let them know that their struggles are recognizable and fruitful.
- This book is also a must read for those who are doing well as it teaches them that there are others who are not doing as well and the latter deserve to be recognized too.
#The Cockroach Way #BANI World #Sebastian Chen