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CONTENTS
CEO VIEWPOINT 03
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elcome to the inaugural issue of BrandAsia, a channel that spotlights Business Excellence in Asia. In our first issue, we are glad to have the support of market leaders from all over Asia contributing with their experience, knowledge and viewpoints. Over a span of more than two decades, through our journey as a creator and incubator of brand concepts, we have witnessed the creation, flight and transformation of many Asian-based businesses. Having worked with the best in class from multiple industries, we are always in awe of the dynamism of the people, ideas and drivers behind each of these businesses. In the face of a dynamically changing Asia, we believe that the viewpoints of featured leaders from technology, luxury and e-commerce, coupled with the brand feature stories of Top Brands & Employers, will provide an insightful read for our target readers comprising business leaders, high-net-worth individuals, influencers and decision makers across Asia. On behalf of our amazing team, we want to extend the heartiest thanks to our partners and brands. We feel truly blessed to collaborate with you and to continue to play an active role in the promotion of Asia’s best brands. Wishing all a dynamic year ahead!
COVER STORY 04
HARNESSING THE ASIAN ADVANTAGE
Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group
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BRAND FEATURE
WINNING IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Rosaline Chow Koo, CXA
THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Joel Neoh, Fave Asia
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MAKING ONLINE SHOPPING A BREEZE Lazada Singapore
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BEAUTY TRANSCENDING TIME Shiseido
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UPDATING A BRILLIANT TRADITION Chow Tai Fook
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WATER FOR HEALTH AOX
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GENUINE VITALITY TO LIFE Pokka
BRAND FEATURE 09
KATRINA’S 2020 VISION
Katrina Group Ltd
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BOTTLING UP CONVIVIALITY
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INVENTIVE TREATS Irvins
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A RELIABLE CHANNEL SongHe
Pernod Ricard
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TECH INSPIRED Bentley
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PERFECTING AN ICON
Amy Lim Managing Director, BrandAsia P.S. To subscribe or be on our distribution list, please email hello@brandasia.org.
Raffles Hotel
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EVENT
Angliss
INFLUENTIAL BRANDS
SOURCING SUSTAINABLY
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CEO VIEWPOINT
HARNESSING THE ASIAN ADVANTAGE Being in Asia means standing at the center of rapid and frequent tech-driven innovations — a powerful environment that CXA uses to propel its growth Rosaline Chow Koo CXA Group Founder and CEO
CXA GROUP PTE LTD www.c xag roup. com
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came to Asia in 1996 — quite accidentally — from the U.S., and I never looked back,” says Ms. Rosaline Chow Koo, founder and CEO of CXA Group, a B2B2C insurance and health technology company that is pioneering the use of AI innovations. Since then, she has worked across the continent, for both MNCs and her own startups. “I always knew that Asia will remain the place to be.” Ms. Chow Koo lauds the convergence of global talents, the support for emerging enterprises from various governments, and the opportunities from economies that are opening up throughout the continent. “For CXA, being in Asia allowed us to expand very quickly with a lean team. We were able to expand from our base in Singapore to the key cities of Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur, and service clients in 20 countries across Asia, mostly within our first two years.” CXA has since used its base across Asia to leapfrog into the West. CXA’s AI-driven Health Ecosystem was built brick by brick in one city after another. By
consolidating clinics, hospitals, GPs, specialists, health screeners, disease management, pharmacies, insurers and more, and making the system available directly to banks, insurers, telcos and HR firms, CXA is able to remove the middlemen. And by doing it all digitally, it save clients 15 to 25 percent of the costs. “Being a startup, we get headwinds every hour, every day; we have to work much harder to tackle daily management issues along with survival issues,” Ms. Chow Koo says. She advises startup owners to be resilient. “There is so much at stake, so many livelihoods that you are responsible for.” Another thing that keeps her going is the excitement and the adrenaline rush that comes when all the dots are connected and everything falls into place. “If I were to pick one quality of a business leader in the digital age, it would be the ability to see the future ahead of everyone else, and somehow be able to channel all you got, rally the people behind you, and get there first. This is especially true for a tech startup, and this is the only way you can survive.”
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WINNING IN THE DIGITAL AGE Business leaders in Asia can score big with the right frame of mind
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here is tremendous potential for growth in Asia in the Digital Age, according to AirAsia Mr. Varun Bhatia, and the business leader with the right frame of mind can harness it to his advantage. With its sheer size alone, Asia expectedly brims with possibilities. Back in 2000, the region accounted for just under one-third of the global GDP, but by 2040, it is expected to top 50 percent. The Asian middle-class population is currently nearing three billion; in Southeast Asia, the middle-class households
From left: Tony Fernandes, CEO, AirAsia Group and Varun Bhatia, Chief of People & Culture, AirAsia Group
are expected to double to 163m from 80m by 2030. These figures represent not just growth but profitable growth, Mr. Bhatia underscores. In the decade from 2005–2007, economic profit produced by top-quintile Asian firms increased by 57 percent, compared to only 33 percent in North America. As a result, more Asian companies are joining the big league. In 1997, Asian companies accounted for 36 percent of the 5,000 largest global firms; today that figure has gone up to 43 percent. Currently, the services trade grows 60 percent faster than goods trade; in Asia, the
From left: Nadda Buranasiri, AirAsia CEO of Thailand, Bo Lingam, Airline President of AirAsia Group, Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO, Ben-Jie Lim, CEO Senior Executive Assistant
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growth outpaces that of the rest of the world by 1.7 times. One major factor behind this is the size of the Asian internal market. Today, 52 percent of Asian trade is intra-regional, compared to just 41 percent in North America. Challenges to Address Mr. Bhatia believes that the stars of the future are here in Asia. In April this year, over a third of the world’s unicorns’ – 119 out of 331 – were based in the region. Connectivity and tech-savvy are both strong in Asia, with half of the world’s internet users calling it home. The use of mobile data in the region grows at 152 percent per annum, more than twice that in the USA. Mr. Bhatia emphasizes that challenges persist in the midst of such glowing statistics. Among these is the tremendous pressure that urbanization and population growth exert on the infrastructure. He also points out that a huge talent shortage exists despite the region’s huge population. Inequitable growth also continues as evidenced by a rising gap between economic classes. He also indicated the gap in coordination between some governments and regulators.
COVER STORY
ways of working.” To ensure that no one is left behind during the transition to tech digitalisation, AirAsia is focusing on rekilling their workforce on Tech/digital skills.
“
With this awesome performance and recognition, shouldn’t we keep doing what we have been doing? My answer is, No. I think we should continue to change and transform every day. The key to our success and continuous transformation is our leadership mindset: We are a people company operating — not an Airline — but a travel tech business!
”
Environmental and sustainability issues persist, and human development indicators, such as education, health and life expectancy, have remained relatively poor. A Mindset for Success Mr. Fernandes thinks a particular mindset can put business leaders in an advantageous position in the Digital Age. A habit that he thinks will be crucial in this is staying rooted in one’s roots as one branches out. Mr. Fernandes has led AirAsia from the time it started out with two old aircrafts, 200 employees and US$20m debt to its current position as the 13th largest airline in the world with over 260 aircrafts that cover 155 destinations, and flies 100 million passengers every year. He has always focused on managing costs to provide products and services which are affordable to the masses, while
introducing innovations and keeping costs and customers at the centre of the business. AirAsia has been rolling out techenabled products and services that make air travel a convenient and pleasurable experience from end to end. These range from online, SMS and mobile web booking, self-check-in kiosk and self-baggage-tagging, multi-currency payment card, data analytics and personalised website, prepaid e-wallet, facial recognition system, duty-free marketplace, and a super app and platform. Another important habit to acquire is hiring talent with the right mindset and training them for the skill set. He suggests keeping an eye on values, functional skills, and learning agility as indicators of a good fit. “Leaders,” Mr. Fernandes says, “should be at the forefront of adopting technologies and digital
Customer & Digital-centric Workplace The AirAsiaoffice has a distinctive feel of an airport terminal as a way to create the workplace where employees experience our customer offerings. “We leverage our low-cost business thinking to use space efficiently. We even designed our rooftop for recreational activities. When we moved to our new HQ, we still had our frontline staff – our pilots and cabin crew – check-in at the office, so our office folks got a direct feel of our frontline staff who engage daily with our customers.” The company is also keen on living and encouraging a boundaryless workplace. “We reinforce our open ways of working through the design of our offices. We have a rather unconventional workplace design to stimulate openness and creativity.” On a final note, Mr. Bhatia cautions business leaders not to wait to transform until things go wrong. “With this awesome performance and recognition, shouldn’t we keep doing what we have been doing? My answer is, No. I think we should continue to change and transform every day. The key to our success and continuous transformation is our leadership mindset: We are a people company operating – not an Airline – but a travel tech business!”
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CEO VIEWPOINT
THE RIGHT PEOPLE A progressive hiring policy is among the major factors behind Fave’s sustained success Mr. Joel Neoh Fave Co-Founder
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ave, a next-generation digital merchants platform is a growth partner for over 29,000 merchants across Southeast Asia. This year alone, it has increased merchant revenue by more than a quarter of a billion dollars. That this burgeoning tech giant is experiencing such rapid growth is hardly surprising: the platform is simple to use and holistic in the way it connects subscribers to local merchants for an array of activities, travel, goods, F&B and services. Fave co-founder Mr. Joel Neoh also attributes progressive hiring policies, fostering and maintaining an authentic company culture, and keeping a close eye on that bottom line to the accelerating success of Fave. The company favors candidates that demonstrate emotional intelligence, experience, and amplitude. Fave managers need to be willing to hire people more talented than themselves. “Hiring the wrong fit only feeds the trap of mediocrity,” Mr. Neoh says.
FAVE ASIA www.favebi z. com
Bolstering these progressive hiring practices is the maintenance of
clear and meaningful guiding principles that are actionable by everyone in the company, regardless of seniority. “Starting a business and running it at scale are two different challenges that require a different set of skills and perspectives,” Mr. Neoh explains. “Founders have to invest time and resources to upskill and acquire new knowledge, otherwise they risk falling behind in their role as business leaders.” Change is inevitable, and the companies that succeed today are the ones that can weather rapid transitions and respond quickly to new market developments. An openness to digitalization is essential for those looking to grow. With technology, the results speak for themselves: a business owner can track them and use the data to make decisions with more confidence than ever before. “Do open yourself up to innovation as a whole new range of potential customers and applications awaits you. Customers now consume information and media differently from just five or ten years ago, so be open to collaboration and not apprehensive of change,” Mr. Neoh urges.
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G R O U P L T D.
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BRAND FEATURE
KATRINA’S 2020 VISION With presence in both F&B and hospitality spaces, Katrina Group lays out a comprehensive business expansion and services enhancement plans Established in 1995, Katrina Group Ltd has been operating a chain of restaurants and cafés under different brands. In 2015, the Group launched online food ordering and delivery services for three of its brands, and a year later it listed on SGX Catalist. As part of its expansion plan, it has recently opened a new outlet “So Pho” in Jakarta, updated menus across different brands and rolled out a new reward programme to further engage its customer base. “We think that online food delivery is quickly becoming an
integral part of modern life. In anticipation of this growing trend, we will meet the demands from consumers with six additional brands for our in-house delivery service,” observes Mr. Alan Goh, Founder, Executive Chairman and CEO of Katrina Group. In 2018, the Group acquired serviced residences provider Straits Organization which was then managing 125 units in 15 different residential developments across Singapore. The acquisition marked Katrina Group’s foray into hospitality. Last year, the Group
unveiled ST Signature Chinatown, the first of its affordable co-living hotels in Asia Pacific. Currently, Straits Organization Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Katrina Group Ltd, has a portfolio of over 600 serviced apartment units in Singapore. “We are strengthening the ST Signature brand and ramping up the expansion efforts geographically – in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo,” says Mr. Goh. Technology is very important to Straits Organization, Mr. Goh underscores. “We are focused on intelligence as part of our brand pillar; we leverage on technology to help our businesses deliver stronger innovations in the hospitality industry.” KATRINA GROUP LTD ka t r in a g r o u p . c o m
BRANDASIA ASIA BUSINESS CHANNEL
BRANDASIA ASIA BUSINESS CHANNEL
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BRAND FEATURE
BOTTLING UP CONVIVIALITY Renowned as one of the largest wine and spirits producers in the world, Pernod Ricard is in the business of experience Experience and true connection is the prize in today’s increasingly online, digitized world. Even just a simple get-together with friends over some great food and a glass or two of wine or spirits offers a chance to create a convivial experience–a simple, genuine, direct and authentic shared moment that brings sincere happiness. The mantra of Pernod Ricard, the world’s second largest producer of wines and spirits, is epitomized in the humble concept of convivialité. It is, as the company notes with understated confidence, their raison d’être– and a powerful call to action. The goal that lies behind everything they produce is to encourage people to go out in search of
friends old and new, empowering them to seek enrichment in the differences they find in others. It is these day-to-day encounters that create a better world. With sixteen of the top 100 spirits brands, Pernod Ricard has one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry. From spirits like Absolut Vodka, Chivas Regal Scotchwhisky, Jameson Irish whiskey, Havana Club rum, and Beefeater gin to champagnes (Mumm and Perrier-Jouët) and wine brands like Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood, Pernod Ricard has
something for every taste. And indeed, this extensive portfolio is carefully curated to enable the company and its legion of on-the-ground ambassadors to offer the right product at the right time for the right person, regardless of the market. This strategy derives from the latest millennial consumption trends: millennials’ fascination with the new is by now well known–they no longer stick with a single brand for every occasion. Instead, the members of this nimble generation draw inspiration from a range of brands, each tied to a specific moment of convivialité. For Pernod Ricard, each convivial experience is a point of entry into the varied worlds of their customers. From nurturing the terroir that is the foundation of the spirits and wines they create to innovative circular production practices and education programs in responsible alcohol consumption, Pernod Ricard strives to continually innovate, forever seeking out new ways to embody its vision of Créateurs de Convivialité. PERNOD RICARD w w w . p e r n o d -r ic a r d . c o m
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BRAND FEATURE
TECH INSPIRED Bentley is a luxury car brand at the forefront of digital era innovations to address the needs of a younger clientele
BENTLEY SINGAPORE
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Growing up at a time when digital interfaces became omnipresent, young car owners tend to be first adopters of new technology. In most cases, the traditional buying model does not apply to them. Bentley’s technology-led innovation is able to draw the young car owners’ attention to its latest models. Today, some Bentley models have cabin touch screens that are controlled by a smart device, allowing drivers and passengers to keep in touch and stay entertained. They can
control on-board climate and entertainment systems; adjust the position, heating, ventilation and massage functions of their seats; and display real-time information, such as vehicle speed, distance travelled, and outside temperature. A number of apps also allow people to explore selected Bentley models from the comfort of their couches. Bentley’s mobile applications are designed to elevate the Bentley ownership experience to another level. They can also deliver information quickly to people with busy lifestyles and varied pursuits. Whether it is an app that provides access to exclusive products and services, or to personalize incar experience, the Bentley apps family has it covered.
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BRAND FEATURE
PERFECTING AN ICON Raffles has magically improved on the luxury hotel experience with the reopening of its iconic Singapore property First opened in 1887, Raffles Singapore is one of the world’s few remaining great 19th-century hotels. Now a designated National Monument of Singapore, it has withstood decades of historical events and witnessed the evolution of the city’s industry and commerce. Fast forward to today, and Raffles Singapore has just completed a complex-wide restoration. Contemporary allsuite accommodations, energetic new dining experiences, a luxury retail arcade, and top-class event venues make Raffles Singapore the place to meet, spend time, shop and celebrate. The hotel is already visited by guests from every continent, but the addition of three new suite categories means that Raffles Singapore is set to serve an even broader array of savvy international clientele. The open and airy Studio Suites
feature high ceilings, a King or two-Queen bed option, and a veranda, located in the Main Building of the hotel. Best suited to long stays, the new Residence Suites are a true home away from home, with options of either one or two bedrooms with a small kitchenette, as well as dining and entertaining areas. And the Promenade Suites, which face Beach Road, contain a King-size bed in a separate bedroom and a parlor. Food aficionados and cocktail connoisseurs can be confident of their satisfaction in the range of options now on offer at Raffles Singapore. Chef Alain Ducasse helms BBR, formerly the much-loved Bar & Billiard Room, with a focus on shareable fare with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Other iconic spots have also been revitalized: Embraced in brass, Writers Bar is perfect for enjoying
craft cocktails and conversation, and, once it officially opens later in 2019, the lush and languorous Raffles Courtyard is set to become a society staple. Soon to open is Butcher’s Block, an ode to the finest cuts of single-source meats. At Raffles Singapore, the architecture, heritage, and legendary service — from the ever-present and welcoming Raffles Doormen to the refined, discreet and attentive service of Raffles Butlers — all add up to an unforgettable stay. This national treasure of Singapore offers an unparalleled experience with its perfect blend of contemporary ambience and old-world charm, all epitomized in the Raffles Singapore mantra: Service like a gentle breeze; perfectly attentive, perfectly discreet. RAFFLES SINGAPORE w w w . r a f f le s s in g a p o r e .com
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BRAND FEATURE
SOURCING SUSTAINABLY Angliss Singapore places premium quality and sustainable production at the heart of its procurement strategy Angliss Singapore continues to pursue new possibilities by constantly sourcing for foods that are of highest quality and produced in sustainable ways to meet increasing demands for healthy and safe foods. Among its most recent sustainability initiatives is the launch of their new business unit, Micro Cress Farm. The farm, 2,000 sqm in size, has an annual production capacity of 1 tonne of micro cresses and 100kg of flowers in 24 and 10 varieties respectively. It uses 80 per cent less water and zero harmful chemicals in its operation. Angliss also embraces new technology integrations to safeguard the steady supply and quality of its products. For
instance, its pioneering live seafood business unit, Angliss Live Seafood, is equipped with an online order system, which provides greater customer convenience and reduces waiting times. Meanwhile, its new warehouse management system has transformed daily operations, allowing for better food traceability, large volume stock control, and a bigger delivery fleet. Given today’s high levels of global travel and knowledge exchange, the company constantly improves its offerings of quality and sustainable produce. To further cultivate its expertise, Angliss Singapore organizes trips to local and overseas farms and factories for their staff, young chefs, suppliers, and
customers. Partnering in-house corporate chefs with on-theground salespeople, products are exhaustively tried and tested before they reach a customer’s kitchen. With over 70 years of experience in the food service industry, award-winning Angliss Singapore has emerged today as the preferred foodservice provider in Singapore and the wider Asian region. With its array of premium and gourmet food offerings, Angliss Singapore is the expert that the best in Asia’s food industry turn to when stocking their kitchens, galleys, and shop floors. ANGLISS SINGAPORE PTE LTD w w w . a n g lis s . c o m. s g
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BRAND FEATURE
BEAUTY TRANSCENDING TIME A long dominance of the cosmetic industry and an abiding passion for innovation are Shiseido’s secret ingredients for success
One of the world’s most trusted beauty and innovation brands, Shiseido has been enhancing our natural beauty for more than 145 years. It boasts offices in every continent, and the iconic bottles, tubes and makeup compacts of this innovative Japanese company can be found in bathroom cupboards and dresser drawers in almost every household on the planet. To create its extensive range of beauty products, Shiseido selects the best from Eastern and Western business philosophies and artfully blends them with its own sense of Japanese spiritual beauty. From skincare and makeup to suncare, men’s care, and fragrance, it is not
just about the well-known benefits Shiseido products can provide our skin. Carefully crafted fragrances and textures incorporated into each cure-all ensure a satisfyingly complete sensory experience. Having survived in a notoriously fickle industry for close to two centuries, Shiseido is a master at reinventing itself for contemporary needs, striving to use its countless innovations in beauty to create a better world. Its products, the company assures, are designed to help people keep their minds and bodies healthy, so that they can live beautiful and positive lives. Shiseido finds beauty all over the world and strives to respond to the needs of
its customers in every region and country, no matter how distinctive they may be. A focus on increasing marketing investment, accelerating its digital presence, new business development, and value creation through innovation is driving this historically significant brand towards an even brighter future. With research centers in China, France, the U.S. and Singapore, Shiseido is able to gain a deep understanding of its diverse customer groups and bring them products that will meet their needs, such as the Vital-Perfection skincare range. Sold only in Asia, it assists women who have sallow skin with yellow undertones. Distribution of these personalized products must also be tailored to the specific needs of a community, and Shiseido is wholeheartedly embracing new and digital strategies. Today, you can find its products everywhere, from traditional department store counters to new channels such as free-standing boutiques and e-commerce platforms. Shopping for your favorite Shisiedo skincare and beauty products has never been easier. SHISEIDO w w w . s h is e id o . c o m. sg
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CEO VIEWPOINT
MAKING ONLINE SHOPPING A BREEZE Powered by technology, logistics and payment innovations, Lazada delivers easy transactions and expansive choices to online shoppers
LAZADA SINGAPORE lazad a.sg
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“Our success and rapid growth,” says Mr. James Chang, CEO of Lazada Singapore, “is built on the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and an unwavering focus on meeting the needs of our customers.” The Southeast Asia flagship platform of Alibaba Group, Lazada is powered by the e-commerce giant’s cutting-edge technology infrastructure. As head of the Singapore business, Mr. Chang is at the forefront of pushing Lazada to serve 300 million customers across the region — six times the number it serves today — by 2030. Currently, the platform boasts over 400,000 brands and merchants and over 300 million products. Achieving over 100-percent year-on-year order growth across the last
four consecutive quarters, the company delivers to customers across six Southeast Asian markets and plays a crucial role in introducing digital payment services to much of the region through the roll-out of Lazada Wallet. “The world is changing, our customers are changing, and the competitive landscape is changing,” Mr. Chang explains. “Whether you change yourself or create change, both are essential to the success of an organization. Embracing change is the most unique part of our DNA. We believe that technology, logistics, and payment innovations fuel the most powerful e-commerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia. Our investments are focused on building the right fundamentals.”
BRAND FEATURE
UPDATING A BRILLIANT TRADITION CHOW TAI FOOK strengthens links to a new generation of younger clients
Renowned for design, quality and value since the hedonistic Twenties, CHOW TAI FOOK has a longstanding commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, all underpinned by its core commandments of sincerity and eternity. Today, it is boldly engaging a much younger audience with a curated string of high-end watch and jewelry labels to address the evolving needs of connoisseurs around the world. From raw material procurement to refined retail shopping, CHOW TAI FOOK takes great pride in an agile business model that is unmatched in the industry. The company’s commitment to sustainable growth is anchored in its pioneering Smart+
strategy — set up to promote long-term innovation in business, people and culture. In 2016, CHOW TAI FOOK, Pioneer in Industry Innovation, launched T MARK as part of its commitment to fully disclosing the journey of each diamond. The pioneering T MARK not only ensures the traceable journey of every diamond, but also delivers on the house’s promise of “Sincerity, Faith and Belief.” With its innovative designs and effective online-to-offline strategies to succeed in today’s omnichannel retail environment, CHOW TAI FOOK is certain to be here for another century and beyond. CHOW TAI FOOK w w w . c h o w t a if o o k. com
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BRAND FEATURE
WATER FOR HEALTH AOX is the business of transforming health and impacting lives by bringing natural spring water into our homes
Clear, clean, pure drinking water is one of life’s necessities. And today, you cannot always be sure what is coming out of your kitchen faucet. Singapore company AOX has maintained its position as a premium water dispenser supplier in every market that it serves by creating a profitable and sustainable business that puts the health and well-being of its customers first. With its unbeatable range of dispensers, AOX has something for everyone–from full-scale corporate offices to singles living in city apartments. And special features such as energy saving and eco modes, built-ins to emit healthy airborne negative ions, and a co-patented antioxidant alkaline filtration system, the AOX top of the line purifiers are perfectly designed to meet the needs of contemporary lifestyles. The company’s dedicated R&D team are constantly brainstorming improvements and enhancements to the current range alongside concepts for innovative new additions. AOX then pairs with world-leading designers and its partner manufacturers to bring those ideas to life.
As part of AOX’s dedication to health and well-being, the company strives to educate its customers on the fact that not all water is the same. Using LBT health analysis and Bioscan, both cutting edge German-developed technologies, AOX is able to play a part in helping people achieve healthier lifestyles. Not only are the AOX machines fairly priced and aesthetically pleasing, the company’s sales consultants are rigorously trained in the science that lies behind. Customers are able to see the condition of their health with just a drop of their blood, via a German Darkfield Microscope, customers are able to witness the condition of their
health transform before their eyes before and after drinking AOX water. This allows people, who normally buy on price or looks, to better understand why AOX dispensers are a cut above the competition. With a board of advisers comprising of medical doctors, health screening centres, and chiropractors, AOX strives to give its users total peace of mind. The company holds fast to the wise words Albert Einstein: “We don’t have to know everything. We just have to know where to find it.” AOX PTE LTD w w w . a o x . c o m. s g
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BRAND FEATURE
GENUINE VITALITY TO LIFE The rise of consumers seeking healthier drinks Rieko Shofu Group CEO POKKA Corporation Singapore
In Singapore and across Asia, consumers are becoming ever more aware of the health benefits of an active lifestyle and a healthier diet. Daily exercise and cutting down on sugary snacks are something we all aspire to but often find hard to achieve. A healthy diet doesn’t need to be about depriving yourself of the foods and drinks you love – instead it should be about feeling great, having the energy to do the things you enjoy, feeling healthier and ultimately bringing “Genuine Vitality to Life”. At Pokka we are committed to helping our customers lead healthier lives by reducing the sugar content of our drinks. For several years now, our R&D team has focused on sugar reduction and significant progress has been made in introducing new low-sugar content drinks and reformulating our juice products, which contain natural sugars. Today more than 60% of our sales come from drinks with Singapore’s Health Promotion Board Stamp of “Healthier Choice” and we are confident of phasing out higher-sugar content products completely, in due course. In Singapore, Pokka is the clear market leader in the
Ready-To-Drink Tea category, with our Green Tea, Chinese Tea and Western Tea products. All of these products are brewed from real tea leaves and almost all are free of preservatives. In 2019, Pokka introduced eight new products and in keeping with our vision to bring “Genuine Vitality to Life” all are within the Healthier Choice category, including Houjicha, a new Japanese roasted tea drink containing no sugar or preservatives. Pokka was originally founded in 1957 in Kitanoya, Japan and has a long and proud history of developing, manufacturing and distributing high quality Japanese drinks products. Over the last 62 years Pokka has come a long way and today, through Pokka Singapore, we export to more than 50 countries internationally, across Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa, Europe and both North and South America. Looking ahead the future is bright for Pokka. By continuing to innovate and bring new highquality, low sugar products to our customers worldwide we will achieve our vision to bring “Genuine Vitality to Life”. POKKA w w w . p o kka . c o m. s g
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BRAND FEATURE
INVENTIVE TREATS Adding twists to familiar flavors and ingredients in salted egg snacks has elevated IRVINS to one of Asia’s most exciting food brands Whether you’re stealing a bite between meetings or cozying up on the couch for a Sunday movie night in, nothing beats the satisfying crunch and the burst of umami that is the signature of IRVINS range of salted egg snacks. With clever varieties such as Salted Egg Potato Chips and Salted Egg Fish Skin, IRVINS products are guaranteed to appeal to even the fussiest of palates. This premium Singaporean snack brand grew from humble beginnings as a seafood restaurant renowned for experimenting with salted egg dishes. Customers constantly asked how to recreate their favorite dishes and to take home popular menu items such as salted egg potato chips and fish skin, leading to the founding of
the IRVINS Salted Egg snacks empire. Today, the company is constantly on a mission to make its iconic salted egg a flavor renowned worldwide. Made with no added preservatives, the Halal-certified products are produced using only the very best ingredients, including the finest quality duck eggs with a rich orangered yolk. And this dedication to excellence is embedded at every level of the business. The IRVINS production process marries the human touch with specialized machinery. Maintaining a high degree of consistency in quality and taste across all the snacks it crafts is a fine art the company has mastered. Factor in real-time customer feedback and rigorous internal quality checks, and
you have a recipe for the most moreish of eats. Another area of innovation for IRVINS is the packaging of its edible wares. In the early years of the company, snacks were packaged in industry standard plastic jars and transparent aluminum pouches. After finding out from customers that these lacked shelf appeal and convenience, the company transitioned to using innovative freestanding pouches developed by the dedicated in-house design team — the same great-tasting snacks, complemented by an easier eating experience. Available in eight cities across Asia (with twelve stores in Singapore alone) and on popular online marketplaces, such as Shopee and Lazada, or the official IRVINS Salted Egg website, there is no excuse not to have a snack pack or two stashed away for occasions when a little indulgence is required. IRVINS SALTED EGG ir v in s a lt e d e g g . c o m
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BRAND FEATURE
CARE IN EACH GRAIN Food sourcing and supply chain are at the core of Tong Seng Produce’s strategy Like that friendly neighbor who is always on hand with an emergency cup of dry rice, Tong Seng Produce has been working hard since 1990 to ensure Singapore’s hawker stands, restaurants, supermarkets and household pantries are well-stocked with cooking staples. Specialists in rice, cooking oil, flour and sugar, Tong Seng focuses on sourcing and transporting only the finest quality produce and making the path to purchase as uncomplicated as possible. The company is directed by the inspiring corporate mantra of “Enjoy Rice with Peace of Mind,” as health is one of the key passions guiding Tong Seng’s business practices. Today, its SongHe rice brand is among the most trusted in Singapore. Tong Seng pioneered Singapore’s first and only chilled warehouses, which feature an innovative lowcontrolled temperature system that ensures produce stays as fresh as it was when it first left the farm.
The house-brand SongHe Whole Grain Rice Series consists of five robust wholegrain varieties: Noble Berry, Jasmine Brown Rice, Brown Rice Mixed, Red Rice, and 80 percent Fragrant with 20 percent Red Rice. With the wholesome range a fast-growing success in the marketplace, Tong Seng is confident that its commitment to building a healthier community in Singapore is the way forward. This Singaporean food industry innovator is constantly looking ahead and anticipating future trends that not only meet the evolving needs of the market, but also ensure the mechanisms of the company move as efficiently as possible. This means not being afraid to investigate, invest in, and integrate new technologies as they arise. To satisfy the demands for convenience of its corporate customers, orders can now be placed through a variety of online platforms. Internal production systems are also constantly being assessed and upgraded to improve productivity and traceability, accompanied by upskilling programs to ensure valued longtime staff are not left behind. Rice is an intrinsic part of the Singaporean way of life. By ensuring only preeminent foodstuffs make their way into Singaporean stomachs, Tong Seng Produce seeks to play its part in sustaining the culture of eating that surrounds this humble white grain. And with such a high level of care, it is guaranteed to remain as much in the hearts and minds of future generations as it is for Singaporeans today. TONG SENG PRODUCE PTE LTD t s p s o n g h e . c o m. s g
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CHAMPIONS OF EXCELLENCE LAUDED AT ANNUAL EVENT
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Influential Brands® handed out awards to leading CEOs, employers and brands in Asia at the 7th edition of 2019 Asia CEO Summit & Award Ceremony. Leading the evening’s awardees were Mr. Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group, and Mr. Tan Wang Cheow, Founder and Executive Chairman of Food Empire, who were both named “2019 Asia’s Top CEO”. Mr. Suriyon Sriorathaikul, Managing Director of Beauty Gems Group, and Ms. Pavarisa Chumvigrant, CMO of Finn Mobile, were awarded “Thailand’s Outstanding Leaders”. Ms. Nualphan Lamsam, CEO of Muang Thai Insurance, and Mrs. Apaporn Kosolkul, Media Influencer of Thai Rath, both won the “Thailand’s Influential Woman of The Year” award. Other winners included 18 companies that were named “2019 Asia’s Top Employers”, based primarily on anonymous feedback from their respective employees, and 43 brands that won “2019 Asia’s Top Influential Brands”, based on consumer insights and surveys covering five countries and over 5,000 respondents. Held at the Chatrium Riverside Hotel in Bangkok, the event was organised in collaboration with event partner NEO Target. Portfolio publisher, Media Group, was the event’s media partner. Mr. Jorge Rodriguez, Managing Director of Influential Brands®, welcomed some 300 prominent C-suite executives from over 100 leading companies across the region to the event. Mr Chuan Leekpai, President of the National Assembly of Thailand and Former Prime Minister was the Guest-of-Honour.
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15 1. Guest of honor, Mr Chuan Leekpai, alongside this year’s
Champions of Excellence from Asia
Mrs. Vannee Leelavechbutr
Bentley Bentayga V8. Mrs. Apaporn Kosolkul (left)
and Mr. Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group
Kreme Thailand, Mrs. Vannee Leelavechbutr, CEO of Neo Target, Mr. Suriyon Sriorathaikul, MD of Beauty Gems Group From left: Ms. Parichart Veerasatien, MD of Shiseido Thailand and Ms. Warisara Praisankul, GM of Shiseido Thailand From left: Ms. Cai, HR Manager of Pernod Ricard, Mr. Thiagarajan, CEO of Harry’s International, Ms. Teo, Senior MKT Manager of Harry’s International, Mr. Menon, Senior PR Manager of Pernod Ricard From right to left: Ms. Angel Ding, MD, Angliss Singapore, Mr. Chuan Leekpai, Former Prime Minister of Thailand From left: Mr. Stuart Tan, Mr. Albert Kong, Mr. Tan Wang Cheow, Mr. Irvin Gunawan and Mr Ircahn Gunawan Ms. Ririn Widaryani, Sales Director of Telkomsel Indonesia Ms. Po Liu (third from left), Director of Chow Tai Fook, Mrs. Jaman Siritan Nunphakdee (third from right), Chairwoman of JSL Company, Mr. Pariphan Nunphakdee (second from right), Vice Group Chairman of JSL Company Mr. Nitipat Praweenwongwuthi, Marketing Director of Acer Thailand From left to right: Mr. Kamtorn Sila-On, Mr. Amaret Sila-On, Mrs. Patara Sila-On, Mr. Vitoon Sila-On, Mrs. Apaporn Kosolkul Ms. Prettaya Sutchasila, MD of Southeast Life Insurance Ms. Rieko Shofu (center), Group CEO of Pokka Singapore, Mr. Daniel Teo (second from left), Deputy CEO of Pokka Singapore
2. From right: Mr. Jorge Rodriguez, Mr. Chuan Leekpai,
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3. Bentley Bangkok by AAS Auto Service Co.,Ltd, showcase 4. From left: Mr. Jorge Rodriguez, MD of Influential Brands 5. From left: Dr. Ausanee Mahagitsiri Leonio, President of Krispy
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Mr. Agapol Na Songkhla, Chief People Officer of Thai Beverage PLC Mr. Tan Wang Cheow, Chairman & Founder of Food Empire Mr. Varun Bhatia, Chief People Officer of AirAsia Group Mr. Chuan Leekpai, Former Prime Minister of Thailand Mr. Suriyon Sriorathaikul, MD of Beauty Gems Group Ms. Nualphan Lamsam, President & CEO of Muang Thai Life Assurance Ms. Pavarisa Chumvigrant, CMO of FINN MOBILE Mr. Chatri Sityodtong, Founder & Chairman of ONE Championship Mr. Jorge Rodriguez, MD of Influential Brands Ms. Pavarisa Chumvigrant, CMO of FINN MOBILE Mr. Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group Mrs. Apaporn Kosolkul, Media Influencer of Thai Rath Ms. Natira Chirathivat Boonsri (third from left), President of Central Department Store, Mr. Alistair Taylor (fourth from left), President of Central FamilyMart, Mr. Stephane Coum (fifth from left), CEO of Central Food Retail Group Mr. Suriyon Sriorathaikul (second from right), MD of Beauty Gems Group and Ms. Pavarisa Chumvigrant (second from left), CMO of FINN MOBILE Mrs. Apaporn Kosolkul (second from left), Media Influencer of Thai Rath and Ms. Nualphan Lamsam (second from right), President & CEO of Muang Thai Life Assurance Mr. Tan Wang Cheow (third from left), Chairman & Founder of Food Empire and Mr Tony Fernandes (third from right), CEO of AirAsia Group Guest of Honour received Influential Brands “30 Singapore Brand Leaders” as a token of appreciation VIP guests and partners forming part of the Singapore contingent BRANDASIA 31
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