Are you ready to unlock new revenue streams and elevate your brand?

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of brand and character licensing—and why it might just be your next big growth strategy.

We’re joined by an all-star panel of industry insiders who don’t just talk about licensing—they live it:

- Lily Park, CEO of BMSMILE Singapore, on how a vibrant lifestyle IP is breaking into Southeast Asia with bold collaborations—from airlines to K-pop.

- Edmund Low, GM of Licensing Division at Avex Asia, a global entertainment powerhouse, revealing how mega-brands like Pokémon, Sonic, and FC Barcelona are strategically expanding in Asia through licensing.

- And Dr Bryan Tan, Senior Business Advisor at COL Group, sharing behind-the-scenes insights on taking a massive Chinese IP global—starting with a box office sensation.

Sneak peek of this episode:

- How licensing goes far beyond logos on products—it can open doors to entirely new markets.

- Royalty structures, minimum guarantees, and what SMEs need to know before entering a deal

- Why licensing isn’t just for massive brands like Pokémon or Hello Kitty—midsize businesses can play this game too.

- Common pitfalls that can land you in legal hot water—and how to avoid them

Whether you're a seasoned brand owner or an SME looking to level up, this conversation will change how you see partnerships forever.

Tune in now to unlock the secrets of licensing—and discover how your business can ride the wave of the next big IP.

And here’s the best part: you can meet all our guests in person at FLAsia 2025—Asia’s leading franchising and licensing event!

📍Mark your calendars: FLAsia 2025, September 18–20 at Marina Bay Sands

👉 Score a Free Visitor Pass: https://qr1.be/CR6O

👉 Or use code [FLA25_TFC_20] for 20% off conference tickets! (Partner events excluded).

See you there!

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. 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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Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

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 your career is soaring—but your body suddenly says stop?

We dive into two powerful stories of resilience and transformation.

What you’ll hear:

- The hidden signs one entrepreneur ignored until a major health crisis.

- How a banking professional took bold steps to reclaim his health.

- Why success means nothing if you don’t protect your well-being.

Guests:

- Howie Tan, Co-founder & CEO of Kintsugi Investing School – entrepreneur & investor, forced to rethink life after kidney failure.

- Bernard Sim, ESG Program Manager – banking professional, who transformed his health through drastic change.

Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation—it might just be the reminder you need to listen to your body before it’s too late.

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. 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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Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

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 you slash your spending to just a few hundred dollars a month, quit your stable job, and throw yourself into extreme budgeting and risky ventures?

Meet Xuan Kai — physiotherapist by day, YouTuber by night — who once slashed his spending to just $100 a month and quit his job with no backup plan.

Hear:

- What extreme budgeting really costs you

- How risky trades and burnout reshaped his outlook

- Why his best investment isn’t in the markets at all

Raw, unfiltered, and full of lessons you won’t find in a finance textbook.

Don’t miss this episode — tune in to hear what Xuan Kai learned the hard way, and how he’s rewriting his relationship with money today.

---

Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:

Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!

Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 Dec 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

🔗 Explore the World Card

🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. 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]

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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 does it take to build a pro wrestling company in Singapore—where wrestling is more than just entertainment, but also about branding, community, and business strategy?

Meet Greg Ho, Founder, GrappleMax Pro, a pro wrestling academy, events company, and community space that’s shaking up the local scene.

We talk about:

- The unexpected origin story of Grapple Max

- Why pro wrestling isn’t just about the ring—it’s about storytelling, stage presence, and even personal branding

- The grind of turning a side hustle into a full-time venture

- Building traction with communities, sponsors, and even the People’s Association

- The bigger vision: taking wrestling from community centers to festivals and beyond

Greg shares candid lessons about resilience, business pivots, and the emotional side of entertainment entrepreneurship.

Tune in—you’ll see pro wrestling (and business) in a whole new light.

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. 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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Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

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.

Tired of the 9-to-5 grind? What if you could design a career on your own terms—full of purpose, flexibility, and impact—without climbing the corporate ladder?

We dive into the quiet revolution reshaping Singapore’s work culture. Senior professionals are stepping off the traditional career path and into a new world of portfolio careers, fractional roles, and independent consulting—and it’s not just about freedom. It’s about value, expertise, and redefining success in the second half of your career.

We’re joined by two trailblazers who’ve lived this shift:

🔹 Moritz Kaffsack, Founder & CEO at Flexer; Founder of Portfolio Careers in Asia —a fast-growing community of 1,700+ senior independent professionals across APAC. He’s behind the groundbreaking Independent Workforce Study that’s turning heads in the business world.

🔹 Ratna Juita, Founder & CEO of The Mindgem, an Indonesian-born entrepreneur who’s built a thriving portfolio career in Singapore over 19 years—spanning leadership training, personal branding, coaching, and strategic consulting—all while reclaiming control over her time and life.

Discover:

✅ Why more companies are choosing fractional experts over full-time hires

✅ How top independents are earning up to $250,000 a year—and why they’re optimistic about doubling it

✅ The real trade-offs of going independent (spoiler: it’s not all flexibility and freedom)

✅ And the one skill no aspiring independent worker can afford to ignore

This isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. And it might be your next career move.

--

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. 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

[Podcast, Vodcast]

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Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

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 feel like to be an Indonesian professional building a life in Singapore?

We sat with Mickey Salim – a Jakarta-born, Hong Kong-raised marketing tech pro who’s now making her mark in Singapore.

From landing a rare internal transfer without a job lined up… to navigating the messy, months-long process of relocating across Asia… Mickey spills the real tea on what it takes to make the move – connections, hustle, and a whole lot of persistence.

She shares:

- The unexpected advantage she had from studying in Hong Kong – and why it made all the difference

- How she negotiated her relocation package & pulled off a bold, self-initiated international transfer against all odds

- A shocking “buyout” clause that let her jump to her new job faster

- Why she says living a decent life in Singapore might actually be cheaper than in Jakarta – yes, really

- Her bold money moves: from frugal beginnings to investing across borders, playing with crypto, and leveraging SRS for tax savings

- And the surprising reason she’s now certain she wants to **settle down in Singapore for good**

Mickey’s also a rising voice in the Indonesian community here – turning her content channel into a platform that’s connecting and empowering fellow expats.

This is a story of strategy, survival, and finding your place. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s packed with insights for anyone building a life away from home.

Don’t miss it. This one’s for every aspiring expat– and anyone who’s ever wondered what it takes to build a life across borders.

---

Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:

Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!

Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

🔗 Explore the World Card

🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

[Connect with us]

Instagram

Telegram

Whatsapp

Newsletter

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. 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 do you do when a school project grows into a thriving business serving nostalgic handmade treats?

Tune in with Shiny, founder of Ahmah’s Legacy, to uncover:

- How she turned childhood memories into a full-fledged F&B brand.

- The leap from a home-based hustle to a brick-and-mortar shop in a “hidden” location.

- Building community in an unlikely retail spot.

- Why she’s eyeing B2B collaborations and big events for her next phase of growth.

From navigating high rents to pitching to hotels, Shiny shares the raw realities of running a small food business in Singapore—and why relationships matter just as much as recipes.

Tune in for an inspiring, no-sugar-coated founder story.

2:14 Interview with Shiny

10:35 Product Development and Business Strategies

15:09 Community Building and Business Growth

17:21 Business Breakdown and Customer Experience

22:26 Future Business Strategies

32:19 B2B Pitching and Business Deals

35:44 Perspectives on Home-Based Businesses

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. 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

[Podcast, Vodcast]

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Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast

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[Connect with us]

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Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

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.

Feeling those mysterious aches creeping in? Wondering why your energy is zapped despite sitting all day?

We uncover how small, deliberate movements can transform your health—without you needing to live in the gym.

What you’ll discover:

- How your body can act as its own “medicine cabinet”

- Why those popular step-count goals might not be enough

- The surprising link between movement, inflammation, and longevity

- The truth about “exercise pills” and supplements

- Practical ways to sneak powerful movement into a busy corporate lifestyle

Special guest: Dr. Goh Jorming, Professor at the National University of Singapore’s Healthy Longevity Research Program and exercise physiology expert, shares science-backed tips that could change how you think about movement forever.

Tune in—you might just find the smallest step that leads to your biggest health shift.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect the official position or endorsement of the National University of Singapore (NUS) or any affiliated organisation. The guest appears in a personal capacity, and any statements made are not representative of NUS.

04:45 How do you assess someone's fitness prescription?

11:18 Understanding VO2max

13:08 Difference Between VO2max and SPO2

16:14 What happens to the body in terms on inflammation and aging, if we don't exercise?

19:02 The Importance of Personalized Exercise

20:08 The Importance of Regular Movement

22:58 The Limitations of the 10,000 Steps Goal

26:21 The Myth of the Magic Exercise Pill

35:57 The Benefits of Regular and Short Exercise

40:46 The Body as Its Own Medicine Cabinet

43:56 The Psychological Challenge of Exercising

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. 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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[Connect with us]

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Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

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.

Ready to navigate the explosive world of franchising in 2025?

We sit with three industry powerhouses who’ve lived and breathed franchising from every angle:

• Ms Hsien Naidu, CEO, Astreem Consulting Pte Ltd - 20-year franchise guru who’s scaled award-winning brands across Asia
• Mr Gan Shee Wen, President, Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore), Vice President, Group Sales and Marketing, Koda Ltd and Chief Operating Officer, Commune Lifestyle Pte Ltd - Retail disruptor who conquered China’s cutthroat market with furniture franchising
• Mr Lee Shao Rong, Owner & F&B Entrepreneur - From near-failure to 11 outlets—the founder of Super Green shares hard-won ops truths

We’re talking 2025 franchise trends you need to know:

✅ Why location isn’t just about foot traffic — and the counterintuitive strategy behind choosing the right spot

✅ The hidden costs no one talks about — from manpower to mall logistics

✅ How China is rewriting the franchise playbook — and what it means for you

✅ Why empathy between franchisor and franchisee is the secret sauce to long-term success

✅ And the #1 question you must ask before signing any franchise agreement

This is more than just a preview of FLAsia — it’s your insider’s guide to making smarter, data-driven decisions in a fast-evolving landscape.

Whether you’re a franchisor, franchisee, or eyeing your first investment, this episode is your 2025 survival kit.

Tune in now — and don’t miss the exclusive Franchise Mastermind Workshop at FLAsia 2025, where potential franchisees get 2 hours of hands-on guidance from industry leaders.

📍Mark your calendars: FLAsia 2025, September 18–20 at Marina Bay Sands

👉 Score a Free Visitor Pass: https://qr1.be/CR6O

👉 Or use code [FLA25_TFC_20] for 20% off conference tickets! (Partner events excluded).

See you there!

01:54 - Introduction: Ms Hsien Naidu, CEO, Astreem Consulting Pte Ltd

02:43 - What motivated you to stay in the franchising space for 20 years?

04:29 - Introduction: Mr Gan Shee Wen, President, Franchising and Licensing Association (SG)

06:19 - Why take on the franchise presidency despite your busy schedule?

08:08 - Introduction: Mr Lee Shao Rong, Owner & F&B Entrepreneur, Supergreen

08:39 - How did you get started, and what did it cost to enter the business?

14:45 - What key trends are shaping the franchising space today?

18:26 - How do you stay competitive and viable in a crowded CBD market?

20:06 - Is your brand more affordable, and what’s the risk-reward trade-off?

21:51 - How should one evaluate data trade-offs in modern franchise models?

25:11 - How do you choose franchise locations to ensure business success?

34:43 - What’s a fair expectation of brand reinvestment from franchisors?

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. 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 rent eating up your profits? Are you struggling to keep inventory without overstocking? Small business owners, this one’s for you.

Hear from Terence Yow, Chairman, SGTUFF, a seasoned entrepreneur who’s navigated the highs and lows of retail—from surviving on passion and life savings to weathering the storm of rising rents and post-pandemic challenges.

What you’ll discover:

- The one inventory mistake that’s killing small retailers

- Why “rental renewal shock” is real—and how it’s pushing businesses to the edge

- Hidden clauses in tenancy agreements that could cost you thousands

- A surprising alternative market just across the causeway that’s gaining traction

Plus: Smart leasing strategies, the myth of “prime location,” and how to future-proof your business in an unpredictable market.

Don’t miss this raw, real conversation about what it actually takes to survive—and thrive—as a small business owner in Singapore today.

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. 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

[Podcast, Vodcast]

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[Connect with us]

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Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

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.