If you’ve been in Thailand and toured its popular landmarks, it’s most likely you have passed by a store packed with Thais and tourists alike buying bags and bags of…well, bags. Crowded stores filled with unmistakable colorful patterns distinguish NaRaYa from other locally produced labels and its popularity among Chinese, Japanese and South Korean tourists speaks volumes.… Continue reading One of Thailand’s Most Iconic Brands Shifts to Digital After 30 Years Offline
Category: Interviews
Are Vietnam’s Challenges Worth it for Digital Startups?
As Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia flood with competition, many eyes are turning to a neighbour with equal potential. Constraints within Vietnam’s underdeveloped infrastructure are not well documented, but that hasn’t stopped the country from continued economic developments and growth in digital. Raphael Wilhelm and his co-founder Vanessa Santamaria launched SoNice, a new entry to Vietnam’s… Continue reading Are Vietnam’s Challenges Worth it for Digital Startups?
Meeting the Masters: Charity or Social Enterprise? The Definition Matters
Dialogue has been condensed and edited for clarity. Are social enterprises thriving in Singapore? The short answer is no, and boils down to a disagreement over its definition. I discovered this in a packed room a couple of Saturdays ago at a Meet the Masters panel held at SCAPE Singapore. Four social entrepreneurs tackling various… Continue reading Meeting the Masters: Charity or Social Enterprise? The Definition Matters
Indonesia Welcomes an IKEA Competitor to the Market
The showroom is quiet. Fanie Fikri, Head of Marketing at Fabelio, one of Indonesia’s up and coming startups, isn’t worried, the usual mall traffic is out to lunch. “Our experience centers contribute a healthy 15% of our total revenue.” He’s referring to the number of customers who have “signed in” to any of the company’s… Continue reading Indonesia Welcomes an IKEA Competitor to the Market
Don’t Confuse a Company’s Charitable Intentions with Real Intent
The rise of technology and digital access has allowed businesses to sell us meal kits online, connect strangers and lovers and send individuals down rabbit holes of viral short clips and cooking shows. But each innovation brings us closer to what exactly? Summed up, we’re getting convenience - quicker and more effective ways to consume… Continue reading Don’t Confuse a Company’s Charitable Intentions with Real Intent