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:

• Navigating cross-border mergers and acquisitions, while considering cultural differences and regulatory complexities
• Managing a large team of 100 across different time zones
• The role of mentorship in career transitions and the importance of community support for professionals, particularly in Asian communities
• The impact of AI and sustainable financing on the financial industry, and the growing threat of cyber attacks, emphasizing the need for robust digital security measures

Links:

• Bluente's Website: www.bluente.com
• Rebecca's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbcrebeccapang/
• Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and TikTok)

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:

• Navigating the cultural landscapes that influence global dispute resolution, with a focus on the subtleties of 'face' and hierarchical sensitivities in Sino-European business interactions
• Practical insights into managing cross-border disputes, drawn from Clarisse's experiences working alongside Chinese colleagues and handling cases across continents
• The future of dispute resolution, including the unique advantages of the Swiss arbitration system and the transformative potential of commercial mediation
• The role of technology in revolutionizing legal practice, and the irreplaceable value of human interaction in cross-cultural negotiations

Tune in to find out more!

Links:

• Bluente's Website: www.bluente.com
• Clarisse's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarisse-von-wunschheim-950561/
• Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and TikTok)

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:

• Peter's career journey from Intel Semiconductor to his current role in venture capital
• The pivotal role of technology in addressing human problems across industries
• Challenges faced by startups in achieving product-market fit, team building, and resource management
• Strategic planning and marketing engagement, especially in the digital and social media realms
• Strategies for driving cultural change and integrating local cultures in international businesses

Links:

• Bluente's Website: www.bluente.com
• Peter's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermdingle/
• Our Socials: @bluente.official (Instagram and TikTok)

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:

• Steven’s inspiration behind starting a consulting firm
• The importance of spending time with people and prioritizing relationships
• His principles for working with clients: integrity, transparency, and compassion
• The importance of senior leadership sponsorship in market expansion
• The significance of having the right team in new markets

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:

• Sean’s day-to-day work at IFC, sourcing investment opportunities in emerging markets
• How understanding cultural nuances and how cultural perceptions can impact investment decisions, and the importance of language in easing tensions
• How IFC measures project success
• The significance of character and integrity when assessing investments and hiring in emerging markets

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:

• The importance of time management and multitasking
• Kennedy’s hobbies outside of work, including writing for Hypebeast
• Kennedy’s role in the BRI and his takeaways
• Role of law in risk management and navigating relationships 

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)