Collaboration to Boost Indonesian SMEs and Singaporean Businesses at TEI 2024

by | Oct 14, 2024 | Business

At the 2024 Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), Kimming Yap, Managing Director of Creativeans, was one of the keynote speakers at the Indonesia-Singapore Business Forum. The forum aimed to bridge trade relations between the two countries through branding innovation and market expansion strategies.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to
Singapore, H.E Suryo Pratomo; Vice Minister of Trade of the Republic of
Indonesia, Dr Jerry Sambuaga; and CEO of Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), Mr. Dennis Mark, officially opened the forum, expressed support for strengthening
trade relations between the two nations. In addition to presenting Indonesia’s
economic outlook for the past five years and future projections, they emphasised
the importance of cross-border collaboration in expanding Indonesian SME
markets and supporting the entry of Singaporean businesses into Indonesia. The
event was hosted by Yulia Saksen, while Edmund Ong, CEO of BridgifyAsia,
moderated the panel discussion.

In addition to
Kimming Yap, other key figures participated in the panel, including
Jarius Draslaric, Chairman of the Lifestyle Industry Group (SMF), who discussed
the importance of innovation and adaptation in the lifestyle industry for local
products to compete internationally. Shoeb Kagda, Chairman of SingCham
Indonesia, highlighted the bilateral trade opportunities and synergies between
businesses from both countries. Christie Lumban Gaol, Vice President of
Corporate Banking at Bank Mandiri, also participated, discussing the role of
banking in supporting SME growth through financing and financial
infrastructure.

During the
discussion, Kimming Yap highlighted the enormous potential of Indonesian SMEs
to thrive in the Singaporean market but stressed that the biggest challenge
they face lies in branding and packaging. “While many Indonesian products
are of high quality and ready to compete, they still need improvements in
packaging and branding to be accepted in international markets,” said
Kimming Yap. Therefore, implementing the right branding strategies is crucial
for Indonesian SMEs to compete on the global stage.

Furthermore,
Kimming also discussed the vast opportunities for Singaporean companies in
Indonesia’s rapidly growing market. “With strategic cooperation and
understanding of local consumer behaviour, Singaporean businesses can take advantage
of the opportunities to expand their markets in Indonesia,” he explained.
He also emphasised the importance of partnerships to address logistical and
supply chain challenges often faced by local companies in both countries.

The forum was
attended by stakeholders and business leaders from Indonesia and Singapore, who
together explored opportunities to strengthen trade, build dynamic
collaboration platforms, and facilitate dialogue between the two nations, which
have shared diplomatic relations for 57 years. According to the latest data,
bilateral trade has reached USD 31 billion, with USD 15.4 billion in direct
investment from Singapore to Indonesia.

This strategic
collaboration is expected to not only open up new market access but also
increase the exposure of local products, making them more recognised on the
international stage. The innovation mirrors the collaboration between
Creativeans and BridgifyAsia, where the two work together to help Singaporean
companies access the Indonesian market and vice versa. This partnership
provides logistical ease, increased product exposure, and effective branding
strategy planning for both parties.

Creativeans is
an award-winning brand consultancy and venture studio that has collaborated
with global companies based in Singapore, Jakarta, and Milan. With years of
experience in international marketing, Creativeans remains committed to adding
value to companies in Indonesia and Singapore, supporting their business growth
to go international. 

Ready or Not, Southeast Asia’s Growth is Coming: AI, Health, and Sustainability Edition

by | Oct 14, 2024 | Business

Southeast Asia’s digital economy is on track to surpass $1 trillion by 2030, posing both opportunities and challenges for businesses in AI, health, and sustainability. In this discussion, Kailash Raghuwanshi, a seasoned business strategist, shares insights on how companies can navigate these sectors and turn obstacles into growth opportunities. With a decade of experience across Southeast Asia, Raghuwanshi emphasizes the need for strategic leadership in addressing these challenges

Southeast Asia is at a critical juncture. With its digital economy set to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, businesses across the region face unprecedented opportunities and challenges. From AI innovations to health sector reform, and the pressing need for sustainability, companies are navigating uncharted waters. But surviving and thriving in this fast-paced environment requires more than just innovation—it demands strategic leadership.

In an effort to understand more about the growth, complexities, and opportunities in Southeast Asia, we sat down with Kailash Raghuwanshi, a business strategist who has been deeply involved in the region’s growth and development. Known to many as “Kai,” he has witnessed firsthand the challenges businesses face as the market evolves and presents new hurdles, from digital transformation to sustainability demands.

Kailash Raghuwanshi brings a decade-long experience across Southeast Asia, the US, and China. As a New York graduate, his expertise spans leading fintech ventures in Indonesia, managing high-impact joint ventures in Vietnam, and gaining valuable experience as a Director at a Shanghai-based public health venture backed by the Gates Foundation. Kailash’s expertise spans multiple sectors. His ability to guide businesses through growth and change is informed by deep regional knowledge and hands-on leadership experience.

Question: What’s the biggest challenge for businesses in Southeast Asia today?

Kailash: It’s a blend of talent shortages, regulatory hurdles, and climate risk. Indonesia faces a shortage of 600,000 tech professionals annually, while Singapore needs to boost its digital talent pool by 55% by 2025. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, with 25% of the population vulnerable to flooding and other climate disasters. Companies need to be agile and have strong leadership to navigate these intersecting challenges.

Question: AI is a hot topic everywhere. How can businesses start integrating it?

Kailash: AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, but the key is starting small. 35% of businesses in Southeast Asia are already using AI to optimize operations, but those just beginning should focus on areas where AI can make an immediate impact—like streamlining logistics or using predictive analytics to anticipate consumer behavior. Once they see results, scaling AI becomes easier.

Question: As you have worked in health ventures, What are some of the biggest health challenges in Southeast Asia, and how do sustainability and waste management factor into them? 

Kailash: Health challenges in Southeast Asia are complex, with 46% of the population lacking access to essential services. Sustainability plays a crucial role in addressing these issues—especially when it comes to waste management in healthcare. Improper waste disposal exacerbates public health risks and environmental degradation. Tackling these challenges requires innovative solutions, like using AI to manage resources efficiently, reducing waste, and ensuring healthcare services reach underserved populations. Businesses and governments need to collaborate to integrate sustainable practices into the health sector for long-term impact.

Question: Climate change is top of mind for everyone. What should businesses do to prepare?

Kailash: Climate resilience is no longer optional. It’s estimated that Southeast Asia’s GDP could drop by 11% by 2100 if we don’t act. Businesses need to integrate sustainability into their core strategies, using AI to predict climate risks, reducing carbon footprints, and building resilient supply chains. Companies that fail to take action now will find themselves behind the curve.

Question: What excites you the most about Southeast Asia’s future?

Kailash: The rapid transformation. By 2025, the region’s digital economy could account for 8.5% of GDP, and we’re seeing new opportunities in AI, health, and sustainability daily. Southeast Asia is uniquely positioned to leapfrog traditional development paths, adopting the latest technologies to drive growth and create solutions that can be exported globally.

A Path Forward: Navigating Growth in Southeast Asia

As Southeast Asia’s digital economy continues to accelerate, businesses face an exciting yet challenging future. Success will come to those who can balance innovation, sustainability, and adaptability. The region offers endless opportunities, but only for those ready to face the complexities head-on, with the right leadership in place.

VRINETWORKS and POCKETALK Organize Online Seminar to Overcome Language Barriers with AI

by | Oct 13, 2024 | Business

VRINETWORKS and POCKETALK will hold a free online seminar titled “How to Eliminate Language Barriers by Using AI” on October 16, 2024. The seminar will explore how AI can help the hospitality industry overcome cross-language communication challenges. POCKETALK’s AI solutions will be introduced, along with case studies demonstrating how these technologies improve customer experiences and operational efficiency. The event is open to industry professionals interested in learning about innovations in cross-language communication.

Jakarta, October 16, 2024 – VRINETWORKS and POCKETALK proudly announce their collaboration in an online seminar titled “How to Eliminate Language Barriers Using AI,” scheduled for October 16, 2024. This seminar aims to help the hospitality industry overcome cross-language communication challenges using AI technology.

■Event application form

【Seminar Details】

Theme: How to Eliminate Language Barriers Using AIDate

 October 16, 2024Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM (Jakarta Time)/16, 2024Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM (Malaysia Time)

Platform: Zoom (Online)

Event application form

Fee: Free

Organizers: VRINETWORKS and POCKETALK

Key Topics:

AI solutions for cross-language communication in hospitalityPOCKETALK’s AI tools for efficient customer communicationCase studies demonstrating enhanced customer experiences and operational efficiency

This free seminar is ideal for hospitality professionals and business leaders seeking innovative solutions for global communication challenges.

UEM Edgenta Champions Malaysia’s First Pet Food Rescue

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Business

UEM Edgenta Berhad (UEM
Edgenta), Malaysia’s leading provider of integrated asset management and
infrastructure services, in collaboration with The Lost Food Project, is proud
to announce the remarkable progress of the Saving
Animals, Serving Community campaign through the Pet Food Project (PFP) from
January to July 2024. As the first initiative of its kind in Malaysia, this
groundbreaking project is dedicated to rescuing surplus pet food and
redistributing it to animals in need, thereby fostering a more sustainable and
compassionate community.

UEM Edgenta, the sole
corporate partner in this first-of-its-kind collaboration, has been
instrumental in driving the success of the Pet Food Project. Over the past six
months, the project has successfully diverted 5,496 kilograms of surplus pet
food from landfills, bringing the total amount of rescued pet food to an
impressive 12,724 kilograms since the project’s initiation. This surplus has
been distributed to individual cat and dog rescuers, shelters, and feeders
across the Klang Valley and beyond, ensuring that countless animals receive the
nourishment they need.

The success of the Pet Food
Project highlights UEM Edgenta’s commitment to innovation in community support
and sustainability. By partnering with The Lost Food Project, UEM Edgenta has
enabled the PFP to engage individuals and local businesses in combating pet
food waste. This effort has rescued 5,490 kilograms of pet food, prevented
36,935 kilograms of CO2 emissions, and supported over 50 shelters, rescuers,
and feeders. It has also delivered 50,384 meals to cats and kittens and 8,833
meals to dogs, enhancing the well-being of countless animals. At the same time,
this initiative has significantly reduced the environmental impact of food
waste, making a lasting difference in the community

As PFP moves beyond its pilot
phase, UEM Edgenta and The Lost Food Project are committed to integrating the
valuable learnings and connections established to ensure the continued success
and growth of the initiative. Insights gained from the pilot, including the
specific needs of animal shelters and the logistical challenges of surplus pet
food distribution, will be leveraged to refine processes and make them more
efficient and responsive to community needs.

Sharing his thoughts on the
initiative, Syahrunizam Samsudin, MD/CEO, UEM Edgenta, emphasised “At UEM
Edgenta, sustainability is not just a business objective; it is an integral
part of our commitment to creating lasting value for the communities we serve.
The ‘Saving Animals, Serving Community’ campaign, in partnership with The Lost
Food Project, exemplifies this commitment by addressing the critical issue of
pet food waste while enhancing animal welfare across Malaysia. As the only corporate
partner of this groundbreaking initiative, we
are proud to be at the forefront, which aligns with our broader vision of
driving innovation and fostering social responsibility. As we continue to scale
this effort, we remain dedicated to building meaningful, sustainable
partnerships that make a tangible difference in society.”

In addition to this
initiative, UEM Edgenta proudly served as the main sponsor of the “Potong
Royong” programme, in collaboration with Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). This vital campaign successfully neutered 680
animals, including over 500 cats and 150 dogs, helping to manage the stray
animal population and promote responsible pet ownership. SPCA has been UEM
Edgenta’s trusted partner since 2023. Through the Company’s continued
sponsorship in 2024, this collaboration further underscores the UEM Edgenta’s
enduring commitment to both animal welfare and community sustainability.
Building on the success of these initiatives, UEM Edgenta will continue to
strengthen its collaboration with other like-minded organisations. The Company
is dedicated to expanding its efforts in reducing pet food waste, enhancing
animal welfare, and driving sustainable, community-focused solutions across
Malaysia.

For further information on UEM Edgenta’s CSR
programmes and its journey in sustainability, log on to https://www.uemedgenta.com.

(fourth from right) Wan Laila Fatihah,
Head, Corporate Communications, UEM Edgenta Berhad and (third from left)
Daniel Devadason, General Manager, The Lost Food Project together with
representatives of UEM Edgenta symbolically handing over rescued pet food to
TLFP.

(left)
Wan Laila Fatihah, Head, Corporate Communications, UEM Edgenta Berhad together
with (right) Daniel Devadason, General Manager, The Lost Food Project at a
recent pet food rescue programme.

A
representative of UEM Edgenta Berhad with one of the many feline recipients of
the rescued pet food under the Pet Food Project following the
collaboration between UEM Edgenta and TLFP.