Compounding Curiosity

My guest today is Raghav Kapoor (@Ragkap), CEO & Co-Founder at Smartkarma.

As Smartkarma CEO, Raghav drives product strategy, oversees technology development, and maintains a hands-on approach with the company’s day-to-day operations. With Smartkarma, Raghav set out to reinvent how investment research is sourced, priced, and distributed.

In today’s conversation, we cover the startup story of Smartkarma, the challenges of being an investment research platform, and the future.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Raghav Kapoor.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep46 

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - Raghav’s background and Smartkarma today

[00:08:41] - Difference’s in starting Smartkarma compared to Raghav’s first startup

[00:10:36] - Early days of Smartkarma and idea prototyping 

[00:12:38] - Attracting and retaining insight providers

[00:17:52] - How to ensure merit-based compensation doesn’t fall prey to engagement bait

[00:22:42] - Why does Smartkarma not require exclusivity of content?

[00:25:05] - The challenges of operating in a field with large legacy players

[00:27:11] - How to balance investors, insight providers, and corporate stakeholders

[00:31:03] - Why is Smartkarma based in Singapore?

[00:33:13] - Lessons from expansion into other markets

[00:36:22] - Plans for Smartkarma going forward?

[00:39:31] - Anything else about Smartkarma we haven’t covered?

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Connect with Raghav:

Smartkarma: https://www.smartkarma.com/ 

Follow Smartkarma on Twitter: https://twitter.com/smartkarma  

Follow Raghav on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ragkap 

Connect with Raghav on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ragkap/ 

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Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I’ll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

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Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity:

Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ 

Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ 

Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/  

Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb 

Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49

My guest today is Callum Morton-Smith. Callum is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with experience in Perth, London, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

In today’s conversation, we go deep into the construction industry and Quantity Surveying in the Middle East, some trends there, and Callum’s investment journey.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Callum Morton-Smith!

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep45  

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - Background

[00:01:50] - What is Quantity Surveying? 

[00:06:47] - The time, cost and quality triangle

[00:07:44] - How difficult is it to push recommendations and get changes through?

[00:08:45] - How much of the job is client management?

[00:10:29] - Pre-contract vs Post-contract work in Quantity Surveying

[00:12:17] - How does a project even start?

[00:14:21] - How do you build a cost estimate?

[00:19:18] - In Callum’s pre-contract role, does he still deal with contractors?

[00:21:34] - When do contractors get paid?

[00:25:53] - Dealing with disputes 

[00:27:08] - How long is this whole process?

[00:27:40] - Being a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, the process, and is it essential

[00:33:12] - Callum’s pivot into finance

[00:34:24] - First investment and lessons learned

[00:36:24] - Callum’s investing style

[00:37:28] - Callum’s research process

[00:42:13] - Differences across the markets Callum has worked in

[00:44:18] - Projects in the Middle East

[00:47:33] - Favourite Investing book?

[00:49:33] - Most valuable life experience?

[00:51:45] - Plans for the future?

[NOTE] Timestamps are a bit off for some reason so not 100% accurate. Apologies.

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Connect with Callum:

Connect with Callum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-morton-smith-225780b4 

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Mentioned/Recommended Content:

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://amzn.to/333Do8s

The Most Important Thing Illuminated by Howard Marks: https://amzn.to/33DyezO 

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Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I’ll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

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Connect with Kalani:

Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ 

Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ 

Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb 

My guest today is Stephen Vines. Steve is a British journalist, writer, broadcaster and restaurateur, who was based in Hong Kong for over 30 years from 1987 to 2021. He is also the author of Defying the Dragon: Hong Kong and the World's Largest Dictatorship, which is today’s focus. 

In Defying the Dragon and today’s conversation, Stephen documents Hong Kong’s recent struggles with the "One country, two systems" models, places it in the wider context of the CCP’s history of dictatorship, and explains Hong Kong’s values of protest and identity.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Steve Vines.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep44  

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - how you Steve came to Hong Kong in 1987 and why he left in 2021

[00:14:23] - Why couldn’t the CCP honour the 1 country 2 systems model? 

[00:18:03] - Why did the British make the New Territories a 99 year lease and not land in perpetuity like the rest of Hong Kong? Would this whole situation be avoided or would China still find a way to get Hong Kong back?

[00:22:31] - Differences between Hong Kong and Macau

[00:28:04] - If the one country two systems model was a trial run for incorporating Taiwan back into China, why has the CCP done such a terrible job?

[00:33:48] - Thoughts on Hong Kong Identity

[00:41:53] - Anything we haven’t covered about Hong Kong today?

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Connect with Steve:

Defying the Dragon: Hong Kong and the World's Largest Dictatorship: https://amzn.to/3WgT6rz 

Hong Kong: China's New Colony: https://amzn.to/3sKGNGk 

Steve’s Website: https://stephenvines-author.com/about/ 

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Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I’ll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

------

Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity:

Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ 

Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ 

Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/  

Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb 

Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49

My guests today are Daye Deng and Balkar Sivia from Value Punks. 

Balkar has spent a decade investing globally, in the US, Indian, and other Emerging Markets. He is a CFA charterholder and has a degree in electrical engineering from University of British Columbia. 

Daye has focused on Asian equities in his career, having worked in Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo. He is fluent in Japanese and Mandarin, is a CFA charterholder and has a degree in mathematics from the University of Toronto.

Together, they write and run Value Punks. Which is a publication focused on global stock research. Value Punks' aim is to provide independent, institutional-grade research on good and actionable ideas in a way that educates, informs, and importantly, helps build conviction.

In today’s conversation, we cover the story and origin behind Value Punks, Value investing and what it means, and touch on a few of their interesting ideas.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Value Punks.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep43 

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - Balkar’s Background

[00:05:07] - Daye’s Background

[00:07:04] - Explaining the Punk

[00:08:59] - Value Punks’ strengths compared to others

[00:11:51] - Differences being an independent writer vs at a large asset manager

[00:15:32] - How do you divide the work as a duo?

[00:19:09] - The case for investing in international stocks

[00:22:46] - Daye’s thoughts on Value Investing

[00:26:05] - Balkar on Emerging Market Banks

[00:31:28] - Daye on Hong Kong Exchange

[00:35:48] - Dealing with curveballs

[00:39:48] - Underrated skills

[00:42:29] - Influential books

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Connect with Value Punks:

Value Punks’s Newsletter: https://valuepunks.substack.com/ 

Follow Value Punks on Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuepunks 

Follow Deng on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dengusa 

Follow Balkar on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiteFalconCap 

Connect with Daye on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daye-deng-29541380/

Connect with Balkar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balkar-sivia-59281343/ 

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Mentioned/Recommended Content:

Asian Godfathers by Joe Studwell: https://amzn.to/3XN2S5p 

How Asia Works by Joe Studwell: https://amzn.to/3XOV6rG 

Warren Buffett’s Letters to Shareholders: https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/letters.html 

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Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I’ll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

------

Connect with Kalani:

Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ 

Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ 

Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb 

My guest today is Eugene Park. Gene is a historian of East Asia, especially Korean politics and society since the 14th century. He is the Rick and Cathy Trachok Endowed Chair in International Studies and Professor in History at the University of Nevada, and is also the author of Korea: A History, which is today's focus. Korea: A History addresses general readers, providing an up-to-date, accessible overview of Korean history from antiquity, all the way to the present.

In this conversation, we cover Korean history, Japan’s colonization of Korea, and a little about the future.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Eugene Park.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep42 

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - Eugene’s Background

[00:03:32] - Writing Korea: A History

[00:09:44] - Advice for young academics looking for tenure

[00:10:56] - South Korea’s success story

[00:12:37] - Attitudes towards reunification

[00:15:08] - South Korean identity and challenges

[00:18:39] - Lesson’s from South Korea’s success

[00:21:43] - Japan and Korea's relationship

[00:27:37] - Most undervalued life experience

[00:28:51] - Influential books?

[00:31:15] - Plans going forward and wrapping up

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Connect with Gene:

Buy Gene’s book - Korea: A History: https://amzn.to/3fYKsh0 

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Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I’ll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

------

Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity:

Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ 

Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ 

Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/  

Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb 

Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49

My guest today is John Huo (@stjohnhuo). John is the founder of VUCA Insights and currently creates investment-related content, for both corporate and retail clients. John also trains clients on industry metrics so they can evaluate businesses better. 

John has previously worked in engineering and management in the Oil & Gas industry, before eventually pursuing one of his earliest passions, investing in equities. 

In this super fun conversation, we go deep on the struggles of content creation, especially within the context of ASEAN.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with John Huo.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep41 

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - John’s Background

[00:02:16] - Is starting over easier?

[00:05:57] - What is VUCA insights?

[00:09:30] - How did John decide on monetisation?

[00:13:41] - How hard was raising money?

[00:19:41] - How do you attract the clients you want or the clients you deserve?

[00:21:26] - How does content complement John’s work?

[00:30:50] - Developing community

[00:36:37] - YouTube strategy

[00:45:43] - Commonalities in creators 

[00:53:05] - Creating content for Asia

[00:58:27] - Wrapping up

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Connect with John:

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnHuoVUCA 

Follow John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stjohnhuo 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhuo 

Connect with John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnhuosc 

Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnhuosc 

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Kalani’s Notes:

At around 44:26 I mention David Senra had around 4,500 hours of podcast audio recorded. Massive mistake and terrible memory from me there, meant to say 450 odd hours of podcast audio. My bad!

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Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I’ll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

------

Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity:

Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ 

Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ 

Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/  

Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb 

Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49

My guest today is Ramon Pacheco Pardo (@rpachecopardo), Ramon is a Professor of International Relations at King’s College London, and Korea Chair at the Brussels School of Governance. He is also a non-resident adjunct fellow with the Center for Strategic Studies Korea Chair, and a non-resident fellow at the Sejong Institute. He is also the author of Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop, which is today's focus.

In this conversation, we cover the incredible rise of South Korea, where the future lies for them, and his awesome and aptly named book.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ramon Pacheco Pardo.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep40 

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - Ramon’s history with South Korea

[00:05:29] - Who came up with the title for the book?

[00:07:17] - Ramon’s favourite period of South Korean History

[00:08:15] - South Korea’s insane growth put into perspective

[00:10:52] - What has South Korea done differently that has allowed it to succeed? 

[00:14:22] - Chaebols and their role

[00:16:14] - Dark side of Korea’s growth

[00:18:43] - South Korea’s future?

[00:22:09] - South Korean Identity and what it means going forward

[00:24:29] - What was the process for writing the book?

[00:29:18] - Unexpected challenges of writing the book?

[00:32:12] - Anything we haven’t talked about that’s consequential to South Korea’s future?

[00:33:59] - Underrated skill or experience?

[00:35:20] - Influential books?

[00:36:57] - Future plans?

[00:38:10] - Wrapping up

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Connect with Ramon:

Follow Ramon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rpachecopardo 

Connect with Ramon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramon-pacheco-pardo-842b0061/ 

Buy Ramon’s book - Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop: https://amzn.to/3sHmppv 

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Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I’ll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

------

Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity:

Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ 

Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ 

Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/  

Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb

Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49 

My guest today is Kyla Scanlon (@kylascan). Kyla is a prominent TikTok and YouTube financial analyst, and also a good mate. I’ve known Kyla for a few years now so today’s chat is a good exploration of creator life and her growth over time. Fun fact: when I first started speaking with Kyla, we both had around 1,000 followers on Twitter. Since then, Kyla has skyrocketed to 140,000+ with me not far behind on 4,000!

In this conversation, we cover creator life from starting out to now, dealing with brands and sponsorships, and staying mentally healthy with a life online.

I had a blast, and hope you do too, so please enjoy my conversation with Kyla Scanlon.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep39 

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - Introduction

[00:02:02] - When did things start to gain traction?

[00:03:25] - Which social media to focus on?

[00:06:53] - Outsourcing work?

[00:08:17] - Switching off from Social Media

[00:09:34] - Experimenting with content as you grow?

[00:12:21] - A day in the life of Kyla Scanlon

[00:14:00] - Monetisation approaches 

[00:15:19] - Dealing with brands

[00:19:37] - Do market swings affect Kyla’s content?

[00:21:15] - Dealing with unsavoury comments?

[00:24:30] - What Kyla wishes more people knew about her work

[00:26:38] - Importance of writing

[00:29:28] - Adopting long-form content into short form?

[00:31:16] - Getting young audiences to care about complex stuff?

[00:33:48] - Kyla’s company Bread

[00:37:25] - TikTok preferences

[00:38:58] - Influential people on Kyla’s journey?

[00:41:27] - Undervalued life experience?

[00:44:23] - Plans going forward and wrapping up

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Connect with Kyla:

Kyla’s Website: https://kylascanlon.com/ 

Follow Kyla's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylascan 

Follow Kyla on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kylascan 

Follow Kyla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylascan/ 

Subscribe to Kyla’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KylaScanlon  

Kyla’s Newsletter: https://kyla.substack.com/ 

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Mentioned/Recommended Content:

Moontower Meta: https://moontowermeta.com/ 

Kyla on Infinite Loops podcast: https://www.infiniteloopspodcast.com/kyla-scanlon-cultivating-vibes-ep125/ 

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Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I’ll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

------

Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity:

Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ 

Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ 

Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/  

Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb 

Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49

My guest today is Rei Saito (@Misosoppa). Rei is the writer behind Konichi-Value. Konichi-Value aims to share my most valuable lessons from working in Japanese finance, and gold nuggets in the Japanese stock market.

In this conversation, we go deep into Japanese real estate and some pros and cons, and also the Japanese stock market.

So please enjoy my conversation with Rei Saito from Konichi-Value.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep38 

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - Rei’s Background

[00:04:19] - Konichi-Value origin story

[00:08:05] - Benefits of investing in Japanese stocks

[00:10:54] - Unique downsides of investing in Japanese stocks? 

[00:12:55] - Misunderstandings towards Japanese stocks

[00:14:00] - Trends in Japanese equities 

[00:16:57] - Overcoming the information hurdle in Japan

[00:22:26] - Tokyo Real Estate market overview and upsides

[00:26:09] - Why hasn’t Tokyo real estate prices risen like the rest of the world?

[00:28:15] - Investing in Tokyo as a local vs as a foreigner

[00:32:32] - Anything we haven’t covered about real estate in Japan?

[00:36:05] - Rei’s love of Public Transit

[00:39:13] - Undervalued life skill or experience?

[00:40:58] - Influential books or people?

[00:43:00] - Final thoughts

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Connect with Rei:

Konichi-Value’s Newsletter: https://www.konichivalue.com/ 

Love Public Transit’s Newsletter: https://lovetransit.substack.com/ 

Follow Rei on Twitter: https://twitter.com/misosoppa 

Connect with Rei on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rei-saito/ 

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Mentioned/Recommended Content:

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari: https://amzn.to/31ZrIUS 

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Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I’ll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

------

Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity:

Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ 

Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ 

Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/  

Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb 

Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49

My guest today is Robert Chelliah. Robert’s story is unreal so strap yourself in. Born in Malaysia in 1939 in a rubber plantation town. His father passed away when he was only 7, and when Robert turned 16 he left home and hitchhiked across Asia to Europe and then to England. Robert later returned home, became a social worker in Singapore, and eventually became one of Australia’s first migration agents in 1990. He built a successful business with offices in Perth, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and India. And today, while still a registered migration agent, he’s found a new passion in life. Robert at 83, is the founder and CEO of Lexmin, an organic health food farm he created in Cambodia.

In this conversation, we cover his incredible story, the secrets to his incredible success and drive, and what it’s like running an organic farm in Cambodia.

Robert’s enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious, and there’s so much to take away from his story today. So I’m sure you’ll enjoy my conversation with Robert Chelliah.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page at https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep37 

Special thanks to Norm Aisbett and Murray Hunter for helping make this interview happen. Murray for helping me connect with Robert, and massive thanks to Norm for helping with my research and questions by providing his past research and interviews. Wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - Hitchhking to the UK

[00:03:09] - Back to Singapore

[00:05:50] - Coming to Australia and social work

[00:13:45] - Settling Christmas Islanders

[00:17:03] - Interesting episode in India

[00:21:47] - Origins of Lexmin and health wellness

[00:25:31] - Challenges of Organic farming

[00:36:19] - Why Robert is so good at tackling and solving problems

[00:42:39] - Where Lexmin goes from here

[00:45:04] - Robert’s favourite memory across his career?

[00:53:37] - Advice for young people?

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Connect with Robert:

Lexmin’s Website: https://www.lexmin.com/ 

Australian Migration Agents’s Website: https://austmigration.com.au/ 

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertchelliah/ 

Robert’s Australia (Mobile): +(61) 412 173 502

Robert’s Cambodia (Mobile): +(855) 1533 5259 | +(855) 1233 5259

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Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I’ll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ 

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