CITIES STARTUPS SPACES VOLUME OUR GUIDE TO WORK-LIFE INSIGHTS FROM THE MOST UNIQUE COWORKING ONE BALANCE IN SOUTHEAST PROMISING ENTREPRENEURIAL ENVIRONMENTS, THEIR ASIA’S CAPITALS VENTURES IN THE REGION ACHIEVEMENTS & INNOVATIONS 2017

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COWORKING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

STAKE YOUR CLAIM IN THIS RAPIDLY GROWING COMMUNITY

Exclusive interviews with industry pioneers

SANJAY VERMA of FlySpaces MARTIN ROLL of Martin Roll Company LARS WITTIG of Regus Philippines JOWYNNE KHOR of Kuala Lumpur’s MaGIC

1 The voice of international business in Singapore

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2 EDITOR’S DESK IT’S TIME WE CHALLENGE THE CONVENTIONAL

Not many other regions in the world can claim to be as exciting as Southeast Asia is today. More than its diverse mix of cultures, languages and histories, Southeast Asia holds several countries undergoing tremendous economic growth; many with a GDP growing at more than 5% per annum. These markets represent a wealth of opportunity that the rest In Kuala Lumpur, we reach out to SupaHands, a tech of the world wants to be a part of! startup that provides digital outsourcing solutions in 20 minute bursts; CEO Mark Koh explains how they help other Sanjay Verma, board member of FlySpaces and former businesses scale. We also catch up with Jowynne Khor, CEO of Asia-Pacific for Cushman & Wakefield, believes Program Director of MaGIC, a government-run project that that “the people living today are of the luckiest generation aims to accelerate startup growth and impact in Malaysia. because there is just so much happening around the She talks us through her firm belief that the time is ripe for world.” Sanjay’s belief is corroborated by the thousands Malaysia to become Asia’s startup capital. of startups that have launched over the last few years, devoted to solving every problem you can think of whether Lastly, in Hong Kong, we talk to BSD Code & Design in the consumer or business context. In mature markets Academy, a startup focused on tech education; CEO Chris like Hong Kong and Singapore, and emerging markets Geary discusses the importance of localizing products and like Malaysia and the Philippines alike, there are so many tailoring programs for real-world applications. And finally, we talented individuals and burgeoning startups that are driving interview Sanjay Verma, who I quoted above. He discusses progress and pushing forward the bounds of modernity. By how the changes in the Asian property market mirror the challenging the conventional, these businesses are shaping development of the region as a whole as an economic force the future. This is what FlySpaces wanted to focus on in its to be reckoned with. first edition of SpacesAsia. Among the burgeoning startups in the region is In the Philippines, we look at Zalora, the former-Rocket FlySpaces itself; the leading workspace marketplace and Internet venture that has revolutionized online shopping booking engine in Southeast Asia. I am extremely proud to by tailoring its strategies to the Asian market; CEO Paulo be working with a business that empowers other businesses Campos reflects on office and company culture. We also chat to grow and operate more effectively. My team has used with Lars Wittig, Country Manager for Regus, as he discusses its own market data and vast regional network to put how the serviced office giant has adapted to changing together a series of articles that represent the ever changing market trends. Southeast Asian identity. With articles on trends, cities, startups, people, and spaces, SpacesAsia seeks to allow In Singapore, we connect with HipVan, a tech startup that you to discover more of aggregates stylish and affordable home and living pieces our rapidly developing online. We also speak to Martin Roll, leading business and region, and to be inspired brand strategist and acclaimed author of “Asian Brand by the progress we are Strategy,” who mentors multinationals and family businesses making together. that aim to overcome regional barriers and to build their brands in the global arena. NICOLE ADARME

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND REGIONAL MARKETING MANAGER [email protected]

ONLINE CONTACT CONTACT NUMBERS

WWW.FLYSPACES.COM HONG KONG +852 3911 1312 MALAYSIA +603 2724 7088 [email protected] PHILIPPINES +632 359 3225 SINGAPORE +65 8508 1476

3 5 TRENDS COWORKING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 2017 06

WELCOME NOTE 10 CITIES YOUR GUIDE TO WORK-LIFE BALANCE FROM FLYSPACES’

HONG KONG 11 CEO, MARIO BERTA KUALA LUMPUR 12 MANILA 13 I couldn’t be more excited to SINGAPORE 15 introduce the world to the first edition of SpacesAsia magazine. This is NOT your ordinary inflight magazine that recycles content from 17 STARTUPS 3rd party websites and news articles! We’ve gone out and gathered insight

BSD CODE + DESIGN ACADEMY 18 from the people and businesses that SUPAHANDS 19 we believe will be making a huge ZALORA 20 impact on the region, if not the HIPVAN 22 world. This includes top companies like Zalora, government institutions like MaGIC, and business celebrities like Martin Roll. 23 PEOPLE Our objective is to empower SMEs, SANJAY VERMA, FlySpaces 24 startups and entrepreneurs, and to foster a regional community. Aside JOWYNNE KHOR, MaGIC 26 from our core business, this magazine MARTIN ROLL, Martin Roll Company 28 works to start a conversation about LARS WITTIG, Regus 30 the up and coming influencers among the professional market in Southeast Asia. Ultimately, as office space becomes more and 32 SPACES more commoditized, we focus on delivering flexibility, increasing cost URBAN: SERVICED OFFICES 33 efficiency, and making the task of VOFFICE MY 34 finding perfectly suited spaces more PENBROTHERS 35 fun. JUSTCO 36 Enjoy the magazine and visit our THE EVOLUTION OF website at www.flyspaces.com THE SHARING ECONOMY

ON THE COVER:

ACCELER8 PH, ONE OF MANILA’S MOST POPULAR COWORKING SPACES MARIO BERTA CEO, FLYSPACES

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COWORKING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 2017

While other reports tell stories, this one focuses on hard data. FlySpaces has compiled workspace industry information and has gathered first-hand insight from some of the best coworking spaces in the region to bring you the first report of its kind: A report on coworking trends focused exclusively on Southeast Asia. by: Nicole Adarme

THE TRANSITION TOWARD FLEXIBILITY ALL ABOUT THE TIMING OUR REGIONAL IDENTITY THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN CASE THE VAST AND DIVERSE MARKET

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unning a business requires entrepreneurs R to face a myriad of obstacles. Among them, honing a product idea, developing a business plan, forming a strong team, and also finding the perfect space wherein the business can grow. This last task has proven challenging for many entrepreneurs, especially in Southeast Asia where office vacancy rates are among the lowest in the world, startups and SMEs have begun to explore options outside of conventional office leasing; thus the trend of short-term workspace solutions, particularly coworking, has taken flight in the region.

At the beginning of 2016, Deskmag counted 7,800 coworking players around the world. Forecasts indicate that there will be 16,100 by 2016. The largest spaces, in terms of number of members, are located in Asia. Coworking has come a long way since the first space opened WorkHouse, Singapore in San Francisco back in 2005. Today, the short-term collaborative workspace solution is growing at staggering rates per annum, and Cushman & Wakefield projects that it will only just beginning to hit its stride. Evan Moore, occupy 15% of total office supply in Southeast General Manager of Hong Kong’s Urban Serviced Asia by 2030. Offices, observes that as a relatively new concept on this side of the world, “coworking has proved to be popular with startups, entrepreneurs, and millennials in the region, however, there is a need THE TRANSITION TOWARD FLEXIBILITY to educate the market of the multiple benefits of this kind of workspace.” These numbers tell us that workspace strategy is changing significantly. The advent of advancing Mikko Barranda of Acceler8, one of the technology, globalization, and the growth of Manila’s most innovative coworking spaces, the sharing economy have ushered in an era of agrees. “Coworking has barely scratched the increased worker mobility and preference for surface in the Philippines, but it is growing collaborative work environments and flexible rapidly. There is a lot of opportunity with the work arrangements. rise of millennials who want more in terms of flexibility of workspace and in terms of lifestyle.” Lars Wittig, Regus’ Country Manager for the Philippines, concurs. As the world leader of As a workspace concept imported from the flexible workspaces, Regus has recognized the west, coworking represents quite a drastic change shift in demand and has opted to embrace the from traditional Asian office setups. In a region growth of the sharing economy by introducing where one’s office has typically been privatized more types of workspaces, including hot desks in order to maintain confidentiality of strategy and coworking spaces in over 3000 locations and operations, a collaborative work environment worldwide. Having seen the office market evolve is essentially a 180 degree turnaround. The over the last 5 years, Wittig is confident in Regus’ adoption and recent multiplication of coworking decision to adapt to these trends as “the future spaces in Southeast Asia has been the product of of workspaces.” global influence and local innovation.

THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN CASE ALL ABOUT THE TIMING

While the shift in demand towards short-term The flourishing of the coworking industry in versus conventional workspaces is undeniable, Southeast Asia in 2016 is a strong indication that the spread of coworking in Southeast Asia is the region is ready to embrace the trends and

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“ Workspace strategy is changing significantly Regus, Manila ”

shifting demands of the millennial generation. The strong demand has undoubtedly The launch of MaGIC, the Malaysian Global stimulated growth and development in the Innovation and Creativity Center, a government- industry. This is corroborated by the actions run startup incubation and acceleration center of real estate giants such as CapitaLand with its own in-house coworking space, is a in Singapore and Ayala Land in Manila, perfect example. Program Director Jowynne restructuring their business models and Khor cites that today, attitudes have changed expanding their property portfolios to include and infrastructure has developed enough coworking spaces. to encourage collaboration between the government and private corporations, thereby In the case of CapitaLand, the company has “closing the gap” and moving the Malaysian entered into a joint venture with Collective economy forward. Khor passionately speaks Works that will support up to 250 high about the importance of MaGIC’s open coworking performance businesses in a coworking model floor plan at its incubation hub; she determines business center of over 22 thousand square that the transparency and ease of collaboration feet. “With Capital Tower’s central location, between startups at all stages are integral for connectivity to public transport, proximity to learning and growth. clients and partners and premium Grade A specifications and lifestyle amenities, we are As the region’s leading online workspace confident that the coworking space at this marketplace and booking engine, FlySpaces premium building will appeal to a range of has collated thorough data on the status of fast-growing businesses, entrepreneurs, and coworking presently occupying 7% of the 2 million square meters of office supply in mature markets like Hong Kong and Singapore, and 3% of supply in emerging locations, coworking in Southeast Asia, given its late start, is steadily catching up with its counterpart spaces in the West. At the moment, Southeast Asian spaces are quite competitive in terms of price, with mature markets valuing each seat at an average of $500 per month, and emerging markets at $200 per month. With average occupancy stacked at 90%, demand in the region has remained strong. “Because Southeast Asia includes the world’s fastest growing economies and a much more tech savvy population than other emerging regions, there is no question about the market potential found here,” says Mario Berta, CEO and Co- founder of FlySpaces. Urban: Serviced Offices, Hong Kong

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freelancers seeking to rent fully functional, fitted- along with a few new gadgets depending on the out office spaces under flexible lease terms” says space. And fast internet is priority number one! As CEO of CapitaLand Singapore, Wen Khai Meng. a result, all coworking experiences are plug and play experiences. Businesses only need to plug in In addition, WeWork, the third highest valued their machinery and get started! startup in the world ($16 billion) and the biggest name in coworking, has just moved into the These workspace benefits are applicable to a region, opening locations in Shanghai and Hong wide range of businesses, including entrepreneurs, Kong. It stands to reason that penetration into startups and SMEs that make up 95% of all Southeast Asia will not be far behind. businesses in the region. Adding to these market segments, there are 10 million freelancers in Southeast Asia projected to make up 40% of the THE VAST AND DIVERSE MARKET workforce by 2020. Extending past these markets, coworking has successfully begun to attract The work setting offered by coworking is by multinationals and players in the financial sector. no means exclusive or beneficial only to tech This can be seen by HSBC’s recent acquisition of startups. The advantages reach much further than 300 seats at WeWork’s Causeway Bay location in the highly rated collaborative atmosphere and Hong Kong. professional environment - which, in themselves, are already valuable aspects in a workspace.

Collaboration with people of different backgrounds and with businesses of different industries gives companies diverse insight, a small market to test products on, and a versatile supply of resources to tap into when support is needed. Networking is also built into the coworking space. While this is indeed valuable for startups, the value extends to entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinationals as well. Cowerkz, Singapore The professional work environment, boasted by coworking spaces, is not just for show. According to Deskmag, 71% of coworkers feel more creative and 62% see improvement in the Emergent Research ensures that growth will quality of their work in coworking spaces. not be limited to the Southeast Asian region. They estimate that 3.8 million people will be working in In addition to these rather qualitative coworking spaces by 2020, a number quadruple benefits, coworking also includes more concrete the 976,000 present today. advantages which, in Southeast Asia, tend to be more effective selling points for this relatively The millennial generation has instigated new kind of workspace. The strongest of these a veritable shift in career perceptions and concrete points is the cost saving. According to preferences. “Whereas older generations aimed FlySpaces’ data, businesses in Southeast Asia to climb the corporate ladder, recent years have can save 18% to 26% in a coworking space where seen the rise of entrepreneurship - and this higher rent is offset by savings on design, set- entrepreneurial mindset embraces the ideals of up, administration, maintenance and occupancy coworking because of the savings, flexibility and costs. community” observes Gabrielle Pratte, manager of one of Manila’s biggest coworking spaces, The second point is flexibility - with a short- PenBrothers. term contract, businesses are able to scale as needed. They are able to keep more efficient This shift in career ideals has certainly extended cash-flow and they are able to maximize the to a change in preferences regarding where, when utility of the space they’ve rented. and how work gets done. Coworking is suitably positioned to address this change as a workspace The third concrete advantage is the availability that has been designed to be conducive to flexible of office amenities. As new age serviced offices, work arrangements, and as an environment that coworking spaces offer all the traditional services fosters community.

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OUR REGIONAL IDENTITY and it extends gym memberships to its Coworking players in Southeast Asia are community. “The idea is to integrate work-life paving their own paths, incorporating some of balance by bringing balance into work,” says the region’s most intrinsic values in their spaces. Evan Moore. CEO Wan Sing Kong explains that JustCo aims to “create an environment that promotes creativity, From spaces in Singapore that host daycare motivates individuals, and inspires growth.” One services for coworking parents, to spaces of its foremost priorities is to foster the size, in Manila that offer its members craft beers diversity and engagement of its community. As at 5pm, to spaces in Kuala Lumpur that fill Singapore’s largest coworking space in terms its common spaces with bean bag chairs - of both floor area and membership, JustCo coworking in Southeast Asia proves to be as hosts businesses of several functions and unique and diverse as the region itself. industries. “Whatever stage your business is at, help and support should be available within the community. Many companies are open to collaboration or partnership, and they will all be within reach of members of JustCo.” To facilitate engagement, JustCo holds numerous networking events; it hosts diverse workshops that are relevant to its members’ businesses, it encourages collaboration in its common spaces, and it also curates message boards and partnership or collaboration invitations on its internal app, a true example of Singaporean efficiency and effectiveness.

Hong Kong’s Urban Serviced Offices in contrast, focuses on design and sustainability, as well as health and wellness. In a city such as Hong Kong, where space is extremely valuable, Urban sees design as a core part of its business. Because Southeast Asia includes the It is essential that its space be well-designed world’s fastest growing economies and both in terms of practicality and conduciveness “ to optimal working conditions. Keeping a much more tech savvy population sustainability in mind, the serviced office and coworking space maintains initiatives for reuse than other emerging regions, there is and recycling. For its members’ health and no question about the market potential wellness, Urban offers green tea and lemon water in its pantries; it incorporates ‘salad mondays’, found here it holds periodic yoga classes in its event space, - MARIO BERTA ” CEO and Co-founder of FlySpaces

White Space, Kuala Lumpur

9 YOUR GUIDE TO WORK-LIFE BALANCE CITIES

Explore Southeast Asia’s capital cities: Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Singapore — and the unique cultural experiences each has to offer, alongside the opportunities for career development and personal growth.

For the full versions of the following articles, please visit www.flyspaces.com/blog

10 HONG KONG CITIES

For over 12 years, Hong Kong has held the highest degree of economic freedom in the Southeast Asian region. As a central harbor and gateway to the rest of Asia, its economy is heavily dependent on international trade and finance. From retail therapy to food trips and taking breaks in nature, here’s how to achieve work-life balance in the bustling port city.

WHERE TO EAT

Immersing yourself in Hong Kong cuisine means going beyond the safety of Tim Ho Wan and taking an adventurous jaunt through the increasingly rare hawker side streets, exploring the various dai pai dongs or cha chan tengs (tea houses) and braving the unfamiliar menus and deliciously greasy RECREATION & LEISURE offerings. Stumble through the dizzying crowds at Lan Kwai Fong’s night life hotspots or have a laugh With almost free port trade, record low corporate at a SoHo comedy club. There’s always someone and income tax, and a high standard of living, it’s no new to meet and an interesting conversation just wonder shopping is one of the city’s most popular waiting around every corner. With the city so pastimes. Though money can’t buy happiness, densely populated, you won’t ever find yourself between Harbour City, Sheung Wan, and Mong starved or thirsting for excitement. Kok, you’ll find a treasure trove of deals that’ll likely come close. Besides being a shopping mecca and WHERE TO EXERCISE financial epicenter, Hong Kong is a sensational travel destination. Even long time residents can still Staying in shape can be a challenge when Hong appreciate the view from Victoria Peak or a visit to the Kong cuisine consists of many greasy dishes; but temples or monasteries, while the beaches of Lantau you don’t have to worry because Hong Kong offers or Sharp Island are refreshing to even the weariest an assortment of health and fitness activities. There world travelers. are several classes you can take from underwater spinning (Hydro), Yoga (Pure Yoga, The Yoga ARTS & CULTURE Room, MARI Yoga), CrossFit (CrossFit 852, CrossFit Typhoon) and many more. If you don’t feel like Arts and culture are an integral part of the Hong Kong taking classes, you can opt to jog through one of experience, from a stroll along the Avenue of Stars the finest waterfront promenades, Ma On Shan. to a visit to the real life Chungking Mansions. There are museums and galleries, contemporary as well as traditional shows, performances, and exhibits to attend. There are seasonal events throughout the year, such as New Year dragon parades, Spring Lantern Festivals, Cheung Chau Bun, and the Hungry Ghost Festival, as well as nightly attractions like Victoria Harbour’s Symphony of Lights, best viewed from the Avenue of Stars. Be sure to check the calendars because events change schedules from year to year.

Kau Kee Beef Brisket

11 CITIES

KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA

Located at the junction of two great rivers in the vast Klang Valley is Kuala Lumpur, a city name that literally translates into “muddy confluence”. Nowadays, it is a sprawling metropolis marked by soaring skyscrapers and surrounded by lush greenery. Pulsing with life and energy, it is more than just the capital of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is at the heart of industry, commerce, finance, history, culture, and modernity in the country.

WHERE TO EAT RECREATION & LEISURE

Even though Penang is considered to be the nation’s Scenic hike trails are aplenty in and around Kuala foodie capital, Kuala Lumpur does not disappoint Lumpur including those at Gasil Hill, Broga Hill, with its banquet of numerous dining experiences. or Mount Tok Wan. Weekend travelers can enjoy Plenty of neighborhoods have their own individual exploring the country’s other beautiful states, or flavours and characters, such as the family-friendly even cross the border to Singapore. Known for its Bangsar, or the popular open-air food court at widespread shopping culture, different mega malls in Petaling Jaya, or the many Chinese dim sum joints the capital also offer various alternative recreational around Brickfields. The best places to eat and drink activities like ice skating or laser tag. Don’t forget are the nameless hawker centers, food carts, quaint about the various amusement parks (Legoland, tea houses, noodle houses, and curry houses ranging Berjaya Times Square) and waterparks (Sunway from the tourist-packed streets of Bukit Bintang to Lagoon, Desa Water Park) too. the posh high-rises of the central business district. ARTS & CULTURE WHERE TO EXERCISE One of the more captivating features of the cityscape Work-life balance is within easy reach in Kuala is the blend of classic architecture and modern Lumpur because it is already a widely accepted design. Preserved British, Dutch, and Portuguese component of working conditions and everyday colonial buildings and reclaimed territories like life. Apart from outdoor gyms and jogging trails Merdeka Square are spread out between glass-and- at various parks (Titiwangsa, Datuk Keramat, Bukit steel edifices like the Petronas Towers, but are even Jalil) there are many fitness centers and sports more pronounced in UNESCO World Heritage Sites complexes (Sports Planet, Challenger Cheras) as like Penang and Malacca. But just walking around well as specialty activities like archery and indoor Kuala Lumpur, you will find sculpted facades and wall climbing. Besides your usual gym membership, beautifully designed structures that house all kinds there are public swimming pools, golf courses, tennis of residential and commercial endeavors. It describes courts, and stadiums to choose from. the expansion of a state that was established on the very principles of innovation and industrialization.

Nasi Goreng with Kebab 12 CITIES

MANILA PHILIPPINES

With a GDP growth of 7%, the Philippines is Asia’s fastest-growing economy. Its colonial past has resulted in the widespread adoption of English and imbued Western ideals within its culture, making the Philippines a familiar and friendly venue for international investment. Its capital, Metro Manila, is a vibrant metropolis composed of individual urban hotspots. There’s the financial and business-minded Makati, the world-class Fort Bonifacio, the shopping haven Ortigas, the bayside Old Manila, and the populous Quezon City, each with their own unique contributions to architecture, culture, and economy.

WHERE TO EAT RECREATION & LEISURE

While the upscale bars and restaurants of Makati Each city has an amazing selection of malls that cater and The Fort attract international crowds, the food to different demographics. Major mall players in the parks of Ortigas and Quezon City, as well as the country have developed commercial centers to take neighborhoods like Maginhawa Street in Teacher’s advantage of the large foot traffic coming into the Village, also have a lot to offer. After a productive city every day. The Ayala Center in Makati is a premier meeting with your peers, a popular food hub is shopping destination, while the Mall of Asia in Pasay Kapitolyo where you will find a broad range of offers plenty of entertainment as one of the region’s emerging restaurants with affordable yet tasty dishes. biggest shopping complexes. More recent ventures At night, you can choose among the popular night like UP Town Center or Uptown Mall in The Fort are clubs in The Fort, the rooftop bars in Ortigas, or the sure to present new and exciting options. jolly pubs of Quezon City and Makati. ARTS & CULTURE WHERE TO EXERCISE Each municipality is home to its own rich cultural As more and more people prioritize their health and landmarks and historical sites. Old Manila, as it is wellness, gyms and fitness centers have opened fondly called, brings together the country’s most left and right. You can try different styles of Yoga prolific museums and galleries (The National Museum, (Antigravity or Hatha at Beyond Yoga, Flow Vinyasa Museum of Natural History, Museo Pambata), hundreds and Kundalini at Urban Ashram), or join classes of old colonial-era churches, as well as the famous ranging from cycling (Ride Revolution, Electric Studio, walled city of Intramuros. Meanwhile, The Fort has Saddle Row) to Zumba, contemporary barré (Barre3), been actively collaborating with artists to fill public various combat sports (Muay Thai, Krav Maga, Yaw spaces with funky street art. There are plenty of things Yan, etc.), to circuit and CrossFit training (Primal Ape, to see and do to spend quality time with family or CFMNL). If you’re on a budget, there are urban parks friends, such as visit the Manila Zoo, go on a day trip like the Ayala Triangle Gardens where you can exercise to Corregidor Island, or visit the Cultural Center of the for free or jog during your down time. Philippines to watch a ballet.

Tapsilog

13 to interact with individuals class which is rising in this highly from different industries and populated part of the world. backgrounds. In order to make them more interesting on a More than just consumers, personal and business point of foreign companies also see view, we also partner with other skilled labor. In countries such organizations, allowing members as the Philippines, fluency in and non-members to increase the English is creating enormous reach of their network. opportunities in the BPO sphere. We see several companies Established in 1988, the French Our yearly gala, the Soirée entering at first to tap into Chamber of Commerce and Beaujolais is a perfect example of the consumption potential, Industry in the Philippines (CCIFP) linking the French, foreign, and but eventually they decide to promotes and assists French Philippine business communities establish themselves in the companies in the Philippines as with 1,500 participants every year. country because of the pool of well as Philippine companies in More than just an extravagant local talent available. France. A wide range of dedicated networking night, it is also a night business support services such of celebration of French culture. What’s next for CCIFP? as business matching and market research are provided to better We also hold more business- Always more events that approach the French and Philippine focused events such as business match the needs of our members markets, facilitate the set-up luncheons, conferences, and and also a wider portfolio of of each company, and provide economic briefings. services, with more training, last assistance with development. but not the least, the upcoming What kind of market insight can 70th anniversary of France- you give us regarding foreign Philippines diplomatic relations How does the CCIFP enhance companies entering SEA at this in 2017! business relations between time? France & the Philippines through its chamber events? Southeast Asia is a growing market of interest for foreign [email protected] Social events such as our companies. The growth rate of www.ccifrance-philippines.org monthly networking nights are ASEAN is an appealing indicator an opportunity for our members to foreign companies who are targeting the growing middle

14 CITIES SINGAPORE

What Singapore may lack in size, it makes up for with surprising gems to discover and countless opportunities for career growth. As one of the most progressive economies not only in Asia, but in the world, Singapore’s labor force has been touted as one of the best with their multi-faceted skills and strong work ethic. Living and working in Singapore will surely present you with a chance to explore the intricacies of this island city-state.

WHERE TO EAT at Juggernaught Fight Club, Impact, Evolve MMA, or Gold’s Gym. Trying to squeeze in a short sweat session Singapore is home to some of the best food in the during your break? Go jogging through the parks world because its diverse population is made up of a located at Raffles Place and Padang. fantastic mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnicities. From Michelin-starred gourmet meals at Marina Bay to LEISURE & RECREATION cheap yet scrumptious street grub at different hawker centers (Chinatown, Chomp Chomp, Maxwell Road, Singapore is every shopaholic’s dream come true. Bukit Timah), various areas offer a wide variety of With a mall or flea market on every block, the city dining options that cater to a huge range of palettes. state is sometimes described as one big shopping At night, there are trends toward rooftop bars (Kinki, center. You’ll find the most famous shopping landmark Loof Bar, 1-Altitude) with sweeping city views, in downtown Singapore: Orchard Road. On top of although old favorites along Clark Quay, Arab Street, that, the colorful side streets of Haji Lane and Bugis or Tanjong Pagar are sure hits. Junction, Jalan Besar or Tiong Bahru offer a different vibe than the typically buttoned-up central business WHERE TO EXERCISE districts.

When it’s time to burn all those extra calories after ARTS & CULTURE devouring plates of chicken rice, teochew, and kaya toast, you’ll find a multitude of health and fitness When you’re done shopping and you have some free activities for every professional’s needs and lifestyle. If time to kill, get to know Singapore a little better you are more of a gym buff, apply for a membership at through some of its famous landmarks and historic The PIT. Those looking for something more intensive sites. Take a walking tour along Padang and visit should not miss the different mixed martial arts classes iconic buildings including City Hall, the Old Supreme Court, the Parliament House, and the Attorney General’s Chambers. If walking is not your thing, try out the Singapore River Cruise. It’s a unique way of discovering Singapore and learning about its rich history. You’ll see the Raffles Landing Site, the Merlion, the Esplanade, and the Marina Bay Sands.

The Famous Hainanese Chicken Rice

15 index HONG KONG Avenue of Stars (avenueofstars.com.hk) Chungking Mansions (chungking-mansions.hk) CrossFit 852 (crossfit852.com) KUALA LUMPUR Crossfit Typhoon (crossfittyphoon.com) Harbour City (harbourcity.com.hk) Berjaya Times Square (berjayatimessquarekl.com) Hydro 1.0 (hydro1hk.com) The Challenger, Cheras (thechallenger.com.my) MARI Yoga (mariyoga.com) Desa Water Park (desawaterpark.com.my) Mong Kok (hk-mongkok.com) Legoland (legoland.com.my) Pure Yoga (pure-yoga.com) PETRONAS Towers (petronastwintowers.com.my) The Yoga Room (yogaroomhk.com) Sports Planet (sportsplanet.com.my) Sunway Lagoon (sunwaylagoon.com)

Ayala Center (ayalamalls.com.ph) National Museum of the Philippines barre3 (barre3.com.ph) (nationalmuseum.gov.ph) Beyond Yoga (igobeyondyoga.com) Primal Ape (primalapecf.com) CFMNL (cfmnl.com) Ride Revolution (riderevolution.ph) Cultural Center of the Philippines Saddle Row (saddlerowph.com) (culturalcenter.gov.ph) UP Town Center (ayalamalls.com.ph) Electric Studio (electricstudio.ph) Uptown Bonifacio (megaworldatthefort.com) Mall of Asia (smmallofasia.com) Urban Ashram (urbanashramyoga.com) Museo Pambata (museopambata.org)

1-Altitude (1-altitude.com) Attorney-General’s Chambers (agc.gov.sg) MANILA Clarke Quay (clarkequay.com.sg) Esplanade (esplanade.com) Evolve MMA (evolve-mma.com) Gold’s Gym (goldsgym.com.sg) Impact MMA (impactmma.com.sg) Juggernaught Fight Club (juggernaughtfightclub.com) Kinki (kinki.com.sg) LOOF (loof.com.sg) Marina Bay (marina-bay.sg) Marina Bay Sands (marinabaysands.com) The PIT (pitpersonaltrainer.com.sg) Singapore River Cruise (rivercruise.com.sg) SINGAPORE

16 STARTUPS

Insights from some of the most promising entrepreneurial ventures in the region.

Hong Kong-based startup, BSD Code & Design Academy, modernizes tech education by tailoring courses to contemporary markets and industries.

Malaysian-based startup, SupaHands, optimizes the business outsourcing industry by offering companies digital customer care, research, and operations services in 20 minute bursts.

The Manila-based franchise of Southeast Asian online fashion retail startup Zalora, paves the way for startup success through their unique office culture and community.

Singapore-based startup, HipVan, disrupts the furniture industry with its digital retail solution that increases accessibility to beautifully designed home and living products.

For the full versions of the following articles, please visit www.flyspaces.com/blog

17 STARTUPS Even as “ a small business, we can create a global culture. BSD CODE & - Chris Geary” CEO and Founder of BSD & DESIGN ACADEMY Design Academy

and bridge cultural gaps. To do BSD aims to launch their own ounded by Chris Geary this, BSD Code Academy has technology platform, talking with and Nickey Khemchandani, F customized their programs to several potential partners and BSD Code & Design Academy cater to local market demands. investors looking to expand to brings the learning of code “Technology is a world away Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese and design to the forefront of from what it was originally,” says markets. global education and makes Geary. “Companies are trying to it affordable, accessible, and understand how to use digital When asked which qualities applicable to anyone. ideas and use them for practical attract him to invest in companies, application.” Chris states that he likes pragmatic entrepreneurs. “I’ve touched about Established in 2013, Hong With regard to localization 11 different industries and I’ve Kong’s BSD runs coding and design for young adults, Geary cites always been able to find success courses in Hong Kong, Bangkok, students all over the world across different industries. I believe and Philadelphia, concentrating working toward certifications entrepreneurs with a strong set of on practical educational and from different exam bodies such fundamentals make good business professional applications. as the American SATs, the UK people and opportunities with these A levels, and the international types allow for a cross between At a time when CEO Chris Geary baccalaureate. He stresses that investment and venture building.” was juggling the operation of several “we need to be aware of the businesses and the oversight of educational context and culture As for his tips on how to become investment ventures, there arose a these students are exposed successful in the startup scene, he need for keen decision-making with to throughout the years… The says “I think you have to be really regard to technology. As somebody programs and facilitations nimble nowadays. You have to have without in-depth technical expertise, should be created in their local a really solid understanding of what Geary was challenged to make quick language.” your business is trying to achieve decisions about a field in which he and how you can use technology had limited knowledge of. As the demand for more to achieve that growth. I think globalized capability increases that goes together with business This predicament drove Geary’s and as workforce trends shift, pragmatism and that businesses motivation to “make technology BSD’s rapid growth bears like BSD and FlySpaces in this world information accessible.” With promising outlook. “Even as a can help facilitate those business courses and webinars being taught small business, we can create a goals.” in key cities in Asia and the US, global culture with our company,” BSD is working to localize systems asserts Geary.

18 STARTUPS Don’t hesitate to outsource. Look for ways to speed “ up processes within the organization that help you scale faster. Every founder wants to scale companies quickly, but you need the right workforce, technology, and knowledge to do so. - ”Mark Koh CEO of Supahands

alaysian-based startup, M Supahands, optimizes the SUPAHANDS business outsourcing industry by offering digital customer care, research, operations and database management to entrepreneurs and businesses that are looking to accelerate Targeting high growth tech projects between SupaAgent growth. companies like Uber, K-Fit, and teams and bigger corporations Delivery Hero, Supahands helps consolidates the need for such a speed up processes within their service in the market. organization. Founded in 2014, Supahands Mark Koh shares that is an outsourcing platform that There are currently 300 Supahands came about from works with companies around the collaborators called SupaAgents— the realization that the need globe to scale and save resources some full time, some part time, and for outsourced manpower is by allowing clients to delegate some freelancers who are either not only a corporate or big tedious administrative tasks to a Malaysian or Filipino. The company’s company problem, but is also a remote team. Supahands’ distributed goal is to have 800 SupaAgents need that has to be addressed workforce, which is comprised of by the end of the year. In terms by individuals, SMEs, and SupaAgents, are located around of market reach, the company is startups that are trying to remain the world and are the core of targeting to expand into key markets competitive or to scale up. Supahands’ business operations. around the world, with the United The SupaAgents use technology to States, Australia, Singapore, and On what he can advise to execute tasks including automation Hong Kong as their primary focus. aspiring entrepreneurs, Mark data entry, record transcription, points out, “Don’t hesitate to venue reservation, and corporate Supahands’ CEO, Mark Koh, outsource. Look for ways to or consumer research to speed up suggests that there is a current rise speed up processes within the prcesses and create more efficient in the volume of entrepreneurs in organization that help you scale results. the market, an ongoing trend across faster. Every founder wants to the world where people are leaving scale companies quickly, but Supahands’ current business full time corporate jobs in order to you need the right workforce, model operates on two platforms. try their hand building up their own technology, and knowledge to The Entrepreneur plan is a self- venture and being their own boss. do so.” Supahands is uniquely service where customers work “Everyone wants to be their own positioned to cater to businesses directly with a SupaAgent to boss and that seems to be the big with limited assets and manpower outsource small and ad-hoc tasks. trend all across the world.” for the execution of tasks. Their Business plan is where For certain tasks, Supahands Supahands works with larger clients Mark shares that the timing is can supplement the benefits doing ongoing day-to-day processes great for his company. Supahands of an experienced workforce, that ultimately scale over time. A has been growing steadily and high-technology equipment, company can build a team of 50 can claim that at least 1/8 of any and in depth field or industry people and finish a project without company with a venture capital knowledge. By welcoming needing to interview and hire portfolio in Malaysia utilizes its outsourcing, a company can scale anyone. services. This, along with larger-scale with relative ease.

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People join a “startup because they want to belong to something they ZALORA believe in ” - Paulo Campos CEO and co-founder of Zalora Philippines

he Manila-based franchise Brunei, and the Philippines. Backed on delivery functions, and logistical Tof Southeast Asian online by Berlin-based Rocket Internet optimization, Zalora Philippines has fashion retail startup, Zalora, Group, Zalora consistently reports overcome initial obstacles. From a paves the way for startup meteoric growth, experiencing more 60/40 market ratio between Metro success through their unique office culture and community. than double sales revenue between Manila and outside the capital, it 2012 and 2013 and 100%-200% now boasts a 65/35 rate, with the year-on-year growth since. Zalora’s majority of orders currently coming aggressive marketing has enabled from outside Metro Manila. Zalora aims to be the one- them to become the top online stop destination for everything fashion destination in Southeast Asked for his prediction on the fashionable in the Philippines by Asia. e-commerce industry, CEO and featuring the most relevant and co-founder Paulo Campos cites a trendy international designers on Growth has been astronomical, recent Google study which reveals their online platform. but it wasn’t always so. There were that the online digital economy doubts whether a B2C e-commerce in the Philippines is currently at Since launching in Singapore company was ready to be embraced US$ 500 million, and is expected back in 2012, Zalora has become by the Filipino market. By focusing to grow to US$9.7 billion by 2025. synonymous with affordable online on unique local needs, specifically Growth is sustainable now that fashion. Unencumbered by the on an in-house delivery fleet, cash the whole ecosystem is in place obstacles faced by traditional brick and mortar retail stores, the company has since expanded across the continent to offer an alternative marketplace for fashion savvy consumers. As part of their latest marketing strategy, pop-up Zalora outlets have sprung up in locations across Southeast Asia and the Philippines, adding a layer of human experience to their original online business model.

Zalora garnered support of over US$100 million in investments from JP Morgan and private equity firms during its early rounds of funding and swiftly expanded into Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong,

20 STARTUPS

and can adapt to changes and writing web content and doing key innovations dictated by the market. analysis. “At the end of the day, we’re not manufacturing anything. “At Zalora, your purpose is not We’re creating a service that simply just to collect your paycheck at the didn’t exist before, so it really end of every month. Maybe that’s comes down to the people to what your parents wanted you to embrace this new concept.” As for me, I’ve do because that’s what they did,” “ begins Campos. “As for me, I’ve “People join a startup because always blazed always blazed my own trail. Here, we they want to belong to something have a sort of trinity wherein happy they believe in,” he explains. “We’re employees plus happy customers a community of people, so it’s very my own trail equals happy company. It’s the important to have that sense of sense of community that makes our community amongst each other. And ” employees like working here. This is it’s my job to keep the community - Paulo Campos what makes us successful.” strong.” CEO and co-founder of He recalls those moments in the When asked what defines Zalora’s Zalora Philippines beginning when he’d have to roll office culture, Paulo shares that it up his sleeves and hustle nonstop boils down to “ownership of what to launch the business. He would the employees do in their day to juggle priorities from setting up day jobs, an emotional connection, operations, meeting clients, solving and a deep sense of care for the day-to-day problems, down to company.”

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The company enjoys the continuous demographic shift in its In“ entrepreneur- market; a market that is currently HipVan composed of people in their 20s to ship, there are 30s, also known as digital natives; consumers who are accustomed to no rules for buying things online. success ingapore-based startup, There are plans to expand SHipVan, disrupts the furniture operations in the coming year, with - ”Danny Tan industry with its digital retail the ultimate goal of being able to CEO of HipVan solution that increases access compete with Swedish furniture to beautifully designed home goliath, IKEA, in the next five quintessential of a contemporary and lifestyle products. years. The team is still considering startup. “In a startup, no one has whether opening a physical or time to look over your shoulders to even a pop-up store is a right step make sure you’re doing your work. HipVan is a Singapore-based forward. Everyone has to row in the same startup that provides home and direction so internal hunger and living solutions described as “great Singapore currently fairs in the drive is the most important thing.” designs with great quality, at a fair low single digit percentage of price.” online spending (4%) as supposed Passion is a recurring to the US (10%) and China (20%), motif in Danny Tan’s advice to Considering that Singapore with Paypal forecasting that it will entrepreneurs. “Never say never,” has one of the highest living grow twice or thrice the current he starts. “In entrepreneurship, costs in the world, HipVan makes rate of spending on a yearly there are no rules for success. I luxury more accessible by offering basis. Although there is inspiring don’t think there’s a formula… beautifully designed products at potential, the Singapore online The day you think that you’ve competitive prices. market faces pre-existing size and figured it out is the day you start price concerns. going down.” He believes that HipVan wants to address the “Motivation plays a big role. Most main limitations that physical HipVan approaches business people probably fail because they stores have: space and reach. with a mindset that they are part don’t have the right motivation. They cut out unnecessary logistics tech and part retail, constantly That said—if you do, then you can’t and added expenses inherent trying to improve the consumer really fail. Even if the business itself in traditional furniture industry shopping experience by providing doesn’t succeed, it doesn’t feel like business models. With unlimited the right products, prices, quality failure on a personal level.” showroom space online, the and brands. It tries to maintain company cuts down on rent, some elements of traditional maintenance, and overhead furniture shopping by allowing expenses without sacrificing users to request fabric swatches. product integrity. As far as reach is concerned, having a store online This continuous pursuit of means having the store open 24/7, excellence extends to HipVan’s rain or shine. core office culture, which CEO Danny Tan describes as

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Stories and insights from industry luminaries.

Sanjay Verma HONG KONG Jowynne Khor MALAYSIA

Martin Roll SINGAPORE Lars Wittig MANILA

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The Far East Movement Sanjay Verma FlySpaces

“Asia-Pacific, as a region, is one of the fastest s former CEO of the Asia-Pacific growing regions in the world,” Sanjay Verma begins. A division of commercial real “Not many regions have a number of countries where estate services company, Cushman the GDP is growing at 5% plus.” He categorizes the & Wakefield, for over 5 years, Sanjay various markets such as Japan and Australia, as mature Verma has gained first-hand insight into markets that are very regulated, very institutional, the region’s unique opportunities and fairly-well structured, and information led. On another challenges. He has observed the market side of the spectrum are China and India—large emerging markets with booming economies and a grow and evolve, cultivating valuable tremendous scope for future demand and supply. The learnings along the way. Now, as up and coming emerging markets, which have just Advisory Board Member for FlySpaces, recently appeared on the economic radar, include he shares his experience and expertise Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Last are the in the field. opportunistic markets Cambodia and Mongolia, which Verma believes are the markets of the future. The potential is apparent across all asset classes, from residential and office to retail and industrial.

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For the investment capital market, Japan This trend has greatly affected conventional and Australia remain safe bets, where volatility office spaces over the years. “7 or 8 years is minimal, while the large emerging markets, ago, people started talking about how office China and India, pose moderate to high risk for space has really impacted talent collaboration development. However, it’s the Southeast Asian and productivity. Tenants wanted flexibility in region (Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, designing their spaces. They wanted spaces that Vietnam) that Verma is most excited about. “This could inculcate innovation and collaboration,” is a really dynamic region and has the potential says Verma. to become as big as China based on opportunity in the future,” he explains. Similarly, Sanjay Verma shifted from his long-standing executive position at Cushman & In the past 10 years, there has been a Wakefield to where he is today. “The idea is to gradual reversal in the trend of domestic to do multiple ventures in as much time as I can foreign capital investment. Asian capital has devote, and to be part of teams and enterprises shifted outward to the Western market while trying to create a new story or trying to solve a more and more foreign capital is chasing after new problem.” Asia’s diversity and related returns. “The rate in increase of capital moving from East to West has “I think people living in today’s world are increased tremendously, which makes the whole among the luckiest generations because there capital migration a more balanced approach is just so much happening around the world, for the whole world.” The job growth in these with regard to how technology is changing our markets has also affected a boom in office space lives,” he lights up. “I encourage the readers to demand and various construction projects. challenge the conventional and create value out He goes on to cite the demographic growth of the innovations that are happening around potential of Asian countries, 3 of which belong them.” in the Top 4 most populated countries in the world (China, India, Indonesia).

A unique obstacle Sanjay Verma has faced in the newer markets, however, is their lack of transparency. “One has to be willing to invest a lot on information gathering, collation, and challenge the ratification. From a real estate standpoint, title risks, execution risks, and government “ compliance risks are tight.” conventional

Another barrier to entry is the geopolitical strain experienced by Southeast Asian markets. and create Volatile political contexts are not easy to comprehend from an entry standpoint, while rules and regulations are subject to chang e value out of the through time. innovations that Another challenge is that of talent. “I believe that office marketing is moving from pure real estate to the kind of office configurations that are happening. will retain and increase talent productivity. That’s why I think the coworking industry has its own ” spot.” - Sanjay Verma Board Member, FlySpaces and Former CEO of Asia Pacific,

25 PEOPLE Of Might and MaGIC Jowynne Khor The Malaysian Global Innovation & Creative Center (MaGIC)

n a mission to make O Malaysia the startup capital of Asia, the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creative Center (MaGIC), under the program direction of Jowynne Khor, strives to connect the The next core activity is Jowynne Khor is the Director dots linking entrepreneurs Acceleration, also called the for Community and Events at with valuable resources, to Magic Acceleration Program the Malaysian Global Innovation establish networks that spark (MAP), where enrollees can either & Creative Center and the co- collaborations, and to create take the Social Enterprise (SE) or founder of Gorgeous Geeks, structural improvements in the the ASEAN track which caters to a community that empowers startup ecosystem. 50 Southeast Asian entrepreneurs. professional women in the male- The latter is a 4-month program dominated tech industry. that equips startups with the right tools and skills geared towards “It’s lonely to be a female in Focusing on three core success in the region, exposing this industry, which is why I want activities, MaGIC strives to them to a pool of 150 potential to empower and support them. I support the success of startups in investors, and broadening their felt this, realized it, and wanted to Malaysia. opportunities for growth. do something about it,” explains Khor. Having experienced both First of these core activities is Exposure is the final successful and failed startups, Education. The MaGIC Academy core activity. Once a year, she has honed her experiences was established to teach both 50 homegrown startups are into building more efficient tech and non-tech programs sponsored by MaGIC to attend ecosystems and adding value to ranging from 2-week short courses a 2-week program in Silicon entrepreneurial ventures. to longform training that last from Valley. The startups undergo a 9 to 12 weeks. These programs preparatory week at a Stanford She spoke to FlySpaces about are open to all, though in-house collaborative program before the opportunities in Southeast clients are prioritized and given becoming immersed in the Asia, the contemporary state of specifically curated curriculums to practical business environment coworking, as well as the benefits fit their unique needs. and culture. of these evolving trends.

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FlySpaces: Why is Malaysia We have 54 startups currently an ideal environment for tech here with us. Some only have 2 When you want companies? to 3 people in them, and we have to be part of this a total of 94 in the space. It’s a “ Jowynne Khor: Compared very open space that’s community ecosystem, no to the rest of Southeast Asia, driven. We encourage everyone Malaysia is at the right time, right to network with each other. There matter which role now. We need the government are no boundaries, so they can all to come in first. If they say cowork together. you’re playing, that this is the way to go as a nation, they provide support, FS: What is the final message you should and thus that makes it easier. you’d like to leave with our The movement also needs to be readers? understand that picked up by corporations. Since the opportunity was created, JK: When you want to be part everyone is other opportunities open as of this ecosystem, no matter well. Startups in Singapore have which role you’re playing, you important. a somewhat saturated market; should understand that everyone but in Malaysia, the gaps are is important. No matter what position, gender, etc.—everybody ” still there and there are several problems that still need to be plays an important role and we - Jowynne Khor solved. That’s why it’s the perfect all have to acknowledge this. Director for Community and Events time and place to set up these Hence, we can come together and tech companies. move forward. When we don’t at the Malaysian Global Innovation & realize this, we blame each other Creative Center and Co- founder of FS: Describe MaGIC’s coworking and we think others aren’t doing Gorgeous Geeks space. enough and are not given enough opportunity, and in this way, we JK: Our space has an event team can’t succeed. and a community team. We build a community by using events as a reason to bring people together. When people all come together, this makes a community. These people are gathered to work, live, and stay together. They start thinking about what they can do for the community. They can plan, design, and craft things together.

Our programs start from ideation stages, where people meet each other, form teams, and come up with creative ideas. These ideas are then converted into concrete products. This all happens inside the coworking space. Ideation bootcamp is run by my whole team to help startups prepare for our Acceleration program. Hackathon is a platform for them to do this. We want to create a funnel for them to become successful in the Malaysian environment.

27 PEOPLE A Brand Apart Martin Roll

n his much lauded book, Asian I Brand Strategy, Martin Roll writes, “Today, businesses and consumers are placing increasing importance on brands. Brands give a sense of Roll speaks extensively about identity, stimulate the senses, the value of strong brands in and enrich life experiences. today’s constantly changing Be daring and People have a need to affiliate market, specifically in Asia. and surround themselves with “ be different. things they know well, trust, FlySpaces: What attracted you and aspire to be.” to grow and focus your career in ” Asia? - Martin Roll

Martin Roll: My attraction to the Business and Brand Strategist, A thought leader, facilitator, region grew throughout the 90s Martin Roll Company mentor, and advisor to boardrooms when I worked in and out of touch and business executives, Martin with Europe, and served several Roll is an internationally recognized multinational clients… I dealt a lot FS: How has the Asian market business strategist. He is a Senior in Asia, and it was a very different changed since your company Advisor to McKinsey & Company, planet. It was very ancient. There launched in 2001? a panelist and speaker at global was the Asian financial crisis. And conferences, an accomplished nobody talked about China. professor at Singapore’s Nanyang MR: It has become much more solid. I think Asia has grown up. It Business School, and a frequent I have never followed the used to have a sort of inferiority guest lecturer at INSEAD and crowd, never followed the complex—and it still kind of does. several other global business mainstream. For example, when Anything that comes from the schools. Much of his own personal everyone went to join McKinsey other side—tech from Germany, brand has been about delivering in London, or went to private dreams from Hollywood... It was consistently reliable advice and agencies in Silicon Valley, you very understated when I came building trust with his clients. could be absolutely sure I would here. But Asia today is a very go the other way. People thought I modern and contemporary place. “Authenticity is an important was crazy and were saying, “What It’s a very ancient and old place characteristic to have,” says Roll. the heck are you going to do in full of traditions, but has been “You just have to be yourself and Asia?” I said I was going to work. modernized at the same time. Asia hopefully that’s what clients get. People didn’t believe me. They is starting to gain its own strengths When I talk about authenticity— thought I was going on some kind and personality. It’s shaped up high level of quality and high level of poetic beach holiday. Now in so many areas and is still of confidence, these are what I try they’ve all come together and said continuing to change. to bring to clients.” I made the right choice.

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Two: Western brands coming FS: What are your predictions for the Asian market? into Asia. They also need to adapt (I call it “globalize”), and bring I think it’s very in some sort of global offering. MR: I think it’s going to move forward. It is in no way done Asian consumers are very fickle, important for Asia so these Western brands should “ yet. It’s going to modernize even further. When it comes have a deep understanding of to find its own to regulatory affairs, I think it’s Asian market traits, strengths, voice. It’s very extremely important for Asian and weaknesses. These are very countries to work together. Asia important. Western brands have important for it to used to be a bunch of isolated to make Asia their home. You can’t nations and states. I think just replicate a strategy and bring have confidence that in an era of globalization, it here to Asia. It varies by industry collaboration and co-creation, it’s and context. to bring Asia to very important that Asia keeps the world and not those frameworks and makes sure FS: What would be your chief that they work together well. For advice for startups trying to only replicate and example, ASEAN. establish themselves in their industries? become another One thing that Asia should never become is arrogant and MR: They should seek to build a example mobile complacent. But it does happen brand identity and establish what brand that looks just and is a natural thing to happen they stand for very early. Most of when you become successful, them inherently do so, but in my like the other one. almost like a science. experience they somehow get started a little too late. I think it’s How would you differentiate important in the early years that ” FS: - Martin Roll they even out the foundation to try brand strategy in Asia? Business and Brand Strategist, and—I would say—dream big, in Martin Roll Company the sense of where they really want MR: There are two ways to look at this. to be.

One: Asian brands moving Get started early. I ask my tactics, touch points, formality, and overseas. There’s too much clients very often, “What do you communication through all lines, of this aspiration to become want your legacy to be?” It’s where that goes, people, whatever brands mimicking their Western an angle where you try to force you can imagine—is aligned. counterparts (like Apple, IBM, people into a relation 5 to 10 years out. Working with branding etc.) I think it’s very important for FS: What’s next for you? Asia to find its own voice. It’s very and marketing strategy at a very early stage is quite important to important for it to have confidence MR: To continue my journey. My to bring Asia to the world and not get that going. This is not about client roster is very diverse—half only replicate and become another, big budgets. This is more about of them are in Asia and half are for example, mobile brand that making sure everything you do— global in other locations. My next looks just like the other one. frontier is about family business. I realize that 70% of Asian firms are family owned, so I think my next book will be on family businesses how to transform a family business, and how to transform for the next generation.

FS: Your final message?

MR: Be daring and be different.

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“As employees continue to modify their approach to work and career, employers will inevitably follow, and so will commercial real estate developers.”

- Lars Wittig Country Manager Regus Philippines

LEADING AN INDUSTRY Lars Wittig Regus Philippines

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SMEs and bootstrappers with more viable options.

“Millennials are extremely productive and successful,” Wittig agrees. “They have already, by far statistically, exceeded the previous generation.” He believes that office leases will become shorter and shorter as this young generation continues to gain significant influence, and that demands and expectations will continue to conform to flexible millennial lifestyles. According to Wittig, as employees continue to modify their approach to work and egus has built its reputation Several companies saw an career, employers will inevitably as the world’s leading provider R opportunity to “test the waters” in follow, and so will commercial real of serviced workspaces—with the country and so the flexibility estate developers. “It is really a business centers, executive suites, offered by Regus became an grassroots movement. Employers conference rooms, lounges, and attractive selling point. “Luckily, that try to keep up now will be virtual offices—spanning 3000 many of them decided the better prepared for it. They need locations, 900 cities, and 120 Philippines was a viable market, to learn to accommodate.” countries. For over two decades, and these companies would stay their business has surged alongside with us and wait until the awful Regus exemplifies this by fluctuating work trends, changing times got better,” Wittig narrates. providing access to their global office cultures, and shifting Back then, Regus acted as an business lounges, so that members demographics. incubator for those companies as can drop in for free and avail of well as for the Enterprise Center, coffee and Wi-Fi at any Regus marking the beginnings of one of Lars Wittig, Country Manager location worldwide. Last year, they Regus’ core principles: inclusive for Regus Philippines, is excited also launched their coworking growth. to be at the forefront of this brand, Spaces. Founded in the industry. In developing the 25 Netherlands, they’ve continued For Wittig, it helps to be aware different Regus centers across to expand to Amsterdam, of the modern landscape, keeping the country, he deals with region- London, New York, San Francisco, up with technology, and embracing specific conditions, advantages, Melbourne, and Sydney. global trends. Particularly, “The and obstacles; from Metro shared economy—that’s the way Manila traffic to the localized Nowadays, as businesses to go. We believe, very much, that characteristics of different locales. tend to work flexibly, so should plays into our hands. We believe flexibility be built into the office that we are representing that In the thick of the Asian space. One of the trends cited shared economy as well… That is financial crisis in 1999, Regus by Regus is that businesses what we are embracing.” established its very first office starting out as lean organizations space in the Philippines, at The initially sign up for the worry-free With their entrepreneurial Enterprise Center in Makati. “That promise of temporary spaces, but mindset, tech and mobile habits, was very remarkable timing,” eventually stick with Regus for millennials have pioneered the begins Lars Wittig. “Investors, their reliability in providing top- changes in traditional business corporations, big companies— grade flexible serviced offices, practices. Offices have adapted regardless of industry—were “Because business is, by nature, by focusing on mobility and circumventing not just the dynamic, it is increasingly difficult flexibility. Open plan offices Philippines, but also Southeast and for companies to predict what their encourage greater interaction, East Asia. We did the opposite… requirements could be 3, 5, 6, or while coworking spaces and shared It, very quickly, became a very big 10 years from now.” offices promote a collaborative success for us, but also for The atmosphere. The emergence of the Enterprise Center landlords and of One thing is for sure—3, 5, 6, on-demand economy has ushered course, the Philippines.” or 10 years in the future, the ones in more interest in short-term that continue to adapt will continue workspaces while also presenting to stay afloat.

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A close look at four inspiring coworking and serviced office spaces across Southeast Asia. We’ve asked them about their journeys, their accomplishments, their role in the changing workspace landscape and their idea of the meaning of “community.”

sg

VOFFICE MALAYSIA

URBAN: SERVICED OFFICES HONG KONG

ph

PENBROTHERS JUST CO PHILIPPINES SINGAPORE

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URBAN: SERVICED OFFICES HONG KONG

aving opened just a year ago, This serviced office aims to H Hong Kong’s Urban: Serviced stimulate conversation around Offices aims to build a community coworking spaces in Hong Kong. centered on sustainable design and While many serviced offices are Our community holistic principles, ideas reflected in merely shared and private offices “ the company’s own core values. with little interaction between and culture has members, Urban differentiates everything to do Urban: Serviced Offices has themselves by hosting events distinguished itself through its and networking opportunities with good design, assertive service-oriented outlook for their clients, bringing in that strives to bring wholesome industry speakers and organizing sustainability, values into the workplace. Rather skill-building workshops. As health and than treating personal health their customer base grows, they and well-being as out-of-office continuously cultivate a deeper wellness concerns, Urban chooses to bring understanding of their community’s - Evan Moore these elements its workspace. “It’s needs, from stocking their pantry ” General Manager a mix of work-life balance. Instead with salad options and lemon Urban: Serviced Offices of doing it after work, we want water to partnering with health and to integrate health and wellness wellness providers. through little touches throughout the work day and place,” explains Nowadays, more players have Evan Moore, General Manager of entered the workspace market Urban: Serviced Offices. and the next step will involve close collaboration. “We want At Urban, ergonomic furniture to promote dialogue,” states and funtional design are integral Moore. The company wants to space elements. With applications spread the word on the benefits such as smart lighting and energy- of coworking spaces through saving technology, they hope to strategic partnerships and concrete influence people to care more for promotions such as newsletters, their personal well-being, as well social media, and FlySpaces’ as the earth and environment. magazine—naturally.

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vOFFICE MALAYSIA

uala Lumpur, Malaysia’s globally- Initially, the Malaysian market K minded urban capital, is known for was wary of coworking trends. its quick-paced, competitive business vOffice responded by promoting environment. While many companies the many values offered by continue to operate rigorous models coworking spaces, educating and typical 9-to-5 work schedules, their community. “We want them new businesses are bringing in more to know that they can grow in flexible and agile approaches to work. comfort and also be able to get To stand out from the throng, vOffice’s inspiration, ideas, and make new coworking space connects members connections in our spaces,” says to a strong and useful community, Goh. The exposure gained by creating support structures and these companies and the network various shared services. they form translate into meaningful business advantages. “Creating space, events, and environments to make people The next step is to take this come together to support each vision and give vOffice a more other’s success is something we’re global presence. “We’re creating developing. Our offices are the a lot of shared services for these setting of a big melting pot of ideas businesses that need diverse Our offices are the that can effectively help businesses solutions, so we’re trying to get a “ setting of a big succeed,” explains Albert Goh, CEO group of followers to transform the of vOffice. They run two events paradigm of traditional business melting pot of ideas every month, where members can into a modern and versatile one,” that can effectively socialize, share their expertise, explains Goh. He concludes that expand their networks, and “not only the space, but the help businesses showcase their different businesses. people and the community we have, work as pillars to support the succeed whole model. This helps our clients ” voffice.com.my accelerate their business’ growth - Albert Goh and success.” CEO, vOffice

34 SPACES

PENBROTHERS PHILIPPINES

oworking is a fairly new concept We want to customize our service our clients. Everything from C in the Philippines. Gabrielle to match their experience and restaurants, government offices to Pratte, Manager at Penbrothers, needs.” Generally, coworking banks are within walking distance. believes the trend is going to grow, spaces are more cost-efficient than Proximity is the biggest benefit,” especially when coworking spaces conventional offices with long-term relates Pratte. are competing with each other to leases and incidental maintenance provide elements that other spaces and set-up expenses. As Pratte “Established startups are the don’t. “Coworking represents the sums it up, “You just come in and ones who approach us,” she says. future of workspaces.” it’s plug and play.” But why these businesses stay, why they remain delighted with Other than their creative Within two years, Penbrothers the value and effectiveness of office environment with modern grew their business from 2 coworking spaces? “The interaction furniture and colorful wall murals, clients to 28 by 2016, from one between people from different Penbrothers offers clients flexibility 180 sq. m. space to two spaces backgrounds does the trick. They by customizing each member’s occupying over 1,500 sq. m., are also offering a conducive work experience. More than just both strategically positioned space for their teams at a fraction coworking, Penbrothers actively in the Makati business district. of the cost.” supports businesses, that tackle “The location is a big thing for operational needs: from HR and promotional services to expansion and business consultancy. Coworking “A lot more young people “ represents have turned toward more entrepreneurial endeavors,” says the future of Pratte, and it was these budding workspaces enterprises—startups entering more mature stages—that became - Gabrielle Pratte” Penbrothers’ first clients. “All of Manager, Penbrothers them do things differently and we try to be flexible for them.

35 JUSTCO

SINGAPORE

36 oworking spaces boast quite C innovative appearances—think open floor plans with casual furniture. They operate with different habits— consider the middle-of-the-day mingling with other businesses and the sharing of resources across the space. And because they promote seemingly unfamiliar conventions, the market has initially been limited to non-traditional companies, startups thinking outside the box, and new age entrepreneurs. That’s just fine for JustCo in Singapore, as they work on opening up that niche to a more mainstream audience. “A big factor is the community; the kinds of people in there and the industry or businesses they come from. We want to bring people together for different reasons so that they can engage in productive conversation,” says Kong Wan Sing. JustCo’s success has been predicated on the innovative ideas and new ways of thinking apparent in the community they’ve built. “Companies want to be surrounded by those who have resources that can help them or their client bases.”

Another unique asset for JustCo is their community app, which acts as a social media and internal communication platform where members can interact in forums, post classifieds, register events, and stay updated with relevant news and weekly schedules.

Nowadays, JustCo includes a wide- ranging profile of companies within its two centers in Singapore, soon expanding to Shanghai as well. The usual creative freelancers and startups have set up “The initial impression is that coworking shop at JustCo, but alongside them are is a thing for young entrepreneurial or tech progressively maturing SMEs and a number businesses,” asserts Kong Wan Sing, CEO of of multinationals breaking into the Asian JustCo, Singapore’s largest coworking outfit. market. “But we’re introducing it as a new way of working. It’s really for anyone.” JustCo upholds these values by we’re introducing coworking promoting an environment that fosters “ creativity and ideas. By targeting not just fledgling businesses but traditional as a new way of working. It’s companies as well, they bring these concepts to a broader audience, changing perceptions really for anyone. and opening up the market to more diversity. ” They actively work to overcome the barriers faced by companies still unsure of the values - Kong Wan Sing of shared office spaces and coworking. CEO, JustCo

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