Welcome to the first episode of our brand new series, The IPO Circle!

We’re joined by Eugene Lim, Founder & CEO of The Assembly Place, a leading co-living company that’s revolutionising the real estate industry. From humble beginnings with just six rooms to managing over 3,500 keys across Singapore, Eugene shares his journey, challenges, and plans for the future.

What to Expect:

• The Assembly Place's journey: from its inception to becoming a key player in the real estate sector.
• Scaling Up: How did The Assembly Place grow so fast? Eugene reveals the behind-the-scenes strategy and partnerships that made it happen.
• The Future of Co-Living: Is co-living just a trend or the future of urban living? Eugene explains why community-driven spaces are here to stay.
• IPO Insights: Why is The Assembly Place going public now, and what does it mean for future investors? Get the inside scoop on their IPO journey.
• Growth Strategy: Learn how Eugene plans to scale the company to 10,000 keys and expand further into new markets.

Whether you're an investor, a real estate enthusiast, or just curious about the future of co-living, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to buy or subscribe for shares. Any decision to purchase shares should be made solely based on the information in the final Offer Document, which is available from SAC Capital Private Limited and on the SGX-ST Catalodge website. This contents of this podcast have not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

This episode was recorded at Commune Singapore. https://thecommunelife.com/

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They didn’t start with a fancy lab, big funding, or a “Silicon Valley” playbook.

They started with scrappy prototypes, real classrooms, and a question that hits hard:

Why is quality STEM education still not accessible to every kid?

If you’ve ever been curious about startups, education, or what it takes to build something real (literally hardware), this one’s for you.

We sit with Adam and Kai from Stick’ Em - the startup that’s been making headlines for teaching kids to build robots using something you’d never expect: chopsticks.

But that’s only the start…

• How Stick’ Em turned a simple, low-cost idea into a real robotics ecosystem schools are paying for
• The behind-the-scenes truth about robotics competitions that most people only whisper about
• Why going hardware-first is way harder than it looks (and why they still did it anyway)
• The moment they realised: “Okay… this isn’t just a fun kit. This could scale.”
• How they grew through schools talking to schools before doing any serious marketing
• What winning a major global competition actually changed (and what it didn’t)

Tune in soon because the most interesting parts aren’t the headlines… it’s what happened before and after them.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if nightlife didn’t start at midnight… but at sunrise? What if music wasn’t just entertainment… but a tool for community, wellness, and human connection?

Hear from a founder who’s quietly re-engineering how people gather, move, and feel, without following any traditional playbook

Our guest:

👉Christopher Shearmon, Managing Director of Wild Pearl Studio

A former corporate professional turned community builder, Christopher blends music, movement, and intentional experiences to create events that don’t look, or feel, like anything else in Singapore.

We explore:

• Why some of the most meaningful “parties” happen without alcohol, at 6:30am
• How music can be used to engineer better moods, stronger communities, and real connection
• The unexpected journey from a pandemic side project to a full-fledged creative business
• Why experimentation, intuition, and “unscalable” ideas might be a founder’s real edge
• How wellness, culture, and commerce collide in ways most businesses overlook

This isn’t just a story about events or nightlife.

It’s about rethinking fun, redesigning community, and building something real—by listening closely to how people actually want to live.

🎙️ Tune in for a conversation that might change how you think about music, business, and what it really means to bring people together.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the second generation takes the reins of a family business?

We dive into the incredible journey of Presto Drycleaners, led by Chan Wei Tian, a former software engineer turned dry cleaning visionary.

Key Highlights:

• Tech Meets Tradition: Chan Wei Tian shares the unique story of how he left the tech world to take over the family business, breathing new life into it with cutting-edge solutions.
• Viral Video Moment: Discover what happens when your business goes viral and how it impacts both the brand and family dynamics.
• Family Drama & Therapy: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the struggles and triumphs of working with family, and how therapy helped them navigate generational differences.
• The Cost of Change: From rebranding to evolving the business model, hear about the tough decisions and unexpected consequences of trying to modernize a 30-year-old brand.
• Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Chan shares invaluable advice on leadership, managing family businesses, and finding your own path when the stakes are personal.

You don’t want to miss this fascinating conversation that goes beyond just business—it’s about family, change, and resilience. Tune in now!

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

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Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to build a fashion brand when you’re not designing for the mainstream?

We dive into a rarely discussed side of fashion retail…. serving minority and niche communities in Singapore and beyond. From functional fashion for modern mothers to heritage-driven design rooted in culture, our guests share the realities, risks, and quiet wins of building brands with purpose.

This isn’t about fast fashion or hype.

It’s about identity, sustainability, visibility, and survival in an industry where small brands fight to be seen.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Why some local brands struggle to scale
• How culture can be turned into everyday wear
• Or what it takes to future-proof fashion from Singapore

…this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🎧 Tune in to hear the stories behind the seams.

• Why retailing to minority communities is both challenging and powerful
• The real struggle of building local fashion brands in a global market
• How heritage, sustainability, and functionality shape modern design
• The role of physical retail vs digital platforms in brand growth
• What Singapore fashion needs to stand out on the international stage
• Can local brands one day scale through licensing or franchising?

- Lily Hamid – Commercial Director, Singapore Fashion Council - Champions local designers through multi-label retail. Works closely with founders to bridge gaps in visibility and growth

- Gillian Shen – Founder & Designer, Olive Basics - Builds functional womenswear for modern mothers. Focuses on longevity, versatility, and real-life problem solving

- Aqilah Zailan – Founder & Designer, Studio Gypsied - Advocates heritage, slow fashion, and sustainability. Transforms traditional textiles into wearable, everyday pieces

Whether you’re a founder, creative, or conscious consumer, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at fashion with meaning.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your business ready for the future?

We dive into the 2025 UOB Business Outlook Study with a powerhouse panel of experts.

• Paul Kan, Country Head of UOB Business Banking Singapore, who sheds light on the financial landscape for SMEs and how businesses can adapt to thrive
• Joseph Soh, Founder of Xpressflower.com, offering his experience in scaling a retail business and the role of data and digitalisation in expanding regionally
• Desmond Goh, Managing Director of NETS, who shares how digital payment solutions are reshaping business operations.

You'll Discover:

• How business sentiment has evolved in 2025 amid rising costs, talent shortages, and global uncertainty.
• Real-world strategies for scaling regionally and innovating under pressure.
• The latest in digitalisation and AI: what’s actually working for customer engagement, automation, and growth.
• Tips for managing costs, increasing productivity, and staying nimble in the face of rising competition.

If you're an SME owner or entrepreneur, this conversation is a must-listen! Don’t miss out on the key takeaways that could define your next big move.

Watch now and discover how you can stay competitive, innovate, and grow your business.

And don’t forget to check out the full study in the link below!

• UOB Business Outlook Study 2025 (Regional): Tariff pressures test optimism in ASEAN and Greater China

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed belong to the guest/content creator, and do not represent the views of UOB. The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

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Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We meet the guy who looked at Singapore’s brutal F&B scene and said…

“Yeah, sure. Let’s sell fresh pasta.”

Introducing Darren Tan, Co-founder & Brand Manager of PastaGo, the young entrepreneur who went from kneading dough in an abandoned kitchen during COVID to building one of the fastest-growing pasta brands around.

And trust us, nothing about this journey is “al dente.”

Think:

🔥 Opening-day chaos

🔥 The surprising science behind making pasta that survives delivery (AND picky customers)

🔥 The secret psychology behind portions, add-ons, and why you think you’re full

🔥 And why he refuses to offer discounts even on Day 1

This isn’t just a pasta story.

It’s a masterclass in product obsession, scrappy scaling, and breaking F&B “rules” one plate at a time.

🎧 Tune in to hear Darren’s full story — the risks, the realities, and the pasta revolution he’s trying to build.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the world of startups, wellness, and genetic technology with Cedric Lee, the Founder, and Choo Ee Ting, as Chief Commercial Officer of Connecting DNA.

From corporate careers to entrepreneurship, they share their unique journey of launching a for-impact, for-profit business in the midst of a pandemic.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• The Power of DNA: How Connecting DNA uses genetics to unlock personalised wellness solutions.
• Leaving Corporate Life: Why they took the leap from successful careers to build a business during the pandemic.
• Global Ambitions: Plans to expand worldwide, starting with their first overseas office in Australia.
• B2B & B2C: How they’re partnering with wellness providers and reaching consumers with trust-based solutions.

Tune in to get insights into the fast-moving world of health tech, the challenges of building a startup, and the mission that keeps them going! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on more episodes like this.

Join us for this fascinating conversation about blending science with entrepreneurship – don’t miss it!

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

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Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a character truly unforgettable? How do you take your favourite designs and turn them into an iconic brand that resonates globally?

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of merchandising, licensing, and the evolving journey of character-based businesses.

Meet:

- Wang Shijia, founder of the beloved Singaporean brand Ang Ku Kueh Girl, a true pioneer in bringing local culture to the global stage.

- Chanel Lee, founder of Tasty Toastys, who has transformed her digital characters into a merchandise empire, combining NFTs with physical products for a new-age spin on branding.

What we’ll cover:

- The secrets behind turning a quirky character into a cultural icon.

- The challenges of balancing creativity and business while maintaining authenticity.

- How both of our guests navigated the world of licensing, marketing, and international expansion—and how you can, too.

- Plus, we’ll touch on the role of NFTs, the future of physical merchandising, and the unexpected successes of viral moments.

Ready to hear how two entrepreneurs cracked the code for turning characters into global phenomena?

Tune in and get inspired for your own journey into the world of character merchandising.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
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⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They didn’t set out to build a business — just to prove their tech worked.

But one experiment turned into 300 screenings, a thriving B2C arm, and government contracts.

Cinewav co-founders, Jason Chan and Christian Lee, share how staying curious and saying “yes” led to a whole new business model.

Takeaway:

- Build before you brand — let results speak.

- Stay flexible; your audience may find your product’s true use before you do.

- Solve real problems and community will follow.

- Growth doesn’t always mean hiring fast — sometimes lean is powerful.

🎧 Tune in to learn how they built a business where emotion is the product.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

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🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
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📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.