October 2017
ON THE WATERFRONT ARTHUR TAY rides high on the waves of change CONTENTS
Managing Director Corinne Ng
EDITORIAL [email protected] Group Editor Jane Ngiam Thought leaders plugged Deputy Editor Karishma Tulsidas into the most pressing Project Editor Hong Xinyi Sub-Editor Hashirin Nurin Hashimi global conversations share Editorial Services Manager Ethel Lee their insights about the art Contributors Jonathan Evans, Adeline Loh, Karen Tee ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY [email protected] of hub-making and strategies Senior Art Director Matilda Au for growing beyond Singapore Art Director Jana Tan Contributors Darren Gabriel Leow, Alex Lim, Sam Tan
DIGITAL [email protected] 2 ARTS & CULTURE: Critical Mass Group Editor Kissa Castañeda National Gallery Singapore’s Low Sze Wee on the Content Director, Digital Daphne Chen-Cordeiro Digital Editor Elizabeth Lee challenges of creating a hub for Southeast Asian art Director, Digital Bhakti Shet Webmaster Reynald Dimatulac
4 TECHNOLOGY: Unchained Melodies ADVERTISING [email protected] Spotify Asia’s Sunita Kaur on why Singapore is the perfect General Manager–Commercial Stephanie Tay regional base for building a music streaming revolution Account Directors Wendy Seah, Stephanie Tan Associate Account Director Garant Pang 6 AEROSPACE: To Infinity and Beyond Digital Sales Manager We e P i n g Singapore Space and Technology Association’s MARKETING Jonathan Hung explores how the space sector [email protected] / [email protected] can catalyse technological leaps for the little red dot Senior Marketing Manager Desmond Lee Marketing and Circulation Manager Patsy Ang
8 BIG PICTURE: A Whole New World PRODUCTION AND TRAFFIC [email protected] Burgeoning regional groupings and potential trade routes Production and Traffic Director Grace Lim are poised to reshape connections both commercial Traffic Executive Jane Lau Production Executive May Tan and cultural, especially in Asia 10 SPOTLIGHT: Call of the Sea Asian tourism is growing in tandem with the region’s booming economies. SUTL Enterprise’s Arthur Tay believes these travellers will be entranced by the waterfront lifestyle 14 ENTERPRISE: Mapping the Road Ahead Spring Singapore’s Poon Hong Yuen offers a big picture EDIPRESSE MEDIA ASIA [email protected] perspective on how Singapore enterprises can flourish Chairman and CEO Michel Lamunière in the new global economy CFO, Asia Ida Cheung CCO, Asia and MD–Edipresse Media Hong Kong Sean Fitzpatrick 18 SUSTAINABILITY: Here Comes the Sun Chief Innovation Officer, Asia Julie Lee Sunseap Group’s Frank Phuan on how renewable energy Head of Generation T, Asia Tamara Lamunière could launch a great leap forward for Southeast Asia’s developing economies EDIPRESSE GROUP Chairman Pierre Lamunière CFO & COO Michel Preiswerk 22 HOSPITALITY: Branching Out Vice President Sebastien Lamunière Banyan Tree’s Ho Kwon Ping on how the hospitality group is charting its new era of expansion Published by Edipresse Media Singapore Pte Ltd. 14 Kung Chong Road, #06-02 Lum Chang Building, Singapore 159150. Tel +65 6323 1606. Fax +65 6323 1692. E-mail: [email protected]
24 LAST WORD: Out of the Dot Copyright ©2017 by Edipresse Media Asia Limited. Six visionary Singapore-based entrepreneurs share All materials published remain the property of Edipresse Media Asia Limited. Materials submitted for publication are sent at the owner’s own risk and, the biggest challenges and most valuable lessons while every care is taken, neither Singapore Tatler nor its agents accept any they learned from taking their businesses global liability for loss or damage. INDUSTRY INSIDER | ARTS & CULTURE
Singapore’s bid to become hold a scholarly the visual arts hub of exhibition, but Southeast Asia has gone use a trendy through highs and lows. way to market How would you describe the it. I co-curated “Southeast Asia current visual arts scene an exhibition last and market? year titled Artist is not frequently on There are certain aspects of and Empire: the international radar. “hub-making” that can be (En)countering realised in the shorter term, Colonial Legacies, Trying to market such as infrastructure. Our in collaboration museums, theatres and art with Tate Britain. Southeast Asian art schools all contribute to the We made a heavy within this international hub effect. Other pieces of topic accessible the puzzle are also in place, through our climate is a big challenge” like Singapore’s strong collaboration with arts logistics and insurance local blogger sectors as it’s a financial and Mr Brown. We ART MATTERS The Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow exhibition transportation centre. worked with (above) at the National Gallery Singapore garnered a lot of public attention; However, another aspect of him and the Low with blogger Mr Brown (below) at the gallery’s Artist and Empire: (En)countering hub-making is about creating British High Colonial Legacies exhibition a critical audience mass that Commissioner to can support the creative output Singapore to do of our artists. This piece of the a tongue-in-cheek audio tour reason other museums want to the government can have a puzzle is going to take a much and we were quite successful in collaborate with us. direct impact. We have to longer time to realise. In terms of attracting new audiences. For a long time now, I’ve felt acknowledge that we just can’t the art market, we’re not quite that Singapore has a crown rush or overly control certain the hub yet, because the current What will continue to make jewel that’s not so well known, things. Even if you spend a pool of collectors here isn’t large Singapore an attractive and that’s the Singapore Tyler lot of money on it, you might enough to support the local visual arts hub in the face Print Institute (STPI). It’s a not get a lot of return out of ecosystem of artists. of growing competition with printmaking workshop whose that investment. other arts markets? technical expertise lies in helping I would say international As a curator, what are some We realise the current limitations artists realise their artworks. interest in Singapore and of the biggest challenges you that we have in terms of our Singapore might not be so the region is growing quite face in growing audiences? collector pool, and we’re hoping strong yet in having high levels organically through the efforts of It’s a constant balancing to tap on the larger regional of local content or demand, artists such as graphic novelist act. We want to draw in new market. Singapore must be able but we’re able to provide Sonny Liew, and film-makers audiences, but we also have a to make a value proposition of technical expertise for artists to Boo Junfeng and Kirsten public responsibility to increase how it can play a different role create artworks of a very high Tan. We need to recognise knowledge on Singapore and within these regional markets. For international standard. That’s these artists who are slowly Southeast Asian art. That’s the National Gallery Singapore, something that Singapore making an international impact, when programming and our clear distinction comes from should try to develop. regardless of whether they marketing efforts become quite our collection, which has a focus received a grant, or not. CRITICAL MASS APORE
NG important. For instance, you can on Southeast Asia, and that’s the What role do you think I Low Sze Wee, the director of curatorial, collections and S Singapore can play to bring What role does the gallery education at the National Gallery Singapore, tells art from this region onto a play in Singapore’s ambition
Adeline Loh ALLERY that he believes a creative and committed approach to building G global stage? to be a major regional and AL We need a reality check. global arts player? N audiences is a key prerequisite for nurturing a vibrant arts hub Southeast Asia is not on the Our primary responsibility in ATIO
N international radar. Trying Singapore is to grow a large S:
E to market Southeast Asian base of arts lovers here. G ow sze wee describes his job at the national art within this international The other role is to cast an IMA Gallery Singapore as akin to working in a start-up climate is a big challenge. international light on Southeast —a sure indicator of the challenges he faces to win Interest in the region needs to Asian art and we do that through audiences over to Southeast Asian art and build develop naturally over time. our international collaborations : ALEX LIM; a world-class visual arts museum. The director of N We should also recognise with museums, bringing our curatorial, collections and education chats candidly that there are only certain shows overseas, and making TRATIO
about Singapore’s bid to become the visual arts hub of S aspects of our arts ecosystem, sure our publications are well
the region, and the challenges of building a homegrown base of art lovers. ILLU such as infrastructure, where circulated internationally. INDUSTRY INSIDER | TECHNOLOGY
SINGAPORE PLAYLIST Homegrown artists we want the world to stream “Being based in Singapore really lends itself to ease of doing business across Asia”
What makes Singapore playlists, Spotify’s Indonesian such a good testing ground music experts put together for Spotify? the best playlists from top We launched in Asia by Indonesian hits to Bali lounge introducing Spotify to Singapore, and dangdut. That’s what we Malaysia and Hong Kong at the aim to do with every market, same time. Singapore was a and what we see music fans Gentle Bones good place to start our venture absolutely loving. Joel Tan’s (pictured above) alter ego has made original into Asia as it’s a good base to Another good example is the music since 2013, but in the last two years, he’s figure out the intricacies of the payment options available to become a major star in Southeast Asia, becoming rest of the region. The adoption our users in the local market. the first Singaporean to sign with Universal Music rate, changing music tastes—all When we entered Singapore, Singapore and selling out two nights at the Esplanade these things have taught us subscription was only via credit Concert Hall just after the release of his second EP how to better scale out to other cards, but we then went into Geniuses & Thieves (2016). countries. Apart from that, being countries that had low credit based in Singapore really lends card penetration. In Indonesia, Linying itself to ease of doing business for example, we let users This soulful performer specialises in intimate, across Asia, and running choose from a variety of popular melancholic vocal performances. She was signed by Southeast Asia operations from payment methods, including US label Nettwerk Music Group last year, and has here is also easy. Everywhere is bank transfers and paying cash released one mesmerising EP, Paris 12, and a split a two- to four-hour flight away. at a local convenience store, as single with Charlie Lim. online payments with credit card UNCHAINED MELODIES You have often talked or PayPal are not widespread. Charlie Lim Spotify Asia managing director, Sunita Kaur, discusses about the importance of It’s fantastic to dip in, and test This eclectic performer toured the region extensively localisation. How do you and learn. after the release of his jazzy, self-titled debut EP with Jonathan Evans Singapore’s role in the music streaming reconfigure Spotify in in 2011, including an unprecedented “double gig” service’s Southeast Asia expansion other markets to ensure How is Spotify expanding at the much-missed Mosaic Music Festival. His it succeeds? beyond the internet? remarkably accomplished Time/Space album (2015) Before entering a market, Half of the world’s music deservedly garnered rave reviews and a deal with unita kaur started out handling sales for print media before moving we’d like to ensure that we’ve revenue now comes from Universal Music Singapore. into tech, serving stints at Microsoft and Facebook before joining Spotify as everything in place. This includes streaming, so we need to its managing director for Asia. Ask her why she was interested in the music having localised content (not continue to build for this Jasmine Sokko streaming business, and it is almost hard to tell if her reply is meant to be just the app being in the local fast-paced audience. After her infectious self-produced track, 1057, made tongue-in-cheek: “Music streaming is on the path to world domination.” language but also having a In August, we introduced waves a year ago, Sokko followed up with the bracing It is a big statement, but the numbers certainly indicate that it is not an library of local music in place), Spotify On Stage in Jakarta, our H20, then teamed up with big-name New York POTIFY
unfounded one. The Global Music Report 2017 by IFPI, the international S the right payment structure first live music event in Asia. It producer Lucian for Close to You. Her latest single S:
body representing the recording industry, states that “digital income last year accounted for E and partnership based on the featured performers from some Porcupine was further evidence of her winning ways.
half the global recorded music industry’s annual revenue for the first time, and growth in AG country. We want to make of the most streamed playlists IM streaming more than offset a 20.5 per cent decline in downloads and a 7.6 per cent decline in sure that everything is ready available on Spotify in Indonesia. The Sam Willows physical revenue”. Swedish-born Spotify is a major player in the streaming revolution, and since for the launch. It was another way for us to Made up of siblings Benjamin and Narelle Kheng, LEX LIM;
it launched in Singapore in 2013, its success here has been undeniable. One in two Singaporeans A For Indonesia, we’d the connect music fans with their and their friends Sandra Riley Tang and Jonathan with internet access now use this service, and even more encouragingly for local music fans, platform localised, so Spotify favourite acts. Apart from that, Chua, this harmony-rich quartet recorded their debut TION:
there are signs that it has helped to reinvigorate the broader music scene by discouraging A is available in Bahasa across we also wanted to use this event album Take Heart (2015) with legendary producer TR
piracy and giving artists a global platform. With US$5b paid to songs’ copyright holders as of S mobile, desktop and tablet. as a way to thank our loyal fans Steve Lillywhite and their follow-up is due in October.
September 2016, it is also doing its bit to make professional music-making viable. ILLU Alongside fantastic international in Jakarta. INDUSTRY INSIDER | AEROSPACE
Singapore Space and Technology Association (SSTA) runs a suite of programmes to engage with youths. What is your pitch when you talk to them about the space industry? To be honest, space sells itself. “Space is a lever Everybody’s interested in space even if they’re not interested for other technologies, in science, they want to know what’s out there. What we try to a locomotive for communicate to young students getting the best is that the space industry is open to many different and brightest minds disciplines—not just science, technology, engineering and in STEM” mathematics (STEM), but even botany, law and policy. We fly down experts, including current and former Nasa engineers and scientists, to mentor and For example, solar panels that draws the best talent. involved in such projects today, instruct our youth during our first originated in a space SSTA’s role is to grow that so that we can contribute talent space camps. The decades of programme. So space is a network, and help build those and find our niche. experience they download to lever for other technologies, early relationships that enable our students is really inspiring. a locomotive for getting the Singapore’s participation in Do you think we need a We also demonstrate how best and brightest minds international space projects. mission like sending a close popular science fiction in STEM. That allows us to grow our Singaporean into space stories are to reality. For space heritage and experience, to better capture the example, look at the armour How far away is Singapore moving up the global value imagination of potential worn by the Stormtroopers from becoming a regional chain. I believe we can become space mavericks here? in Star Wars—in the 1970s, space hub? a thought leadership centre Singapore may not have our that perhaps was science There’s been a steady in the next five years or so, own dedicated mission for fiction. But today, that type of progression at a good pace. and it may take 10 years to space exploration, but I believe composite armour is widely It was very research-driven become a collaborative centre of taking part in such multiagency used in the military and in the 1990s, and in recent excellence for the region. international missions is commercial sectors. My job is years, we’ve started to launch important. To get to the far side to draw that connection to the satellites. Most of our satellites Ideas such as space tourism of the moon or to Mars will take TO INFINITY relevance of these applications look back at us on earth, and and space colonies have time and require multidisciplinary to today’s dynamic society, so take high-resolution images in attracted a lot of attention expertise. Getting involved today that youths realise they can support of mapping. Some of in recent years. How do you will allow us to understand the AND BEYOND pursue serious career paths in these satellites serve commercial view these projects? requirements of these massive these areas. purposes, while some are used People like Richard Branson, endeavours, its multitude Singapore Space and Technology Association founder Jonathan Hung to support disaster relief. Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have of technical and scientific The government has Singapore already hosts been working in some of these challenges, and how we can explores how the sector can catalyse technological leaps identified the space many researchers from the areas, and there’s always some contribute. If Singapore can for the little red dot and the region. Hong Xinyi reports industry as a growth sector. biomedical, robotics, aerospace sense that it’s hype targeted at value-add in some niche area, Why is space important and environment engineering high net worth individuals. But such as systems engineering or to Singapore? sectors. Attracting top talent and there are practical benefits. At robotics, it’ll be magnificent. And onathan hung’s interest in space was sparked at a young age by science As the economy changes, adopting a systems approach SpaceX, for example, Musk is there will be a spillover effect, fiction movies such as Star Wars. He went on to study at Florida’s Embry-Riddle Singapore has to grow emerging to putting things together are developing reusable rockets because these guys will naturally Aeronautical University. “I was very inspired by the people I met there, from industries, especially those some of our key strengths. and revamping the entire space become ambassadors for S: 123RF
veteran pilots to those on the front line of the American space programme. E with the potential to yield As a regional space hub, we manufacturing supply chain, STEM. That’s really the future. These were your professors in the classroom and instructors in the field,” he AG many advanced technological can work collaboratively with bringing the launch cost down Technology is a gamechanger, IM recalls. “In Singapore, you didn’t see this mould of people very often. They were benefits. A space programme everybody in Asia. Singapore significantly and providing and we want young innovators, entrepreneurs, and mavericks.” Back in Singapore, Hung led the is a necessary means to an can become a place for the more affordable access to Singaporeans to understand LEX LIM;
development of the space incubator unit at the Singapore Economic Development Board, and A end sometimes—they don’t neutral meeting of minds for space. Commercial point-to- and appreciate that. It will take just generate astronauts and regional research institutes, point space transportation a while to build that culture,
then took on management roles in defence technology companies. He now runs a management ION:
advisory company focused on advanced technology sectors. As founder and president of the AT rockets, many end up diffusing technical universities, and could revolutionalise the future and it’s our job to help youths R
non-profit Singapore Space and Technology Association (SSTA), nurturing Singapore’s very ST a lot of their technology multilateral space programmes. mail and cargo business. It’s channel that maverick energy
own space mavericks is also part of his mission. ILLU to terrestrial applications. We want to be a magnet important for Singapore to get and find their path. INDUSTRY INSIDER | BIG PICTURE The Arctic route Due to the presence of sea ice during a large part of the year, these sea routes were previously used only seasonally. However, A WHOLE melting ice due to climate change has made them increasingly navigable, and if fully developed NEW WORLD could enable European vessels to head to north-east Asia in a Burgeoning regional groupings and shorter amount of time, compared potential trade routes are poised to reshape to the current route that passes through the Strait of Malacca. This commercial and cultural connections, would have significant impact on especially in Asia. Hong Xinyi reports Singapore’s shipping industry.
One Belt, One Road (OBOR) Announced in 2013, this signature infrastructure push from China has gathered steam in recent years. Its name takes its cue from the ancient Silk Road trading routes, and the initiative aspires to help fund and build roads, bridges, gas pipelines, ports, railways, and power plants in more than 60 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. With various trade agreements also involved in these partnerships, OBOR Asean Economic is widely seen as China’s bid to take a bigger leadership Community (AEC) role on the world stage. Established in 2015, this milestone step towards regional economic integration has already resulted Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) in steps to improve cross-border Mooted by India and Japan in 2016, this project labour mobility and the removal focuses on the Indo-Pacific region and seeks to of certain export tariffs between rediscover ancient sea routes and create new member states, among other sea corridors that will link the African continent measures. The ultimate goal is with India and countries in South Asia and to make Southeast Asia a highly Southeast Asia. Like OBOR, AAGC also proposes cohesive and dynamic common building infrastructure in Asia and Africa to boost market that is fully integrated into economic growth in these regions. the global economy.
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) With the Trans-Pacific Partnership in limbo after the US withdrew this year from the pact that aimed to deepen economic ties between 12 countries bordering the Pacific Ocean, the RCEP has moved into the spotlight. This proposed free trade agreement would consolidate economic partnerships between the
ILLUSTRATION: ALEX LIM 10 Asean member states and Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. INDUSTRY INSIDER | SUTL ENTERPRISE SPOTLIGHT
CALL OF THE SEA Asian tourism is growing in tandem with the region’s booming economies. SUTL Enterprise’s Arthur Tay believes that these travellers will be entranced by the waterfront lifestyle. Hong Xinyi reports
rthur tay lights up when he talks about the life “For each marina aquatic. “Each coastline that we are targeting is unique,” he says. “The colour of the water is to acquire, or develop different, there are different types of fish, diving spots and manage through and island landscapes.” It is a vivid picture joint ventures, sketched by a man who has a unique affinity with a less-discussed side of Singapore—not the we are very sensitive gleaming city-state bristling with skyscrapers, but the sunny island set in the sea. and mindful that The executive director and CEO of they must have SUTL Enterprise describes himself as a “West Coast Teochew boy”, whose childhood different personalities” in Pasir Panjang meant “I grew up loving the beach”. His late father, Tay Choon Hye, founded SUTL in 1968 as a ship-chandelling company, and Arthur tagged along with him to learn the
business of supplying goods and services to under its belt, including being a six-time winner D extended to marinas in Brooklyn in the US and ventures, we are very sensitive and mindful that STE I
the incoming and outgoing ships in Singapore’s of the Best Asian Marina of the Year award AU Puteri Harbour in Malaysia, with upcoming they must have different personalities,” he notes.
A ASS bustling port. (Arthur’s first and second yachts, bestowed by Asia Boating Awards. It has also D developments in Pantai Mutiara in Indonesia To shape these distinct personalities, he takes his L I
and are named after his dad.) As hosted prestigious events such as the Volvo AT and Guishan in China. If Arthur has his way, cue from each marina’s context—the culture of Hye Seas I II, OW, LE a young man, he picked up waterskiing in the Ocean Race, the Singapore Yacht Show, the there will be many more ONE°15 marinas in the the surrounding communities, the topography of EL ION: M
Punggol river. He remains an avid diver today. UIM F1 Powerboat Championship Grand Prix, T future, both in traditional yachting destinations the coastline, and the nature of the water body BRI C A “I was always exposed to water and the outdoor the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the E in Europe as well as newer locations in Asia. that laps at its berths. “If it is a river, you can N G DIR
life. You are at one with the elements, and really Earth Race, the SB20 Asia Grand Slam and the E In September this year, SUTL Enterprise have cruises. If it is a lake, you can have romantic T R RR removed from the stress of life in the city.” Singapore Straits Regatta. A announced a partnership with the Hainan Cruise boat rides for couples,” he says. A N;
Today, we are chatting at ONE°15 Marina SUTL Enterprise is now a leading developer, A & Yacht Association for the development and Essentially, a marina is about a lot more than
Sentosa Cove—his first foray into marina operator and consultant of integrated marinas PHY: D expansion of the Chinese island province’s mooring yachts. “It is actually a lifestyle,” Arthur A N CH development when it opened in 2007. The club all over the world, and the only marina business E yachting, cruising and marina tourism industry. believes. “It is a place to hold weddings, where RR OGR A T
celebrated its 10th anniversary this year with to be listed on the Singapore Exchange. Through D “For each marina that we are targeting to you can wine and dine, and just relax near the
a wealth of accolades and accomplishments its partnerships, the ONE°15 brand has been PHO BY acquire, or develop and manage through joint water. You can see the seagulls coming close to SUTL ENTERPRISE SPOTLIGHT | INDUSTRY INSIDER
my own business my whole life, and I have been infrastructure, so we score very well in terms of exposed to all kinds of countries, from Mongolia resources. We must leverage our strengths, and to Afghanistan, you name it. I am sensitive to integrate and balance that with the strengths of cultural differences and attentive to consumer our neighbouring countries.” needs. We can resolve these challenges.” For enterprises here that are looking to Indeed, the SUTL Group, which is the expand, however, Arthur’s advice is that “you majority shareholder of SUTL Enterprise, is have to go overseas, because the market here one of the first Singaporean conglomerates to is very limited in terms of size. You have to venture into Vietnam. In 1996, it established see business opportunities that are beyond the first shopping centre in Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore. Don’t just stand still. Go out, travel, Superbowl Vietnam Tan Son Nhat, introducing and take calculated risks”. an integrated lifestyle entertainment concept He is certainly not standing still. “We are that included a 32-lane bowling alley. “We all ready for a new wave of opportunity. We are pioneers,” Arthur says proudly. “We went have lot in the pipeline that we will be able into Vietnam before the property and hotel to share soon, and we are very excited,” he developers, so we had first-mover advantage. reveals. A clue: “We believe every club we own We could secure better sites, better partners, must have an iconic and unique event that will and better licences before others did. I approach attract international visitors.” And where better marina development in the same way. Don’t to host such an event than ONE°15 Marina NAUTICAL MAESTRO In recognition of its waste time, get first-mover advantage.” Sentosa Cove, the place where this whole long-standing excellence, the Asian Boating Awards had bestowed upon ONE°15 Marina adventure started? “It is one of the most unique Sentosa Cove the Best Asian Marina of the DEALING WITH DISRUPTION lifestyle clubs in Singapore and we are very happy Year award six times What could throw a spanner into the works that our members feel we have delivered what for all these grand plans? Arthur cites factors we promised, and more,” Arthur says, at ease in such as technological changes and the high cost his waterfront haven. “I want to create more of of materials and labour as potential challenges these assets around Asia.” you, and in a coastal area you can stay away from wants, particularly in the realm of hospitality. that the company is prepared to grapple roads and traffic jams. That is what a marina “Asian hospitality is the best,” he declares. “We with. From a macro perspective, with climate really means.” host better, we serve people better, we go all change expected to create more challenging the way to make the customer happy. The Asian weather conditions in the years ahead, he also EYE ON ASIA customer likes to be served, rather than have acknowledges that those in the marina business Communicating the charms of this lifestyle to self-service meals, and we understand details must plan for stronger infrastructure and make Asian travellers will be crucial for the growth such as the kind of breakfast they like to have. sustainability a keystone of their corporate of the ONE°15 brand. In China alone, about We want to provide all our members and visiting social responsibility programmes. 128 million people holidayed overseas in 2015. tourists with first-class service and attention, In 2016, the Marina Industries “Paying attention to Chinese travellers is a no- and that will be what makes our brand Association named the Level 4 Clean Marina brainer,” says Arthur. According to the World different. Whatever properties we manage and ISO 14001-certified club Southeast Asia’s first Travel and Tourism Council, China’s travel acquire, they will have the ONE°15 membership fish-friendly marina, and it was also named industry is projected to grow at an average and service.” Green Maritime Company of the Year at the rate of 8 per cent annually from 2017 to 2027, That means facilities that have excellent Asia Boating Awards 2015. Further afield, outpacing other major economies such as safety and security standards, “and good food”, SUTL works with its foreign partners to India and the US. “Growing a business is about he adds, true to his Singaporean roots. “We implement eco plans for its overseas projects, scalability. We are not focusing just on China, don’t do short-term thinking, because we are a which could include cleaning up the surrounding but it is natural that we expand into China as long-term player. We know the right formula, waters and launching education initiatives a first strategic move. Then, we will look at and we are now moving ahead of a lot of other regarding local aquatic species. Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, and Japan, and players.” Creating a string of marinas in the Closer to home, Singapore’s strategic the other Asian countries,” he says, noting in region and beyond will build connectivity for geographic location—the same strength that particular Indonesia and Thailand’s long coastal ONE°15 members, who want to be assured of made SUTL’s early ship-chandelling business lines and the latter’s great diving and fishing consistent quality wherever they berth. viable—no longer seems like an inevitability. spots. “Generally, I believe Asians will dominate To accomplish this though, there remains the There is talk of the Arctic routes opening up, global travel. They will be the ones indulging in challenge of untangling complex regulations for and some chatter about a potential Kra Isthmus holiday pursuits in Europe, America, Australia marina development in overseas markets. But Canal in Thailand. Meanwhile, ongoing MARINE and Africa. We think Asians are the next influx Arthur is confident about tackling these issues. territorial disputes in the South China Sea ASPIRATIONS of tourism, and I want to teach them that “We know how to handle the local challenges,” and new ports in the region competing for Arthur Tay has his spending time at our marinas can be as much of he assures, pointing to his decades of experience hub status all contribute to uncertainty over sights set on the East, and is looking an indulgence as shopping in a big city.” in the world of business. “That is my skill. the continued vibrancy of Singapore as a key to develop marinas To entice these Asian travellers, he is banking Through a lot of engagement, we can find a maritime trading node. “I believe Singapore’s around the region on the strengths of ONE°15 as a Singaporean win-win solution and make sure that we can port will continue to be relevant,” Arthur says. and beyond brand that understands what the Asian customer deliver what we want to do. I have been running “We have the best security and very efficient INDUSTRY INSIDER | ENTERPRISE
efore his appointment as the chief Singapore has always executive of Spring Singapore in 2015, positioned itself as a regional Poon Hong Yuen was the CEO of the hub. How do you see this National Parks Board (NParks), and identity evolving as Asia then served as the deputy secretary of becomes more economically the Ministry of Law (MinLaw). “Being dominant globally? “Singapore SMEs should immersed in very different areas of public Asia’s growth will definitely mean service provided me with a broad perspective of how different more economic opportunities innovate and scale agencies work and enabled me to bring what I believe to be for Singapore. To participate up through building fresh perspectives to Spring,” he says. in that growth, we’ll need to Thinking across different paradigms certainly comes in continue to strengthen our internal capabilities handy now that he is in charge of an agency whose mission traditional advantages in terms is to help Singapore enterprises grow. Maximising synergies of our talent, infrastructure, to tap on the growth was the basic premise of the 2016 Industry Transformation connectivity and rule of law. opportunities offered Maps (ITMs) unveiled by the government. The aim: provide Large cities in the region are a targeted and industry-focused approach to preparing also growing and becoming by the Asean integration” local enterprises for future growth through productivity, more competitive, so we must innovation, jobs and skills, and internationalisation. “Through keep upping our game to these ITMs, I believe there are plenty of opportunities for stay relevant. collaboration among industry partners within and across Beyond the regional services industries,” Poon says. role that we’ve been providing, Next year, a new government agency, named Enterprise I believe Singapore can be the Singapore, will be formed through the merger of IE Singapore place where companies large and Spring. The move underscores the government’s and small can come together commitment to adapting and strengthening support for to innovate. For example, Singapore enterprises. Leveraging IE Singapore’s core we’ve many high-tech start-ups strengths in internationalisation and Spring’s expertise in that came from the region helping SMEs, the newly-formed agency will offer companies to Singapore to raise funds, a holistic and integrated network to build capabilities and draw on talents and scale-up. access overseas markets opportunities. Poon shares more Many MNCs here have also about how homegrown businesses can spread their wings. adopted an open approach
MAPPING THE ROAD AHEAD Spring Singapore CEO Poon Hong Yuen offers
Hong Xinyi a big picture perspective on how Singapore GE: 123RF enterprises can flourish in the new global economy IMA X LIM; E N: AL O TRATI S ILLU ENTERPRISE | INDUSTRY INSIDER
INTERNATIONAL FLAVOURS GLOBAL FOOTPRINT From its where they tap on innovative One of the key benefits is MRAs is to establish a global BreadTalk’s signature pork floss bun humble Singapore beginnings, Charles solutions from start-ups and the streamlining of customs network of accredited conformity has found fans globally & Keith is now a global fashion force small companies. To facilitate clearance procedures for the assessment bodies. This helps to this form of collaboration, we movement of goods across remove the regulatory processes are encouraging multipliers such intra-regional borders. This for cross-border trade and builds as accelerators and incubators, allows SMEs to secure the flow confidence in the products. including those from MNCs, to of goods and services across To help companies improve set up in Singapore, and actively intra-Asean borders and save on competitiveness and increase pulling together MNCs and financial costs and time. Another market access, Spring works SMEs to work on projects. benefit was the harmonisation with the Singapore Standards of standards across Asean Council and other organisations International brands often and establishment of Mutual to develop and review Singapore use Singapore as a gateway Recognition Agreements (MRAs) Standards, and promote the to other regional markets. for various products traded adoption of standards. Do you think Singapore within the region. This removes Singapore companies need to businesses do this enough? the need to comply with varying have good business capabilities Singapore companies have national standards in different to succeed in overseas been more active in building markets and eases movement of markets, so Spring supports their brands over the years and goods within Asean. companies to build these have become better at it. Brands This integration creates capabilities through innovation, such as BreadTalk and Charles many business opportunities for productivity improvements and & Keith have successfully SMEs, which should innovate talent development. penetrated international and scale-up through building markets. Many of our internal capabilities to tap on What local enterprises that companies have also leveraged these growth opportunities. make an impact beyond the trusted Singapore brand the domestic market to their advantage in overseas With protectionist sentiment do you think make for markets. We can do more. on the rise in some parts of inspiring examples? Spring and International the world, what role can the Singapore companies have Enterprise (IE) Singapore have government play in helping to been making their mark globally. been supporting companies keep trade borders open? For instance, Osim has over in establishing their brands Singapore’s economic success 417 outlets across 20 countries, locally and internationally. For has been built on openness Charles & Keith has over instance, IE’s Market Readiness and connectivity, so we’re fully 300 stores worldwide with luxury Assistance grant supports committed to a collaborative goods conglomerate LVMH IM promotional activities overseas, model. In a way, our economic having a stake in the company to OS while Spring’s Capability track record illustrates the support its growth. Homegrown
AND Development Grant supports benefits of economies trading skincare brand, Skin Inc is now C N I branding and marketing with one another, so we available in over 100 cities around IN initiatives for companies to build should keep speaking up for the world. Besides retail and SK their brand equity. international trade, and work F&B, companies in other sectors ITH, E with international partners to have also established themselves
& K What should local lower barriers to trade. globally. YCH Group grew from ES businesses do to gain first- Free Trade Agreements are a passenger transport company
HARL mover advantage as Asean important in facilitating trade. in 1955 to a leading supply chain AROUND THE GLOBE The O in Osim CLEAR DIRECTION Singapore’s C , symbolises the globe, a sign of the high-tech skincare brand Skin Inc has K integration develops? Singapore has implemented solutions company to many of the brand’s international ambitions expanded its reach all the way to the US The Asean Economic 20 of them. Companies world’s top brands. Their success ADTAL
E Committee was formed in can also face technical and can be attributed to the foresight R B
: 2015 to integrate Asean and regulatory barriers such as of the company’s leaders, and its
GES facilitate trade and investment product testing, inspection early and continued technology
IMA among Asean member states. and certification. The role of adoption practices. INDUSTRY INSIDER | SUSTAINABILITY
“Every megawatt of power that we install in Singapore is equivalent to planting 30,000 trees. So far, we have installed 160MW in Singapore alone”
SUSTAINABLE TOWNS The Housing & Development Board awarded Sunseap the contract to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in 680 HDB residential blocks in four towns: Jurong East (pictured), Marine Parade, Sembawang and Tampines
n the sunseap group office, solar panels Your father started Sunseap are hung on the walls like art—after all, these Group to manufacture were the foundational building blocks of solar panels. How has the the company, which began in the 1980s as a business evolved? manufacturer of solar panels for German firms. In the 1980s, ’90s and 2000s, Today, Sunseap bills itself as Singapore’s leading and even as recently as five integrated clean energy solutions provider, and years ago, solar energy was is looking to make its mark in the region as well. always regarded more as an In August, it secured investment from Shell’s corporate option for the future. In 2010, venture arm, with intent for Sunseap and Shell to collaborate we transformed the business on solar projects in the Asia-Pacific. Sunseap began by moving from selling solar venturing into regional markets four years ago, and director energy systems to running it as Frank Phuan points to the 10MWp solar farm in Cambodia’s a service. This means we sell Bavet City (the country’s first-ever solar farm) as an example the energy that our systems of how renewable energy could have a transformative effect produce; we no longer sell the on the region. systems. Customers pay for the
ROUP “Bavet experiences power outages quite frequently, power they use, which is what HER E COMES G P
A especially during drought season, because the area is heavily they’re used to doing, and this E S powered by hydroelectric power. When we set up a solar has increased the adoption rate. UN
S farm, it could power thousands of homes. People would come We’ve been able to make
THE SUN S: E up and ask our team when the farm would be completed, this transition by focusing on
For Southeast Asia’s developing economies, AG and rush us, because they knew it would change their lives,” research and development, IM renewable energy could launch a great leap forward, explains Phuan. A reliable power source means light for system integration and data classrooms, electricity for businesses, and all the potential analytics. Anybody can buy
Sunseap Group’s tells LEX LIM; Frank Phuan Hong Xinyi A boosts in productivity and innovation that these imply. With and install solar panels. The renewable energy slated to make up nearly two-thirds of the question is how to optimise TION:
A Asia-Pacific’s growth in new power generation capacity over yield from these systems, TR
S the next 25 years, it is certain that many more lives are going and we’ve found processes
ILLU to see a new illumination. to do that. We’ve very strong INDUSTRY INSIDER | SUSTAINABILITY
monitoring and maintenance say we’ll do something, we’ll the creative use of spaces to teams, equipment and software get it done. Being recognised integrate solar technology. so that we can manage our as that kind of company gives For developing areas, systems efficiently. Solar us an edge. In this region, solar energy will unlock a lot generation is just one aspect many governments subsidise of potential. Traditionally, an of the business. To value traditional forms of energy, to extensive grid network is built add, we’ve also come up reduce the day-to-day expenses to distribute power from a with parallel businesses of the people. But in Singapore, centralised oil-fired or gas-fired such as energy storage and the government has always power plant to many parts energy-efficient equipment. taken the position that no energy of a country, which means is subsidised, that prices have to spending millions, even billions, Sunseap opened its first be market-driven in order for the on infrastructure. Going solar overseas solar farm in industry to be sustainable. In this means skipping a lot of this TRAIN OF THOUGHT Rail Malaysia four years ago environment, propelling the solar process, and jumping straight operator SMRT enlisted the services of Sunseap to into a model where you use and is growing its regional energy sector is an uphill task, reduce its carbon footprint by presence. What have you but we’ve been able to do it microgrids, solar panels and installing 10,000sqm of solar learned from going abroad? without grants and incentives by batteries. You don’t have to panels at its Bishan Depot Singapore as a market is limited making sure our solar systems lay thousands of kilometres of by area and population size, are very cost-competitive. cables to power one location, so it’s important to source When we go into the region, which means you skip years of exporting the excess to other The US announced this year to planting 30,000 trees, in for bigger markets and bring we’re used to operating without development. Renewable energy countries. With the technology that it plans to withdraw from terms of the amount of carbon solar energy as a service to subsidies, so we say we don’t has a big role to play in allowing that we have today, and the the 2015 Paris Agreement dioxide we remove from the people in the region. Electricity need any to make our business developing countries to catch untapped areas for solar panels on climate change. How will environment. So far, we have is always a regulated market, viable. That’s a big statement. In up. This is already happening such as rooftops and reservoirs, this impact the renewable installed 160MW in Singapore, and our strategy is to look for Europe, Australia and Malaysia, in Southeast Asia, especially in it’s entirely possible. But energy sector? so that’s a lot of trees. I like local joint venture partners the government subsidies places where there’s explosive there must also be political will. We shouldn’t look at the US that image, because we want so that we can learn how to are tapering off, and some growth. They can’t wait five to The year 2018 will be an only as what it is today, we to be associated with the PLACE IN THE SUN work with different agencies day the tap will be turned off 10 years for a power station to important milestone, because should also look at what it’s attributes of trees—strong, In 2016, Jurong Port became and regulations. completely. We’re trying to be be built, and a solar farm can be that’s when Singapore will done in the past. Without the enduring and green. the largest port-based, solar Singapore has always been ahead of the curve, and many built in six months. have a fully liberalised electricity previous US administration, facility in the world, producing regarded as a country that’s companies are now looking at The Singapore government market. That means consumers the Paris Agreement would 9,500MW at peak capacity, and reducing carbon emissions by honest and efficient, and we our business model. plays an important role as well. will be able to choose whether not have been possible in the 5,200 tonnes. The project was bring those attributes with us A solar generation contract they want to buy power from first place. It played a big role STAYING COOL handled by Sunseap into a new market. When we How much room for growth tends to be a 20- to 25-year a conventional electricity in pulling together everyone is there in project, which means we’re retailer, or buy clean energy. to ratify that agreement. What is at stake in the move Southeast going to work with these local We’ll be one of the choices. American companies such towards renewable energy Asia for solar governments for decades. The We’re already supplying as Apple and Google are energy? Singapore government acts as a Apple’s regional logistics hub also part of the RE100 group sources? Keep these two For urbanised figurehead that can lend support here with 100 per cent clean of businesses committed to figures in mind areas, solar to Singapore companies like energy, and if we can do using renewable energy. Many panels on ours, and also provide other that, we can definitely supply countries and companies are BELOW 2°C The 2015 Paris Climate rooftops auxiliary services. In Southeast HDB households. now trying doubly hard to fulfil Agreement is a pact between 196 nations to are just the Asia, Singapore stands a very So next year, we’ll move the terms of the agreement, so adopt green energy sources, cut down on beginning. good chance of increasing our into the business-to-consumer actually the recent US decision climate change emissions and limit the rise of Building level of influence through such area, and that’ll see us working has helped to pull everyone global temperatures to below 2°C. Scientists facades, long-term projects. I encourage with partners such as banks else together. believe that the environmental impact of a rise fences, more local companies to go and telcos to roll out joint In terms of dealing with above this figure will be devastating. roadways out there—it’s a good way to promotion packages so we climate change, I think we’re and water get Singaporeans exposed to can reach consumers through moving too slowly, but that 1.5 TO STAY ALIVE For small island bodies can developing countries, and help many touchpoints. Hopefully, doesn’t mean we’re without nations like Singapore, the rise in sea levels all be used to them level up. the response will be good. hope. As the situation becomes from melting ice caps would be even more capture solar There needs to be some level more dire, I’m sure the rate of disastrous. That’s why the Marshall Islands energy. I What do you think the future of education. When they’re adoption for renewable energy in the Pacific coined the phrase “1.5 to believe solar of renewable energy will look given a choice next year, and will become more important. stay alive”, because capping the global energy will like in Singapore? the price of clean solar energy Being in this industry has a temperature rise at 1.5°C might make all the become In the future, I believe that we’ll is competitive, what choice will big feel-good factor. Every difference to the survival of such vulnerable commonplace. be able to produce so much they make? We believe they’ll megawatt of power that we island nations. It’s all about renewable energy that we’ll be choose us, because why not? install in Singapore is equivalent INDUSTRY INSIDER | HOSPITALITY NEW WORLDS Banyan Tree has a growing presence in Central America, including its Mayakoba resort in Mexico
“Brand propriety is important. Develop your brand and own it; you can then be sustainable in the future with a regular base of loyal customers”
As travel preferences evolve, through these global trends of gives us the added edge What niche areas in the what are the opportunities consolidation. Our competitive overseas, as we are perceived travel industry do you view and challenges for the luxury advantage is in the distinctive as more professional, efficient, as growing or underserved? hospitality industry? character of our brands, with good integrity and Banyan Tree’s global Today’s travellers seek authentic and memorable stay governance. Having said that, footprint is strong in Asia and authentic, local experiences experiences and the socially Banyan Tree is a melting pot parts of the Indian Ocean, in varying degrees. Banyan conscious ways we do business. of diverse cultures with over with a growing presence Tree prides itself on providing Sustainability is key to the 60 nationalities within the group. in Central America. We’re these experiences through Banyan Tree philosophy. We The cross-cultural diversity and looking to expand in Europe a strong sense of place at believe we can do well and do synergy create the necessary and the Americas. We see a every one of our 41 hotels and good at the same time. ingredients for innovation, growing demand for wellness resorts, where we convey the The collaboration with which is a key value for us. retreats and will continue story about the location and strategic partners—global hotel For example, we introduced to strengthen our wellness its people within the design of group Accor and China’s largest Dhawa—a new line of hotels offerings. Active agers are an each property. We also ensure real estate developer Vanke— for younger, design-savvy underserved segment—we’re high standards of excellence are transformative alliances travellers—in Cuba, making us looking at projects in China with and provide the signature that herald an exciting future the first Asian brand to enter our strategic partner Vanke Banyan Tree hospitality for us. Our global partners are the market in a significant that can serve this clientele experience for every guest. well-positioned to help us extend way. That’s a reflection of our base with activities, facilities This will continue to be our our reach globally. Accor has an innovative spirit. Innovation and services that are more unique advantage. extensive global footprint and also permeates the entire suited for them. BR ANCHING OUT To remain competitive and a highly experienced business organisation and is encouraged relevant in an increasingly development team that will from the ground up. Our hotels How will Asean’s regional It was one of the early Singapore brands to seek a global footprint, crowded brand world, we propel our expansion into the have regular innovation and economic integration will have developed a portfolio markets of Europe, Middle East, brainstorming sessions to impact Banyan Tree’s and Banyan Tree is ready for a whole new era of expansion, of four hospitality brands— Africa and the Americas. The identify new experiences for expansion strategy? executive chairman Ho Kwon Ping tells Karen Tee Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia venture with Vanke consolidates our guests. Some of these Economic growth in the and Dhawa—for an increasingly the ownership of Banyan experiences developed within Asean-5 (Indonesia, Malaysia, diverse customer base, while Tree-branded hotels and assets a hotel or through our annual Philippines, Thailand and he hotel industry is no stranger to disruption, what with the rise retaining our signature hospitality in China, which is a significant talent management training Vietnam) will exceed 5 per : BANYAN TREE
of vacation rental sites and growing consolidation in the hospitality sector. E across all brands. market for us. workshops in Phuket have been cent for the next decade. G implemented as new initiatives With fewer regional trade
Singapore’s Banyan Tree Holdings, which launched its flagship resort in MA
Phuket in 1994, has chosen to stay the course, recognising that its unique M; I With large hotel groups As one of the early and brand standards across our barriers, companies can seek I brand of luxury Asian hospitality remains an industry gold standard increasingly consolidating, Singapore brands to go hotels and resorts. In addition, first-mover advantage in these and a core strength. However, that does not mean that the hotel group how is Banyan Tree global, what lessons brand propriety is important. markets for further growth and
is not seizing new opportunities beyond the luxury sector. It is growing ON: ALEX L differentiating itself? did you learn that are Develop your brand and own it; development. For Banyan Tree, its portfolio to appeal to a wider range of travellers, from millennials to the active silver TI As an independent boutique of value to today’s you can then be sustainable in we will continue to explore RA
generation. Newly forged alliances with strategic partners will also be key in helping the ST hotel operator, Banyan Tree Singapore entrepreneurs? the future with a regular base of opportunities for expansion in LLU company extend its global reach, says executive chairman Ho Kwon Ping. I seeks to chart its own path Being a Singaporean brand loyal customers. these growing markets. INDUSTRY INSIDER | LAST WORD OUT O F THE DO T Six visionary entrepreneurs tell Karen Tee the biggest challenges and most valuable lessons they learned from taking their businesses global
TAHA BOUQDIB CYNTHIA CHUA REENE HO-PHANG GEORGE QUEK SABRINA TAN SVEN TAN PRESIDENT, CEO AND FOUNDER AND CEO CO-FOUNDER AND FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN FOUNDER AND CEO CO-FOUNDER AND CO-FOUNDER OF TWG TEA OF SPA ESPRIT GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BREADTALK GROUP OF SKIN INC CREATIVE DIRECTOR Luxury tea purveyor TWG Tea The Spa Esprit Group comprises 17 beauty, OF BRANDSTORY ASIA The BreadTalk Group comprises eight food Beauty brand Skin Inc, which is best OF IN GOOD COMPANY has 64 Tea Salons & Boutiques in lifestyle and F&B brands with over 100 Founded by Singaporean couple and beverage brands, including BreadTalk, known for its custom-blended serums, is Fashion label In Good Company is the 18 countries and the brand is distributed outlets across the globe. Its beauty brands, Peter Phang and Reene Ho-Phang, Toast Box, Din Tai Fung, So Ramen and currently available in over 100 cities with Singapore fashion insider’s go-to for in 42 countries. TWG also supplies luxury including hair removal chain Strip and BrandStory Inc is a public relations Food Republic. The group has a network 350 distribution points globally, including smartly tailored wardrobe essentials hotels and restaurants, and its teas are eyebrow-shaping salon Browhaus, are agency and travel representation of over 1,000 outlets in 17 locations across standalone concept stores and Sephora with a twist. The brand has standalone served in Singapore Airlines’ lounges, present in 12 cities including New York, consultancy, which has seven offices Asia and the Middle East, and will be outlets. Skin Inc is also the official skincare stores in Ion Orchard and The Shoppes NY and on board its Suites, First Class and London, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. across Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, opening its first Din Tai Fung restaurant in and spa partner of Me by Meliá, located in at Marina Bay Sands and three other Business Class. The group also launched A Wanted Man, a Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shanghai and MPA London in 2018. select resorts around the world. points of sale in the country, as well cafe with attached grooming services on- Taiwan, and is planning to expand into as stockists in Thailand, Hong Kong,
“Everyone in Asia is born with a site, in London in 2016. Malaysia and Chicago in the US. OOD CO “Singapore is a well-developed “Transforming a homegrown company Indonesia, Philippines and Dubai. G N proverbial cup of tea and it’s important I country that is safe and secure. In the into a global operation is not a light to get everyone to embrace the brand “I’m proud to put Singapore on the “Every Asian city has its own location- ND early days of BreadTalk Group, as we undertaking. The opportunities and “Going global is lot easier today, A as their own. The only way to achieve global beauty map and show the world specific peculiarities and market started expanding into less developed rewards are big, but so are the risks. but the competition and noise NC I N this is by offering rare and exquisite that we have top-notch treatments nuances—what works in Singapore I countries, the employees from We followed a phased approach is also immense. Cultures and K S harvests of the finest quality teas. The and tons of creativity. I was very does not necessarily work in Shanghai, , Singapore that we sent overseas had where we first strengthened our consumer patterns are diverse ever-changing tastes of our customers excited to see that our brands such Taiwan or Hong Kong, so we need to P to adjust to new realities and different presence in Singapore and expanded and we’ve had to learn to find ROU mean that we need to continually delve as Strip and Browhaus are way ahead tailor our marketing solutions to harness G lifestyles. For example, to succeed in into countries in Southeast Asia our own space within markets deeper into unchartered territories, of those offering similar services in the best results for our clients in each LK a bigger market like China requires a that we are more familiar with. The and stay focused on who we are TA seeking new harvests to create more the UK and New York. I love the idea market. For example, in China, existing D different management approach and second phase was in Europe, which as a company, and put out the imaginative combinations. We also set of cross-pollination and being in 12 and new social and digital media EA model. For starters, the individual has a mature skincare market where best product we can. As a smaller ourselves apart from other tea brands different cities gives us a very good channels are rapidly developing and needs strong determination. We learnt there are immense opportunities for player, we get to be creative and NC, BR by staying fresh and fashionable. When global perspective into the business and their dynamics continue to be influenced I that having the right person for the role a disruptive skincare brand like Skin more flexible in how we approach
I visit fashion capitals, I’m especially a great learning ground. The various by China’s social and political climate. ORY is very important. Inc. Expanding to the US marked a the business processes with our drawn to the latest catwalk trends, consumer patterns and feedback In addition to recruiting talented ST Compared to the early years, our milestone as it cemented Skin Inc as a partners, working towards a more ND and we incorporate these elements constantly drive us to lead in innovation team members, BrandStory taps on A Singapore staff are now more prepared truly global brand. localised strategy and promoting , BR into TWG Tea’s packaging and design. and reinvention. advanced communication technologies P to take on such challenges abroad. I learned to respect cultural a more collaborative business This appeals to young and modern Understanding different cultures, to enable and equip our teams to work We built up a pool of talent with differences, and have adapted the relationship. While we like to have ROU G tea drinkers. language barriers, consumer behaviour, seamlessly, regardless of geographical wide-ranging professional experience brand DNA and sometimes even our a consistent brand image, we also IT The most important lesson needs, laws and regulations, and location. Our team members are mostly R in opening up new markets and they products to different markets. This encourage retail formats that are I’ve learned is to never stop the managing local staff are the major bilingual and together we speak over ESP have been able to train new employees is the most important consideration not cookie cutter. Design-wise, creative process—the creation and challenges I face in each new market. 10 Chinese dialects as well as English, upon their return. Our next area of when going global. Something that the challenge is creating products innovation of new tea blends, the Each city is different and very varied, Mandarin, Spanish and French. Our consideration is to ensure that we select works in Asia may not necessarily that are suitable for different mixing and blending of teas, exotic so it’s important to have a good local unique mindset and diversity makes the right partners for joint ventures work in the US. Success comes markets. Protecting the intellectual fruits, flowers and spices to come up partner who shares our passion and BrandStory uniquely poised to help overseas. It is very important that when you find the balance between property of our original products with exclusive tea blends that tell a vision, especially in cities we’re not bridge the gap between China and the they share our ideals and passion for thinking global and acting local in in these various markets can also
thousand stories.” familiar with.” rest of the global community.” IMAGES: TWG TEA, SPA pursuing differentiation via creativity.” your implementation.” be challenging.”