Shows
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteCultural Agility in Cross-Border M&As with Rebecca Pang, VP of Treasury Solutions, RBCIn 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 complexitiesManaging a large team of 100 across different time zonesThe role of mentorship...2024-03-2643 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteBridging Cultures in the Legal Arena: International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution with Clarisse von WunschheimIn 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 interactionsPractical insights into managing cross-border disputes, drawn from Clarisse's experiences working alongside Chinese colleagues and handling cases across continentsThe future...2024-03-1243 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteGlobal Mobility in the Tech World: Culture & Growth Perspectives with Peter Dingle, Venture InvestorIn 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 dis...2024-02-2743 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteDriving Organizational Change and Startup Growth Strategies with Sabrina Ng, Former Synergy Director at HSBC LifeIn 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 b...2024-02-1325 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteLiving Abroad and Unleashing FinTech’s Potential with David Yin, Partner at GSR VenturesIn 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 inv...2024-01-3041 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteUnlocking Value in Global Real Estate Investments: Redefining Outlet Malls with Cecilia Tan, CEO of Sasseur REITIn 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 R...2024-01-0943 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteProfit with a Purpose: Investment Innovations with Dr. Victor TayIn 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, an...2023-12-0549 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteNavigating Global Business Landscapes: Insights from Steven Yeo, Founder of Yang & Co.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...2023-11-2839 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteInvesting in Emerging Markets: Building Relationships and Unlocking Opportunities with Sean Ahn, Investment Officer at IFCIn 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, an...2023-11-2123 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteThe Law as an Asset: Exploring Cross-Border Deals with Kennedy Chen, Partner at Harry EliasIn 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 multitaskingKennedy’s hobbies outside of work, including writi...2023-11-1440 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteBuilding Icons and Shattering Ceilings: Behind the Scenes with Lynette Chew, Partner at CMS SingaporeIn this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Lynette Chew, partner at CMS Singapore and director of CMS Holborn Asia. With over 25 years of experience, Lynette handles complex domestic and cross-border disputes as lead counsel in Singapore Courts and institutional arbitrations. Lynette has advised on notable projects such as the construction of Marina Bay Sands.Lynette’s expertise in construction, projects, and energy work has earned her recommendations in legal directories, and her exceptional legal acumen and industry recognition make her a respected figure in the field, being the sole woman lawyer ranked for...2023-11-0727 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteGrowing Airbnb in APAC: Kum Hong’s Journey from Employee #2 in APAC to COO of Airbnb’s China OfficeIn this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we had the privilege of interviewing Siew Kum Hong, a seasoned professional whose journey spans across diverse landscapes, with impactful roles at prominent organisations such as Rajah and Tann, Yahoo, Airbnb and more. Starting as a lawyer at R&T, he quickly transitioned to an in-house legal counsel, contributing to Yahoo during its formative years and glory days.Kum Hong’s journey took a defining turn with Airbnb, where he spent a decade driving the company’s APAC expansion as employee number 2, eventually culminating in his role as China COO with...2023-10-3131 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteBuilding Relationships in International Markets: Insights from Jason Tay, Head of BD at M-DAQ GlobalIn this episode, we are joined by Jason Tay, Head of Business Development and Government Relations at M-DAQ Global. In these roles, Jason spearheads senior C-level dialogues, as well as dialogues with local, state, and legislative bodies as well as government agencies to cultivate essential relationships with key stakeholders, propelling the company’s sales growth and business interests.Jason is also a strategic advisor to a stealth mode crypto project, contributing his expertise to the cutting-age world of cryptocurrency. He is also a business mentor for the Singapore Leaders Network, as well as an esteemed lecturer at SM...2023-10-2446 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteThe FinTech Talent Hunt: Looking for Talent Around the World with Emilia Chen, Founder of Polygon SearchIn our latest episode of Business Beyond Borders, we sit down with Emilia Chen, founder of Polygon Search, a global FinTech headhunting firm focused on fintech recruitment, with more than 400,000 candidates across Asia and the US.Prior to founding her own firm, Emilia was a senior consultant at Michael Page, where she successfully developed new businesses by building strong relationships and generating referrals to secure contracts with family offices, tier-one investment banks, and hedge funds.In this episode, we cover:- Global FinTech trends- Current and future job vacancies and roles in...2023-10-1722 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteInside the Arbitrator’s Chamber: A Deep Dive into International Dispute Resolution with Jennifer LimIn this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we explore the world of international arbitration with our guest, Jennifer Lim, a renowned arbitration lawyer and a partner at Sidley Austin. Jennifer represents clients in investor-state and commercial arbitrations, with her expertise spanning multiple jurisdictions and arbitration rules, including ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC, HKIAC, SIAC, and LCIA.Jennifer's has also been honoured as a "Thought Leader – Global Elite" by Who's Who Legal and recognised as an "International Arbitration Future Leader."In this episode, we cover:Jennifer’s journey to international arbitrationJennifer’s experience at the Interna...2023-10-1023 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteDemystifying China’s Legal Landscape: Perspectives from a Shanghai-based Ecuadorian Lawyer Luis BorjaIn this episode, we sit down with Luis Borja, an Ecuadorian attorney-at-law with extensive experience in corporate, commercial, and information technology regulations, as well as China policies. He is currently a Partner at H&W Law Firms Group in Shanghai and an Associate at DeltaLegal Law Firm in Quito.Luis has a strong background in Hispanic-Chinese comparative law and is passionate about integrating new technologies into the legal practice. His expertise extends to various areas of law, including trade, labor, business, contracts, investment, intellectual property, and more.In this episode, we cover:Regulatory...2023-10-0423 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteManaging Multicultural Teams in Asia and Embracing Lifelong Learning with Jimmy Ong, SEA BDM at HPIn this episode, we sit down with Jimmy Ong, a senior business leader with over 20 years of experience. Throughout his diverse career, Jimmy has held roles in technical consulting, sales development, and strategic planning, leading teams of more than 50 and driving business of US$5 billion in emerging and developed markets. Today, Jimmy is the Business Development Manager for Southeast Asia at HP, working with channel partners and creating solutions for customers.Jimmy is also recognised as a leading expert in learning and development. He has been engaged in consulting assignments with multinational companies and facilitated more than 100...2023-09-2738 min
Business Beyond Borders - A Podcast by BluenteBuilding Startups Across International Markets: A Global Journey of Entrepreneurship with Viktor Kyosev, Chief of Staff at DocquityIn this episode of Business Beyond Borders, we have the pleasure of speaking with Viktor Kyosev, an experienced startup entrepreneur with a wealth of knowledge in building startups across cultures, having worked across multiple countries Bulgaria, Greece Denmark, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore. Viktor is currently the Chief of Staff at Docquity, Southeast Asia’s largest professional community of healthcare professionals, playing a pivotal role in supporting the founding team across various crucial projects, ranging from product development to talent management. He is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at Big Bang Angels Inc., an early-stage institutional investor with a f...2023-09-1827 min
Under The RadarUnder the Radar: Learning Business Mandarin through 10-minute in-app courses - Edutech startup Bluente’s quest to get executives around the language barrier and jargons in areas such as law and financeHave you ever tried picking up a foreign language? And if so, are you still using it? According to a report by TechRepublic, citing data from FlexJobs, there were over 1,700 bilingual remote jobs listed as at early 2021, which is a 30% increase from the figure in February 2020. And it seems like job demand for bilingual speakers is on the rise as the world becomes increasingly globalised. Question is - how do we master a new language? And how do we get ourselves familiarised with some of the jargons used in professions such as law and finance? ...2023-02-1612 min