Welcome to Business Beyond Borders, a podcast that explores the importance of international experiences in today’s working world.
This podcast is brought to you by Bluente, the world’s first business language services platform. We aim to connect professionals across the globe, one conversation at a time.
Join us as we engage with senior leaders from various industries ranging from legal to finance and many more, who will share insider tips for navigating global markets in their industry.
From multilingual entrepreneurs to savvy lawyers, our guests share their firsthand experiences and practical insights on building global networks and seizing international opportunities.
Get ready to expand your horizons and propel your career to new heights.
This podcast is brought to you by Bluente.
Bluente is the world’s first business language services platform. We built a document translation tool where you get your translated documents in less than 2 minutes, retaining the same format of your file. Try it now at https://translate.bluente.com/. We also we teach business languages (CN, ID, EN, ES) tailored for professionals through our mobile and web app. Find out more here: https://app.bluente.com/home/.
Welcome to Business Beyond Borders, a podcast that explores the importance of international experiences in today’s working world.
This podcast is brought to you by Bluente, the world’s first business language services platform. We aim to connect professionals across the globe, one conversation at a time.
Join us as we engage with senior leaders from various industries ranging from legal to finance and many more, who will share insider tips for navigating global markets in their industry.
From multilingual entrepreneurs to savvy lawyers, our guests share their firsthand experiences and practical insights on building global networks and seizing international opportunities.
Get ready to expand your horizons and propel your career to new heights.
This podcast is brought to you by Bluente.
Bluente is the world’s first business language services platform. We built a document translation tool where you get your translated documents in less than 2 minutes, retaining the same format of your file. Try it now at https://translate.bluente.com/. We also we teach business languages (CN, ID, EN, ES) tailored for professionals through our mobile and web app. Find out more here: https://app.bluente.com/home/.
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we're joined by Rebecca Pang, Vice President of Treasury Solutions at a leading Canadian Bank. Rebecca shares her journey from transitioning from a strategist specializing in mergers and acquisitions to an innovator in payment system advancements, offering insights into how efficient payment processes not only streamline processes for business owners but also serve as catalysts for growth and opportunity.
In this episode, we discuss:
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In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we welcome Clarisse von Wunschheim, Partner and Head of Switzerland-China Cross-Border Solutions at Altenburger. Clarisse takes us on a deep dive into the world of international arbitration, sharing her multicultural expertise and strategies for bridging different cultures in global dispute resolution.
In this episode, we discuss:
Tune in to find out more!
Links:
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we're joined by Peter Dingle, a Hong Kong-based expert with a diverse background in venture capital, innovation, marketing, and brand management. Peter’s current role allows him to delve deep into the world of fintech, focusing on areas like Insurtech, Healthtech, RegTech, Wealthtech, and Climatech.
Before his venture into venture capital, Peter served as the Director of Nest.VC, amongst other notable roles, where he spearheaded the creation of Hong Kong's first fintech accelerator and orchestrated award-winning corporate accelerators across various industries.
In this episode, we discuss:
Links:
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we are excited to have Sabrina Ng, a seasoned industry professional with a diverse background in both startups and multinational corporations, where she has played a pivotal role in driving organizational change and facilitating growth.
Over her extensive career of more than 15 years, Sabrina has advised companies on transformative transactions and projects as an investment banker and strategy consultant. Notably, she served as the Synergy Director at HSBC Life, overseeing the integration of AXA Singapore into HSBC Life. Now, Sabrina is an angel investor and a limited partner, engaging in both direct and indirect investments into startups.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Sabrina's journey in the corporate and startup realm
- Managing the organizational change and the crucial role of people in driving change
- The hurdles startups face in achieving sustained growth, acquiring the right talent, and acquiring funding
- Tech winter and the importance of strategic thinking about funding and expansion
- Exciting future prospects for startups in the climate space
Tune in now!
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Sabrina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-ng-44a1a7/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we chat with David Yin, Partner at GSR Ventures. David shares his insights on the transformative potential of FinTech and Web3 in the global market, highlighting the tremendous opportunities in the payment and credit spaces, citing successful companies as examples.
David also dived into the role technology plays in improving financial services globally, and the parallels and contrasts in the FinTech ecosystem across different markets.
But it’s not all about FinTech - David also talks about how his diverse background in journalism, and how it complements his investment approach.
In this episode, we also discuss:
- Successful FinTech models by other markets
- Parallels between journalism and investments
- Advice for startups expanding to different countries and regions
- The importance of a global mindset & language fluency in entrepreneurship
Don't miss out this episode. Tune in now!
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidyin44/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we are honoured to have Cecilia Tan, the CEO of Sasseur REIT. Cecilia discusses Sasseur REIT, the first Asia outlet mall REIT, in detail, outlining its unique retail format catering to a specialised consumer market in China.
Cecilia also shared the challenges she faced when helming Sasseur REIT in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, adapting to remote work, and managing properties from afar. She also shed light on how Sasseur REIT managed to bounce back strong with a record high occupancy rate of 97.2% and impressive sales figures of 2.3B RMB, despite the pandemic closures in China.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Cecilia's career journey leading up to helming Sasseur REIT
- Sasseur REIT as the first Asia outlet mall REIT
- Challenges and opportunities in the outlet mall industry
- The impact of COVID-19 on the retail sector
- Managing real estate investments and unlocking value
Gain valuable insights into managing a REIT, navigating real estate transactions, and derisking investments in this episode. Tune in now!
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Cecilia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-hl-tan-ba08bb31/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we chat with Dr. Victor Tay, an influential business figure leading three joint venture firms. Dr. Victor takes us through his day-to-day activities, which mainly involve assisting clients with mergers and acquisitions, as well as public listings.
He also shares insights into his firms, RHT Consulting Asia, Stout, and Global Catalyst Advisory. Notably, Global Catalyst Advisory focuses on philanthropy and assisting organizations that support persons with special needs.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Dr. Victor Tay's day-to-day activities in RHT Consulting Asia, Stout, and Global Catalyst Advisory
- Dr. Victor’s experiences working in the government and its impact on his perspective on sustainable business practices
- The importance of a diverse career path and mindset
- Cultural nuances in advising clients from different countries
- Growth opportunities in emerging markets
Don't miss out this episode. Tune in now!
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Dr. Victor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victortay/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode, we sit down with Steven Yeo, a senior leader in international business expansion and founder of his own consulting firm, Yang & Co. With a wealth of experience and a background in angel investing and advising startups, Steven shares valuable insights into his journey and approach to mentoring executives.
Prior to founding his own firm, Steven held senior leadership positions across numerous companies, including serving as the CEO and board member of TD Tech China, a joint venture between Huawei and Siemens, the APAC president of Ingersoll Rand, the China Managing Director of Johnsons Control as well as the regional CFO of Siemens AG.
In this episode, we discuss:
Tune in to this episode now!
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Steven’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-yeo-51232217/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we are joined by Sean Ahn, an investment officer at IFC, the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group. With over a decade of experience, Sean has led remarkable transactions across Asia Pacific and beyond, covering diverse asset classes such as equity, mezzanine, distressed, corporate, and project finance. His expertise spans across multiple sectors, including agribusiness, consumables, natural resources, and infrastructure.
Prior to joining the IFC, Sean has also taken on various roles in prominent financial institutions such as Clearwater Capital Partners, Bain & Co.’s Private Equity group, and Goldman Sachs.
In this episode, we cover:
Join us in this episode as Sean shares valuable insights and experiences on investing in emerging markets, and gain a new perspective on the intersection of international investment and culture.
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Sean’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanahn/0
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Kennedy Chen, a partner at Harry Elias specialising in corporate and finance law.
Kennedy specialises in M&A, venture capital, equity and debt capital markets, is recognised as one of Singapore’s Most Influential Lawyers Aged 40 and Under by the Singapore Business Review, and is recognised by the International Commercial Mediation Center for Belt and Road Initiative as the only Singapore representative on its mediator panel.
In this episode, we cover:
If you're interested in gaining insights into the world of corporate and finance law, hearing inspiring stories, and learning about the power of effective negotiation, this episode is a must-listen. Join us now on this incredible journey with Kennedy Chen, and discover a whole new perspective on law, finance, and personal growth.
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Kennedy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenkjh/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Lynette Chew, partner at CMS Singapore and director of CMS Holborn Asia.
With over 25 years of experience, Lynette handles complex domestic and cross-border disputes as lead counsel in Singapore Courts and institutional arbitrations. Lynette has advised on notable projects such as the construction of Marina Bay Sands.
Lynette’s expertise in construction, projects, and energy work has earned her recommendations in legal directories, and her exceptional legal acumen and industry recognition make her a respected figure in the field, being the sole woman lawyer ranked for both contentious and non- contentious matters in the Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2022 Guide for Construction in Singapore.
In this episode, we cover:
Join us for this inspiring conversation as Lynette takes us on her career journey and shares invaluable advice for aspiring lawyers in the industry!
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Lynette’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynette-chew-%E5%91%A8-%E7%BE%8E%E7%8E%B2-98b6222/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we had the privilege of interviewing Siew Kum Hong, a seasoned professional whose journey spans across diverse landscapes, with impactful roles at prominent organisations such as Rajah and Tann, Yahoo, Airbnb and more. Starting as a lawyer at R&T, he quickly transitioned to an in-house legal counsel, contributing to Yahoo during its formative years and glory days.
Kum Hong’s journey took a defining turn with Airbnb, where he spent a decade driving the company’s APAC expansion as employee number 2, eventually culminating in his role as China COO with significant involvement in the China office. Today, Kum Hong is an Advisor to Airbnb, as well as the Board Member of GoZayaan, a travel tech startup.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Kum Hong’s journey from law school to his leadership stint at Airbnb
- Transitioning from legal to business leadership
- Managing the China team and China market during COVID
- Implementing strategies unique to the Chinese marketplace
- Insights and advice for startups
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Kum Hong’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siewkumhong/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode, we are joined by Jason Tay, Head of Business Development and Government Relations at M-DAQ Global. In these roles, Jason spearheads senior C-level dialogues, as well as dialogues with local, state, and legislative bodies as well as government agencies to cultivate essential relationships with key stakeholders, propelling the company’s sales growth and business interests.
Jason is also a strategic advisor to a stealth mode crypto project, contributing his expertise to the cutting-age world of cryptocurrency. He is also a business mentor for the Singapore Leaders Network, as well as an esteemed lecturer at SMU Academy, delivering courses on topics like the Web 3.0 economy, Metaverse, NFTs, Gamefi and more.
In this episode, we discuss:
Join us for this insightful conversation as we learn from Jason's experiences and gain valuable insights into building successful relationships in the FinTech industry across diverse cultures.
The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations or entities.
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Jason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayjason/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In our latest episode of Business Beyond Borders, we sit down with Emilia Chen, founder of Polygon Search, a global FinTech headhunting firm focused on fintech recruitment, with more than 400,000 candidates across Asia and the US.
Prior to founding her own firm, Emilia was a senior consultant at Michael Page, where she successfully developed new businesses by building strong relationships and generating referrals to secure contracts with family offices, tier-one investment banks, and hedge funds.
In this episode, we cover:
- Global FinTech trends
- Current and future job vacancies and roles in FinTech
- Fake CVs and scams in applications
- Advice for young professionals wanting to enter FinTech
Listen in as Emilia provides salient advice for young professionals entering the FinTech world. Don't miss out on how faking CVs has become more prevalent for candidates, as well as how important skill sets are being redefined. Tune in to find out about the unique challenges and opportunities facing the FinTech sector!
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Emilia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emchh/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we explore the world of international arbitration with our guest, Jennifer Lim, a renowned arbitration lawyer and a partner at Sidley Austin.
Jennifer represents clients in investor-state and commercial arbitrations, with her expertise spanning multiple jurisdictions and arbitration rules, including ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC, HKIAC, SIAC, and LCIA.
Jennifer's has also been honoured as a "Thought Leader – Global Elite" by Who's Who Legal and recognised as an "International Arbitration Future Leader."
In this episode, we cover:
Whether you are a budding lawyer or a seasoned veteran in the field, this episode offers something for everyone, encouraging a broader, more nuanced perspective on the exciting realm of international law. Tune in now!
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Jennifer’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zj-jennifer-lim/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode, we sit down with Luis Borja, an Ecuadorian attorney-at-law with extensive experience in corporate, commercial, and information technology regulations, as well as China policies. He is currently a Partner at H&W Law Firms Group in Shanghai and an Associate at DeltaLegal Law Firm in Quito.
Luis has a strong background in Hispanic-Chinese comparative law and is passionate about integrating new technologies into the legal practice. His expertise extends to various areas of law, including trade, labor, business, contracts, investment, intellectual property, and more.
In this episode, we cover:
Tune in to this informative episode as Luis shares his insights on cross-border experiences and the evolving role of technology in the legal sector. Click to follow and subscribe for more engaging content. See you soon!
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Luis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisfelipeborja/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode, we sit down with Jimmy Ong, a senior business leader with over 20 years of experience. Throughout his diverse career, Jimmy has held roles in technical consulting, sales development, and strategic planning, leading teams of more than 50 and driving business of US$5 billion in emerging and developed markets. Today, Jimmy is the Business Development Manager for Southeast Asia at HP, working with channel partners and creating solutions for customers.
Jimmy is also recognised as a leading expert in learning and development. He has been engaged in consulting assignments with multinational companies and facilitated more than 100 workshops on strategy, leadership, and business transformation.
In this episode, we cover:
If you are keen to gain embodied insights into leadership in Southeast Asia, comprehend the subtle art of leading diverse teams with empathy and understanding, then this episode is not to be missed.
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Jimmy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-ong-hp/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)
In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we have the pleasure of speaking with Viktor Kyosev, an experienced startup entrepreneur with a wealth of knowledge in building startups across cultures, having worked across multiple countries Bulgaria, Greece Denmark, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Viktor is currently the Chief of Staff at Docquity, Southeast Asia’s largest professional community of healthcare professionals, playing a pivotal role in supporting the founding team across various crucial projects, ranging from product development to talent management. He is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at Big Bang Angels Inc., an early-stage institutional investor with a focus on cross-border startups in Singapore and Korea.
In this episode, we cover:
If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional looking to expand your horizons, do tune in to this episode. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Viktor on the intricacies of the international startup landscape.
Links:
Bluente's Website: https://www.bluente.com/
Viktor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktorkyosev/
Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and Tik Tok)