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People of Swish : Kent Teo

appie_admin — Thu, 18 May 2023 08:44:52 +0000

People of Swish : Kent Teo

Swish | 18 May, 2023

Thanks for joining us for this interview, Kent. To kick things off, can you tell us more about yourself and the work you do at Invade?

Absolutely! My name is Kent Teo, and I’ve been running Invade, an experiential events agency for the past 13 years. Invade’s mission is to help emerging brands in the food and retail scene ‘pop up’ through the creative use of retail spaces.

Invade also plays a mediating role between close to 200 government agencies and landlords and almost 40,000 emerging brands. Since catering to all these stakeholders' individual needs is impossible, we've decided to focus instead on building an ecosystem capable of supporting these stakeholders as a whole.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting Invade?

Personal interest was a big motivator starting out. I really enjoy immersing myself in the local culture at night markets whenever I travel, and I thought it would be fun to try my hand organising one, which led to the first pop-up market organised during my university days back in 2010.

Pasar malams were also a big part of my childhood, and growing up, I’ve always wondered how we could expand upon the traditional night market concept into a platform for our local emerging brands to shine. This idea inspired many of our creative concepts and pop-up events you see today.

How do you come up with new ideas for your pop-up events and markets? Can you take us through your creative process?

Great question. For me, inspiration can take different shapes and forms, from talking to people while traveling to drawing inspiration from shows, TV dramas and books.

Creativity can also stem from working with a completely new partner, with a very recent example being our Artbox event, which we co-organised with SGAG this year. Working with SGAG was very enjoyable, as it allowed us to inject more colour into the pop-up style market we usually organise, transforming it into a creative festival filled with live entertainment and gameshow elements.

At the end of the day, creativity has to be in our DNA, but I also have this firm belief that ideas are cheap – execution matters more.

What do you think sets Invade apart from other event and retail companies in Singapore, and what do you think are the key factors that have contributed to your success?

I think Invade's success in Singapore's event and retail landscape can be attributed to several key factors. First and foremost, our focus has always been to build successful Intellectual Properties (IPs) around our product offerings. These IPs effectively serve as a moat that distinguish us from our competitors, allowing us to provide our audience with a service that is 'uniquely us'.

We’ve also identified that emerging brands are our biggest success drivers. To help meet the diverse requests of these emerging brands, such as lease periods and stall sizes, we’ve set up an online webpage to quickly collate these demands, allowing us to tailor our event arrangements to meet their requirements effectively.

Finally, investing in our team has also been a key aspect of our strategy. We deeply understand that the way we invest in our human capital directly impacts the execution of our business strategy. Hence, our team is trained to provide service excellence and fully support the needs of our event partners.

One of Invade’s flagship events is Artbox, the outdoor concept market that’s been crowned as one of the most popular pop-up markets in Singapore. Can you tell us more about how you first came up with the concept for Artbox, and how this idea has evolved over the years?

At its core, Artbox is all about celebrating creativity. It's a consumer and lifestyle show focused on bringing the best of what Singapore’s brands have to offer to the masses, and allowing these brands to demonstrate their innovative products to a wide audience.

The simple yet powerful message of Artbox has remained consistent throughout the years, but we’ve also strived to evolve and adapt the Artbox concept to bring it more in line with the changing preferences of consumers and the innovative offerings of emerging brands. The one thing that stays consistent however is making sure that Artbox retains its core theme of celebrating creativity, which is what makes Artbox so unique and loved.

There’s nothing more challenging than running a large event, let alone many festivals within the same period. Out of curiosity, how big are your teams and how do you manage them?

Managing multiple festivals simultaneously can indeed be a challenging task, but our team is structured to optimally handle this workload. Currently, we have a close-knit team of approximately 30 full-time employees. In addition, we also bring onboard about 10 interns every quarter, as we believe fresh minds bring new perspectives and innovative ideas.

A crucial part of our management strategy is having a strong leadership team responsible for aligning the entire team towards the same direction. However, leadership at Invade is not just about steering the team; it's also about listening. We make an effort to be receptive to fresh ideas, as this promotes creative thinking within the team. This balance between clear direction and open-mindedness is, in my view, one of our key success factors. The synergy of strong leadership, team alignment, and innovative thinking allow us to successfully manage our teams and multiple events effectively and efficiently.

Besides organizing events and markets, Invade also owns MOX, a co-making space for creative businesses. Can you share what motivated you to start this project, and what do you hope to achieve with it?

When I first embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I experienced first-hand the challenges of negotiating with landlords, understanding deposit schemes, and other hurdles associated with securing a suitable operating space. These experiences led me to understand that start-ups could greatly benefit from a less burdensome process in procuring their first operating space. Thus, we launched MOX as a safe, community-driven office space, where creatives and entrepreneurs could come together, collaborate, and foster innovation.

MOX is also greatly influenced by the concept of the sharing economy, an idea popularized by platforms like Uber and Lyft. We noticed that creatives often need resources such as photography studios, 3D printers, and workshop rooms, but they don't necessarily need to own or use these resources all the time. By allowing these resources to be shared among its community members, MOX helps to cut costs and promotes efficiency and collaboration.

Overall, we hope that MOX will serve as an enabling platform that reduces barriers for emerging brands, facilitates collaboration, and fosters a community of innovation, all while promoting the concept of resource-sharing.

Invade is known for its innovative approach to retail, with one of your more unique creations being Slurping Good, the ‘first instant noodle-themed experience in Singapore'. Can you share any specific challenges you faced while introducing these new concepts to the market and how you managed to overcome them?

Bringing Slurping Good to the masses was indeed a challenging one, as it was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, which required us to work around the restrictions on organizing traditional events. Our innovative solution was to create a 'ticketed activation,' which was essentially a retail experience celebrating the universally relatable instant noodle. Given the constraints, the concept was successful to an extent, attracting partnerships from established names like Nissin, Lazada, and Shin Ramyun. This endeavour offered us valuable insights into the market dynamics of sponsorships and ticketed events.

However, as we navigated this new concept, we also faced the challenge of striking a balance between visitor expectations and the ticket price we were charging, as we observed that the higher the ticket price, the higher the visitor expectations. Unfortunately, due to some misalignment in expectations, we’ve received a few negative reviews from this event. Despite this, we greatly appreciated the honest feedback and saw it as part of our learning journey.

Nevertheless, the event managed to draw in 12,000 visitors over a span of three months. Given the tumultuous period with continuous changes in COVID-19 regulations, we found this to be quite an accomplishment. The whole experience, while fraught with challenges, has been a valuable lesson in agility, creativity, and resilience.

In addition to Slurping Good, what other unique concepts or projects is Invade currently working on, and what can we expect to see from the company in the near future?

Invade is currently working on an array of exciting concepts and projects, all designed to bring unique experiences to our customers. In addition to Slurping Good, we are developing two more distinctive Intellectual Properties (IPs) that revolve around lifestyle and will take the form of consumer shows. These projects are expected to contribute to Singapore's vibrant event calendar, particularly in the later half of the year. During this time, the city will come to life with numerous events such as the F1 race, Token2049, and the Mid-Autumn festival. We aim to enrich this exciting itinerary and encourage both locals and visitors to stay around for the festivities.

Additionally, our reputation for innovation and unique concepts has attracted the attention of landlords in neighbouring cities such as Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong, and we've been invited to explore opportunities in these locations. In summary, the near future for Invade is packed with new and unique projects, as well as potential international collaborations. We are committed to constantly innovating and enhancing our offerings to provide our customers with memorable experiences while also exploring opportunities for growth beyond Singapore.

With the rise of e-commerce and social media (especially with the rising popularity of TikTok shops), how do you see the future of brick-and-mortar retail?

With platforms like TikTok gaining popularity, we're witnessing an evolution of the attention economy, where it’s increasingly important for businesses to compete for consumers’ attention, particularly in B2C arrangements. Attention becomes a form of currency that, if well-earned, can lead to consumer buy-in. If a consumer appreciates and enjoys your content on TikTok, for example, they're more likely to support your products and endorse your brand.

When it comes to garnering customers’ attention, pop-up events also have an edge in allowing businesses to directly engage with their audience, and create a unique, immersive shopping experience that can't be replicated online. Pop-ups can be used strategically to bridge the gap between digital and physical retail, providing a platform where online success can translate into real-world foot traffic and vice versa.

I believe that the rise of e-commerce and social media doesn't signal the end of brick-and-mortar retail, but rather represents an exciting challenge and opportunity infusing it with new life. It's about finding the right balance and synergy between the physical and digital retail spheres. The strategic use of these tools can not only ensure survival but also drive growth in the retail sector.

Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in getting into the retail or event industries?

Starting and running a business in any industry is a journey that requires more than just a passion; it demands a deep determination and a strong mental capacity to handle the challenges that come along the way. In the retail and event industries, this reality is no different.

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, one key piece of advice would be to prepare yourself for the inevitable criticism and feedback you’ll receive. As you turn your hobby into your livelihood, you essentially put yourself up for judgement. For example, if you enjoy taking photographs and have cultivated a significant following on Instagram, you might consider launching a photography business. However, the transition from hobbyist to professional necessitates that you're ready to receive and constructively handle critiques from your customers.

This leads into the next important point – mental capacity. Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs. The highs can be exhilarating, but the lows can be stressful and challenging. It's crucial to be mentally prepared to navigate these tumultuous waters. Your passion may be the engine driving your entrepreneurial journey, but your mental resilience is the anchor that will keep you steady during storms.

In this light, it's vital to remember why you started your entrepreneurial journey in the first place. Hold on to your initial motivations and let them guide you through difficult times. In other words, stick to your 'why'.

Finally, if you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

If I had the chance to go back in time and give my younger self a piece of advice, it would be to exercise extreme caution when considering going into business with close friends or loved ones. The idea might seem appealing initially, due to the comfort and familiarity, but the personal dynamics involved make it inherently complex.

Working closely with those you share personal relationships with necessitates defining roles and responsibilities with clear precision. It's important to remember that in any business, there has to be a decision-making hierarchy, someone who has the final say in critical situations. Contrary to what some might believe, there's no such thing as a perfect 50/50 split or fully shared decision-making in these scenarios. Decisions have to be made, and not everyone will agree all the time. The stakes are much higher and situations become more sensitive when your business partner is a family member or a close friend. Therefore, always tread carefully in such situations.

That's a wrap! Sign up for Swish here to get access to our curated community of thought leaders.

People of Swish provides you with all the knowledge and expertise our key opinion leaders have to offer. Who would you like us to feature next? Let us know in the comments below.

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People of Swish : Matthew Lim

appie_admin — Mon, 08 May 2023 06:51:49 +0000

People of Swish : Matthew Lim

Swish | 9 May, 2023

Hi Matthew, thanks for agreeing to this interview! To start off, can you give our readers a brief introduction of yourself and what you do at Whisky Cask Club?

Matthew : Hi I’m Matthew, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Whisky Cask Club. With over 13 years of experience in the marketing and advertising industry. My expertise has allowed me to contribute to the growth of the Whisky Cask Club, establish partnerships in the industry, and create personalized services for clients.

Can you share with us the story behind Whisky Cask Club and how your team’s combined experience has shaped the company?

Matthew : Whisky Cask Club was founded by our CEO, Alexander Knight, who saw the opportunity to setup an office in Singapore for whisky enthusiasts to learn more about whisky investments.

Under the leadership of Alex, we have gone further and beyond the traditional trade and created several ways to allow our customers to invest in whisky.

How does investing in whisky casks compare to other alternative investments such as fine wine or art? Are there any unique advantages whisky cask investment has to offer?

Matthew : Every investment and asset has its own merits, hence it wouldn’t be fair to compare one against another as it is really down to the investor’s preference and appetite.

Whisky is the top performing luxury asset under the Knight Frank index, and is shown to have no correlation to the traditional market. What is unique about investing in whisky casks is that the value of the cask and the whisky in it naturally appreciates as the whisky ages and matures in the cask.

As the CCO of Whisky Cask Club, can you share with us your personal journey in the world of whisky and what sparked your passion for this industry?

Matthew : Certainly. I was a whisky lover before I joined the Whisky Cask Club, but my knowledge of whisky back then was pretty close to surface level.

Being part of this industry now has allowed me to learn so much more about whisky – from telling different taste profiles apart to learning about the trade itself, which has really wowed me. Joining this industry is also the perfect way for my passion to pay for itself.

On a more personal note, what is your all-time favourite whisky, and what makes it so special to you?

Matthew : I don’t have a specific brand of whisky that I will consider my all-time favourite, but I do enjoy the smokiness of peaty whiskies, and will tend to choose such options whenever available.

How has your appreciation for whisky evolved over the years, and are there any emerging trends or innovations in the industry that you find particularly exciting or intriguing?

Matthew : Just like everyone else, I started off with something light and the mainstream brands. Over time, as I got to learn more about whiskies, I moved on to trying single cask bottlings from independent bottlers. As every cask is unique in its own way, it’s always a different experience whenever I try a new bottle.

Closing off our interview, what advice would you give to help a new investor make informed decisions and maximize their returns?

Matthew : Whisky investment is not complex. If you’re new, it’s important to work with a trustworthy broker that will take you through the entire process.

That's a wrap! If you'd like to get started on whisky appreciation, or find out more about the prospects of whisky as an alternative investment, sign up for our invite-only app to join Matthew’s Whisky Cask Club interest group.

People of Swish highlights some of the brilliant masterminds behind your favourite Interest Groups. Who would you like us to feature next? Let us know in the comments below.

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The Next Wave Of Innovation For Start-ups

appie_admin — Tue, 02 May 2023 08:53:10 +0000

The next wave of innovation for startups

Swish | 2 May, 2023

The much-anticipated *SCAPE Creative Fellowship Demo Day kicked off on a high with an engaging conversation among three industry experts on how the next wave of innovation for startups will be focused around the themes of AI, Web3 and sustainability.

With the rapid advancements in generative AI and blockchain technology, the discussion provided valuable insights into the current state of these technologies, and their potential to revolutionise existing industries.

As you read on, you'll discover the key takeaways from this enlightening conversation, learn about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and gain an understanding of how these cutting-edge technologies are shaping the landscape of innovation.

Generative AI’s positive impact on public healthcare training

Kicking off an insightful session, moderator Terence Lee, Editor in Chief of Tech In Asia, engaged Alvinder Singh, Founder and CEO of VisionarySchoolmen, in a discussion on generative AI's impact on public healthcare training and course development.

According to Alvinder Singh, public healthcare institutions like SingHealth are no stranger to AI, having used natural language processing models to automate customer-service workflows for the past five to six years. Applying generative AI to content creation, public health organisations are also now able to generate 3-4 courses worth of content daily, illustrating generative AI's rapid growth. Traditional departments focused on creating courses are also being replaced by smaller units which develop materials to train and test staff on new capabilities. Still, job displacement is not a concern, as domain experts are needed to ensure content accuracy and relevance.

With AI moving from more restrictive domains like predictive analysis to a broader domain within the field of content creation, Singh cautions that generative AI brings along potential risks, such as more convincing scam callers. Despite this, generative AI has demonstrated the ability to cut costs on more laborious workflows, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious start-ups.

Embracing digital collectibles for fan engagement

The conversation also pivoted to the topic of blockchain technology, specifically on embracing Web3 elements to expand the creative horizons of the entertainment industry.

For Darren Ho (Head of Digital and Web3 at mm2Asia Pte Ltd), the complex landscape of decentralised IP rights and compliance hasn't deterred his company from embracing new concepts like digital ownership. More positively, digital collectibles now enable fan engagement at various levels, from casual supporters to superfans and investors. To illustrate this, Darren cites their recent experiment in releasing 8,888 digital collectibles to “Ah Girls go army” moviegoers, allowing fans to redeem an NFT by scanning a QR code attached to the movie ticket. Taking digital collectibles a step further, mm2Asia will also be experimenting with dynamic NFTs for loyalty programs, rewarding loyal fans with exclusive perks from their existing point-of-sale systems.

Additionally, Darren also shared some lessons he picked up from his time dabbling with web3-based engagement strategies, highlighting that new ideas often start off as simpler concepts that expand over time. For start-ups, it’s hence essential to embrace innovation, apply new concepts, and have the courage to make changes in pursuit of better results. Starting small and overcoming initial compliance challenges can also pave the way for significant growth. However, entrepreneurs must be prepared to put in the necessary work and dedication to bring their ideas to life.

Investing in Sustainability : Challenges, Opportunities

Rounding up the discussion, John Lee (Founder and managing partner of Infracrowd Capital Pte Ltd) provided some exciting developments in the field of sustainability from an investor’s standpoint.

As a relatively new fund focused on investing in sustainable infrastructure development, the fund finds itself having to invest for a longer time horizon due to the time required for new innovations to find their way into existing industrial processes. Luckily, Singapore’s focus on tackling sustainability head-on has also turned the country into a testbed for attracting talent and nurturing a holistic ecosystem. This grants sustainability investors the opportunity to work closely with industrial partners and governments. Family offices, which control 80% of listed businesses, have also shown an increased interest in sustainability investing, with a recent PwC survey revealing that 60% of them are focusing on enhancing their sustainability exposure, making them a prime candidate for sustainability investors to partner with.

Opportunities are aplenty for start-ups, with data centres representing a key opportunity for sustainability innovation in Singapore. As one of the most popular locations for data centres, Singapore faces the challenge of balancing the energy-intensive nature of traditional data centres with its sustainability goals. Innovations aimed at making data centres more energy-efficient hence present a significant opportunity in the sustainability space.

The Takeaway

Overall, the fireside chat at *SCAPE’s Creative Fellowship Demo Day provided invaluable insights into the power of generative AI, blockchain technology, and their potential to drive sustainable innovation across various industries. As these cutting-edge technologies continue to evolve and shape the landscape of innovation, it is crucial for start-ups, investors, and industry leaders to embrace change, adapt, and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead. By fostering a culture of innovation, nurturing talent, and fostering strategic partnerships, we can harness the potential of these cutting-edge technologies to create a better, more sustainable future for all.

We hope you enjoyed this recap! Sign up for our Swish App here to get the full recording to the fireside chat, along with early notifications on our upcoming events featuring other thought-leaders and industry experts.

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From Virtual to Reality : Why Brands, Cities, and Governments Must Have a Presence in the Metaverse

appie_admin — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:23:54 +0000

From Virtual to Reality : Why Brands, Cities, and Governments Must Have a Presence in the Metaverse

Swish | 27 April, 2023

Weighing in on the Metaverse

Having been in the metaverse industry for some time now, our guest speakers both provided differently optimistic outlooks for the future of the industry. For Vitaliy Nachaev (Head of Metaverse at Vostok VR), the metaverse will eventually evolve to become the ‘final destination’, a single platform for different brands to market new experiences through virtual touchpoints, which would be vastly different from the silo-ed experiences at present. Concurrently, as existing players of sandbox games like Roblox become active market participants in the future, the metaverse may trend towards mainstream adoption as these consumers seek out similar experiences to what they’re already familiar with.

For Sam Huber (CEO of LandVault), the metaverse excels in its ability to deliver immersive experiences in ways that pictures and videos cannot. With its ability to replicate physical experiences through virtual worlds and digital twins, governments and local authorities in Southeast Asia and the Middle East are already experimenting with AR/VR platforms to engage prospective tourists while also showcasing their region’s culture. Mixed reality can also be used to deliver educational experiences, allowing both tourists and prospective investors to understand how a region and its culture have developed in the past 10 – 20 years.

The Middle East is also where e-governance is taking root, with the help of virtual reality and blockchain technology. With VR, citizens and investors can envision the outcome of projects with longer time horizons, such as urban redevelopment programs. Blockchain-based election systems also offer greater speed when it comes to aggregating election outcomes, allowing for a more informed and efficient citizen participation.

Catching up with recent developments in the Middle East

Our speakers also discussed several exciting developments in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the realm of the metaverse.

When it comes to the UAE, developments can be broadly categorized into two main areas – attracting talent and fostering new business avenues. To shift their economy away from being too oil-dependent, the UAE has been investing in cutting-edge technologies to attract the best talent. In this regard, the metaverse serves as an excellent platform to showcase what it's like to live and work in these countries, as it allows potential expats to experience the region's active economy and beautiful landmarks virtually. Additionally, the metaverse also provides opportunities for countries in the region to create digital twins of their physical spaces, while supporting the monetization and the exploration of creative business avenues.

Saudi’s government has also leveraged virtual experiences to bolster tourism and transform the nation’s economy as part of their Vision 2030 plan. To increase its tourism intake from 30 million to 250 million, AR/VR experiences have been crafted to promote cultural and historical sites, while travel restrictions have eased to attract more tourists to the region. Saudi Arabia is also actively promoting the relocation of businesses from regional hubs like Doha, Dubai, and Bahrain to Riyadh, positioning Riyadh as the leading business centre of the region. With businesses expressing more interest in creating digital twins of their offices or factories, the Saudi government has also created a number of experimental business-friendly policies, such as creating metaverse-free zones where companies can establish a digital presence in Riyadh without having a physical location. This approach is expected to attract innovative companies that wish to test their digital presence before setting up physical operations in the country.

Overall, the Gulf and the Middle East are becoming increasingly involved in the metaverse, both as a means to attract talent and to explore new business avenues. This involvement is expected to contribute to the diversification of their economies and the growth of the technology sector in the region.

Advice for the metaverse-curious

Wrapping up the session, our speakers provided some pointers for authorities to consider before diving into the metaverse.

Having completed projects for a number of Fortune 500 companies including Mastercard, Red Bull and L’Oreal, Sam observed that brands that did well usually have a clear understanding of why they need a virtual presence in the metaverse, rather than doing it just for PR or to follow a trend. Similarly, governments should adopt a long-term and strategic approach to ensure the sustainability of metaverse projects. Making something just for the sake of it or to be a "first-mover" in the market might generate initial interest, but without a clear purpose and vision, the project may lose momentum over time.

Vitaliy also emphasized the importance of having a solid business case for their metaverse ventures. This could include driving user engagement, promoting tourism, or creating digital twins for simulations. Setting specific objectives will help them develop a focused strategy and measure the success of their projects. Collaborating with other stakeholders, such as technology providers, content creators, and even other businesses can also help to drive the overall success and sustainability of these strategies.

The Takeaway : How far are we away from mass adoption?

The metaverse is indeed leveraging on existing user behaviour cultivated by the gaming industry. People have grown accustomed to engaging with 3D environments and spending time and money within them, provided the experiences are entertaining and captivating. As the metaverse expands its offerings beyond gaming to include non-gaming experiences like social interactions, virtual concerts, and immersive experiences, it will benefit from this established user behaviour.

However, to foster a thriving ecosystem within the metaverse, it's also essential to provide creators with the tools and opportunities to monetize their content – whether its working with creators to design and sell virtual items, or helping creators develop subscription-based models to offer premium content or services. Having a robust creator economy would ultimately be beneficial in contributing to the growth and diversity of any metaverse ecosystem.

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People of Swish : Dr Loretta Chen

appie_admin — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:54:41 +0000

People of Swish : Dr Loretta Chen

Swish | 18 April, 2023

To kick off our interview, can you share a little bit about your journey in becoming an acclaimed creative director and professor?

Dr Loretta: Firstly, thank you so much for having me! My journey as a creative director started as a child, while growing up in an atypical progressive household surrounded by the arts, culture, music, and theatre. Growing up, my siblings and I were often told to believe in ourselves and blaze our own trail, and it was this familial influence that encouraged us to embark on our individual pursuits of self-expression.

Meanwhile, as the youngest sibling, I have a great sense of wanting to take care of people through mentorship and empowerment. Coupled with my strong belief that education holds the key to upward social mobility, a career in teaching came naturally to me.

That’s very fascinating! What inspired you to combine these elements of arts, culture, and media into what Smobler is today?

Dr Loretta: The initial idea for Smobler started at the height of the pandemic in late-2020, when I received a call from my current co-founder, who requested for a couple of paid projects to tide him through a period of unemployment. Around the same time, I came across the Sandbox, an open metaverse platform which offered no-code design tools for creatives to design and sell digital assets on an open marketplace.

What really enticed me about the Sandbox was its ability to offer individuals the opportunity to monetize on their creativity. Jumping onboard through the game makers’ fund, an incentive program for creators to design new experiences, my current co-founder and I were able to catch the attention of various brands through our creations, and as luck would have it, the rest was history!

It’s amazing how this space has the potential to continuously reward creators in a fair and sustainable way. With such a diverse background in theatre and brand direction, how do you think your experiences have contributed to your unique perspective and teaching style?

Dr Loretta: I’m so glad you’re asking all these questions! It’s these past experiences that really shape who I am and what I can bring to the Metaverse. As an artist as heart, my job is to humanize the Metaverse by teasing out the stories behind what brands, communities and IPs want to show, and create a vision to portray these stories.

Fundamentally, my role is similar to a theatre director's, where I unite creatives under a common vision. This ability to bring everyone together while tapping on their diverse strengths and abilities is something I enjoy and do best.

And I bet your years of ups and downs have contributed to your successes in equal measure! Going back to the idea of virtual architecture, can you briefly explain the challenges and opportunities when it comes to designing for a virtual world?

Dr Loretta: I think the pandemic has really increased the amount of time spent in the virtual world among the younger generation. As younger individuals increasingly shift their social lives into the digital space, ownership of digital assets become more important than ever, either as a form of status symbol or self-expression. This demand for digital goods is one opportunity businesses can latch on.

Brands are also getting involved by tapping on the metaverse to create replicas of their physical spaces to engage a younger demographic. Personally, I think this is where companies can exercise their creativity in building new and fantastic structures. One example would be a concert venue we've recently built for a client, comprising of a subterranean aquarium with a stage on top. This allows fun and fantastic spaces to be created to appeal to the younger generation.

Your personal tagline, "People, Purpose, Possibilities," truly reflects your passion for educating and accelerating the next generation of leaders. How do you envision the role of education and mentorship in shaping the future of the metaverse?

Dr Loretta: I think raising awareness is key, and we really need good people in the space at such an early stage of the Metaverse. That is why I constantly go around consulting on the real-world benefits and use cases of the Metaverse, while building strategic partnerships with the right people.

At the heart of Smobler, we also have the Metaverse For Good Initiative, which seeks out partnerships around our strategic thrusts. This includes Aventis, who we worked with to establish a one-million dollar scholarship fund to onboard scholars from the ASEAN region into a Metaverse Masters' program.

On a larger scale, we’ve also been working with educational institutions like SkillsFuture and IMDA to train more individuals on relevant roles for building out the Metaverse. As the industry becomes more sophisticated, proper training and learning is required, hence our constant conversations with these stakeholders.

The metaverse is an ever-evolving landscape with countless possibilities. In your opinion, what are some key trends or developments we should watch for in the coming years?

Dr Loretta: As the industry matures, we'll see a greater demand for real-world use case scenarios. Even now, our discussions with brands mostly revolve around matters like how to integrate employee engagement, promote mental wellness and create training programs into the Metaverse.

Additionally, most socialising takes place in the virtual world among the current generation nowadays. If we can construct virtual spaces that are safe and fun, while empowering uplifting social bonds, I would say that we have succeeded.

This is such an amazing conversation that I would love to take offline. However, I have just one question to end off this session – what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers looking to leave an impact?

Dr Loretta: I'll offer the same advice I usually give – have a grounded understanding of yourself, your purpose and passion before starting out. Having concrete goals prevents you from being sidetracked, while knowing who you are will protect you from beaten down by naysayers and critics, whose criticism might leave you feeling disempowered. It really pays to invest the time in building up self-awareness and a robust support system.

As an entrepreneur, it’s also important to separate criticism and feedback – be open to critical discourse and separate the destructive from the constructive. Again, your sense of self and grounding is very important here – and it’s essential for you to stay firm but open as you go out there and change the world.

That's a wrap! Sign up for Swish to get access to our curated community of thought leaders here.

People of Swish provides you with all the knowledge and expertise our key opinion leaders have to offer. Who would you like us to feature next? Let us know in the comments below.

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People of Swish : Sheryl Ho

appie_admin — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:43:20 +0000

People of Swish: Sheryl Ho

Swish | 11 April, 2023

Hi Sheryl, why don't you introduce yourself to our readers?

Sheryl: Hi, I'm the Senior Marketing Manager at Golden Equator Group and the proud Founder and Leader of 好 Lobang!

Your group is known for finding the best bargains in town. What's the secret sauce to your group's success?

Sheryl: It's simple — everyone loves a great deal, and they're all around us. 好 Lobang is a platform where members come together to discover and share the fantastic deals they find. Good deals must share!

We are all fans of good deals. Can you share the most exciting or craziest discount you've seen lately that our readers will love?

Sheryl: There are so many! But one that stands out is when I recently bought a pair of Reebok sports shoes for just $35 at IMM. I also found $20 sports bras from Adidas, Reebok, and more. IMM is truly one of the best places in Singapore for incredible deals.

If you could have an unlimited shopping spree at any store, which one would you choose?

Sheryl: That's a tough decision, but it would be a close call between Lululemon and Forever New!

Let's talk shopping hacks. Do you have any insider tips or tricks for maximizing savings when shopping online or in-store?

Sheryl: Absolutely! Here are some of my favorite tips

Sign up for a ShopBack account and download the Chrome extension to ensure your transactions are tracked for cashback. Keep an eye out for special days with increased cashback amounts.
Before making a purchase, search the web and the brand's social media accounts for promotional codes.
Organize group buys to reduce shipping costs and make the most of credit card benefits.
While sale days like 1.1, 2.2 seem to be the best time to shop online, do your research beforehand during off-peak periods to ensure you're truly getting the best value for your money.

We're eager to join! Is there a secret handshake or code word to get into your exclusive group, or is it open to all?

Sheryl: Everyone is welcome to join 好 Lobang! While I do post in the group, many members also share their exciting deals whenever they spot them.

That's a wrap! If you'd like to stay updated on the best deals in town to stretch your dollar, sign up for our invite-only app to join the 好 Lobang (Good Lobang) interest group.

People of Swish highlights some of the brilliant masterminds behind your favourite Interest Groups. Who would you like us to feature next? Let us know in the comments below.

The post People of Swish : Sheryl Ho appeared first on Swish.

People of Swish : Joezer Ivan

appie_admin — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:31:10 +0000

People of Swish : Joezer Ivan

Swish | 29 March, 2023

To get the ball rolling, can you give us some insight into what you do as a Front-End Developer for Swish?

Joezer Ivan (JI): As Swish’s Front-End Developer, my key areas of responsibility include building and maintaining Swish’s web application, which is what you see when you access Swish through your web browser.

Essentially, this means converting the designs created by our design team into components Swish users can interact with. Various APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) also have to be implemented to fetch and present data to users as efficiently as possible.

As a result, most of my days are spent working on new features to improve the Swish web application, ensuring that it keeps up with the mobile app, and on bug fixes to make the web application more reliable.

We understand that you were essentially a “one-man show” since you joined the team in October 2021. How did you manage this feat of rebuilding the Swish web app from scratch?

JI: Being the sole Front-End Developer for those nine months was really quite a challenge! I had to juggle working on new features and bug fixes on the one hand, and figure out the best method to implement all those features on the other.

To be honest, there were times when I felt really overwhelmed and missed some deadlines. But the team has always been supportive and understanding of tasks taking longer to complete than expected. Moreover, having gone through these tough times has made me better at estimating the time needed to complete specific tasks.

What were some of the most significant challenges you’ve tackled in Swish’s development, and how did you overcome these challenges?

JI: Recently, I think that the most significant challenge has been the implementation of end-to-end encryption in Swish chats and – after implementing the feature – fixing the bugs found as efficiently as possible so that the app doesn’t become too sluggish.

Overall, how I tackle any problem is to approach each one from multiple angles until I decide on the best possible solution. I think that this process is just one interpretation of what “innovation” means – it isn’t only a “lightbulb” moment, but also a case of considering all possible solutions to find the best one.

What does achieving "excellence" at work mean in your perspective?

JI: As a full-time remote worker, excellence requires setting up the best possible conditions. This means planning what I want to achieve for work each day, and minimising distractions so I can focus on accomplishing what I set out to achieve.

Sometimes, this means visiting a co-working space to work in – a proper physical workspace that’s conducive for minimising distractions, getting into “work” mode, and completing all my tasks for the day. Additionally, I’ve also integrated some tools into my toolkit to help me be more productive at work, including Github Copilot – a tool that helps me with advanced AI suggestions based on the comments and name of the function I’m writing, along with ChatGPT, which I’ve found to be really helpful for creating a quick mental model of what needs to be done – setting the base for me to iterate upon.

I think that striving for excellence often involves the effort of more than one person. For Swish, I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside an amazing team of developers who are always up for a quick brainstorming session to come up with solutions to any problems we encounter.

That’s a wrap! If you’d like to learn more about what makes Swish tick, Joezer Ivan is always a Swish away.

On Swish, you can learn from the best and build your network... while having some fun along the way! Request an invite to our curated community here.

The post People of Swish : Joezer Ivan appeared first on Swish.

People of Swish : Steve Settle

appie_admin — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:14:53 +0000

People of Swish : Steve Settle

Swish | 30 January, 2023

It’s no secret that running a business comes with its fair share of risks. With the right tools and, most importantly — the right talent, these risks can be mitigated to bring the business to its true potential.

We’ve managed to schedule a quick Q & A with Steve Settle, who has generously shared with us more about himself, how his CFOs have paved the way for growing companies, and why SPECTRUM is the perfect place for them.

Thanks for joining us in this interview. Can you tell us more about yourself?

I’m British originally, and an engineering graduate who then became a Chartered Accountant. I moved to Australia in my mid-twenties with Price Waterhouse and spent 15 years there, ultimately working for a company called Thomson Financial (now Thomson Reuters) as regional CFO, running the Asia Pacific market from Sydney – not ideal.

The company reorganised and the European and Asian CEOs switched positions. The CEO from Europe was given the choice to move the headquarters from Sydney to either Hong Kong, Japan or Singapore. He decided on Singapore as his wife had been to school at UWC and had fond memories of the country. So we moved the regional HQ from Sydney to Singapore – where I have been now for 21 years.

How did CFO Centre start?

In 2013, I was introduced to Colin Mills, the founder of CFO Centre. Colin was previously a corporate CFO who started doing some work for a small company run by a contact of his wife. He noticed that the company’s growth aspirations were hindered by the lack of input from an experienced financial professional. They had a bookkeeper/accountant to cover the necessary reporting and compliance work, but nobody to provide strategic input, ask the difficult questions or streamline the financial operations. The cost of hiring someone like that was prohibitive and there would not have been enough work to keep them occupied full time.

Hence, Colin started a part-time CFO business which has grown to over 750 CFOs across almost every continent, and over 90 offices around the world – quite a substantial global business.

What’s the difference between a CFO and a Senior Accountant?

A Senior Accountant’s role is more technical in nature and specifically focussed on the finance function. A CFO however, requires broader experience and has a much wider focus across all of the business. They need to be able to mentor and develop their team, relate and add value to other disciplines outside of finance, communicate clearly (internally and externally), manage risk but be forward thinking and be a business partner to the CEO/entrepreneur.

Although an accountant and a CFO both deal with numbers, the CFO needs to know how to use the numbers to drive the correct business decisions, and effectively allocate business resources. Hence, a CFO is more of a businessperson than someone who’s just good with numbers.

When would a company use someone from the CFO Centre rather than hiring their own CFO?

Our sweet spot is dealing with companies that are in their growth stage. They may have evolved to have multiple products and presences in multiple countries, but have lost track of their financials – their systems, process and reporting are no longer fit for purpose and do not adequately support the business. I would say that the companies within our sweet spot would generate revenue between 5 to 25 million – although we have helped businesses that turnover anything from one hundred thousand to a billion dollars.

Although such companies can come from any industry, they tend to come from growth industry sectors.

How do you think technology will shape the future of the financial services industry moving forward?

I think technology is and will continue to impact many industries, not just financial services and the pace of change will only speed up.

COVID accelerated the need to do more online, remote working is no longer an exception, efficiencies and cost savings have resulted from increased digitisation across many business disciplines, use of artificial intelligence and robots are on the rise and blockchain and it many applications is driving increased decentralised and digital accountability. Who knows where Web3.0 will lead and the capabilities that will result from quantum computing will add a further dimension. All very exciting!

How has your experience in SPECTRUM been so far?

The place is fantastic! Not only is the space beautifully designed and really functional, the whole concept of getting people together who can collaborate on different things, and having the opportunities to create introductions to others is something you don’t find in other spaces. So I love working here and everyone in SPECTRUM’s been great!

That’s a wrap! If you’re looking to learn more about the CFO Centre and the work that Steve does, request an invite to our curated community here.

The post People of Swish : Steve Settle appeared first on Swish.

People of Swish : Sofy Rahman

appie_admin — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:05:27 +0000

People of Swish : Sofy Rahman

Swish | 16 January, 2023

By now, I’m very sure you would have attended one of our many monthly webinars or on-site events. Sofy is one of the powerhouses behind the events, meetups and collaborations held exclusively for our awesome Swish users. Sofy is also mastermind behind the monthly leaderboard, making sure the our sweet rewards go to deserving users.

We managed to catch up with Sofy for a quick Q&A, where she shares with us some of her favourite lunch spots around the area and her life outside of work.

Where can we uncover the hidden side of you when you're not busy working away?

As a working mother, my days are often filled with the responsibilities of both work and family.

While I used to enjoy leisurely activities like chilling at cafes and live music events, those have become a rarity with a young child at home. When I’m not at the office, you can usually find me and my 4-year-old son at home playing with Lego and Brainflakes, or at indoor playgrounds and enjoying nature walks at Telok Blangah Hill Park and Henderson Waves.

We also love exploring the neighbourhood on his scooter, whether it’s in Sentosa or around our estate. In my limited free time, I enjoy catching up on my favorite K-dramas, catching up with friends on Instagram, and online shopping. Motherhood keeps me busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are some of your top picks for food around Bugis?

Haji Lane is a true mecca for food-lovers! You’ve got to try Piedra Negra or the classic fish soup down Beach Road. Delish!

For those who are in a hurry, there’s definitely Dosirak and Poke Theory just downstairs for quick lunch runs (I am crazy about salmon by the way). Feeling a bit daring? Take the plunge and cross the bridge that leads straight to foodie paradise, Suntec City!

What do you love about working in SPECTRUM?

Being surrounded by nothing less than the most remarkable people on Earth, particularly Yvonne and Michelle, the ever-amiable concierge ladies at the front.

These two and the rest of the SPECTRUM team have poured so much of themselves into ensuring SPECTRUM runs like clockwork and, naturally, into cultivating a truly wonderful community. It’s a space that was crafted with every possible detail in mind.

That’s a wrap! If you’re ever looking for someone to bond over K-drama or exchange parenting tips, don’t forget that Sofy is just a Swish away!

At Swish, we do both work AND play. Get access to our curated community and enrich your network by requesting an invite to Swish here.

The post People of Swish : Sofy Rahman appeared first on Swish.

Risk Management in Web3

appie_admin — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 04:16:11 +0000

Risk Management in Web3

Swish | 13 February, 2023

Web3 from a Risk Manager’s Perspective

Andeed Ma first sets the tone of the webinar by defining Web3, and what this new innovation means from a risk manager’s perspective.

Web3, also known as the ‘semantic web’, has been conceptualised as a potential future internet, granting users greater control over how their personal data is integrated into their user experience. Web3 is powered by a blockchain on the back-end, allowing users to bypass service providers (think Google or Meta). Users can execute various transactions, such as buying/selling cryptocurrency, or accessing various decentralised applications, without the help of an intermediary or a service provider. Coupled with artificial intelligence/machine learning technology, Web3 is able provide users with a seamless and customised experience based on the personal credentials stored within their individual wallet or account.

Web3 has its upsides, most notably by getting rid of the central authority or middleman, hence creating a permission-less or trust-less experience. In such an environment, an intermediary is not required for virtual transactions to take place between two or more parties, allowing financial transactions in decentralised finance (among other use cases) to occur seamlessly.

Emergent risk depends on an organisation’s risk appetite

Andeed next identifies 7 key areas where risk can emerge in Web3, based on how Web3 deviates from our current internet – namely the use of 3D graphics, the type of advertising strategy employed, the driving technologies employed on the backend, the method of data storage and recall used, the types of applications available, the focal/unique selling point of the product and the target reach of Web3.

Based on these 7 key areas, the risk an organisation may face depends on the amount of risk an organisation is willing to expose themselves to. Through proper risk assessment, a tolerable deviation from an organisation’s risk appetite should also be identified, which guides the maximum tolerable downside an organisation can stomach when embarking on a web3-focused strategy.

Types of risk in Web3 – what can go wrong?

Andeed also provided us with a brief run-down of the highest-risk areas which organisations should collectively work against, namely –

Cybersecurity threats – as the web gets more interconnected, the surface of attack of cyber assaults and data breaches gets larger. Trust, privacy and security issues become more pertinent than ever.
Reputation risks – in a decentralized setting, it becomes harder to restrict defamatory information that may be propagated against an organisation.
Regulatory risks – new regulatory frameworks are constantly being developed as Web3 evolves, which require agile compliance frameworks to mitigate regulatory risk.
Technology risks – Web3 may make use of cutting-edge technology (e.g. ChatGPT), which are susceptible to backdoors or vulnerabilities that perpetrators can take advantage of.

Safeguarding against risk through proper risk management

Based on the ISO 31000 consensus, risk management refers to ‘coordinated activities that direct and control an organisation with regard to risk’. Risk management should start from translating one’s business principles into risk principles, which forms the basis for various risk frameworks to be developed. These frameworks should then guide processes to manage inherent risks – or the maximum risk that any organization will be exposed to.

Additionally, robust risk assessments are also required to identify residual risks that cannot be predicted (e.g. property damage), where proper forms of risk treatment (such as getting the appropriate insurance coverage) can be adopted.

As risk is continually evolving, risk governance must be put in place, which entails the continuous mapping, measuring and management of resources to manage risk. Agile risk management strategies (top-down and bottom-up approaches to risk management happening in tandem while organizations and individuals are learning and evolving) should also be implemented.

The Takeaway : Don’t Trust, Verify

A key takeaway from the webinar is the zero-trust initiative, which Andeed describes as a need for organizations to start with zero trust towards any party or system.

What this means is that when adopting new technologies (e.g. Web3 protocol layers), organisations should employ a security-first approach, granting these new layers the lowest privilege of access into existing devices, applications, infrastructure or networks. Gradually, access privileges should only be elevated based on new organisational, group or job-scope needs. In doing so, organisations will be able to minimise the damage caused from emerging risks.

Swish is your gateway to insightful events featuring industry leaders like Andeed Ma. Stay up to date on the latest technologies and get first-hand updates on upcoming events by requesting an invite to Swish here.

The post Risk Management in Web3 appeared first on Swish.

Swish

People of Swish : Kent Teo

People of Swish : Kent Teo

Thanks for joining us for this interview, Kent. To kick things off, can you tell us more about yourself and the work you do at Invade?

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting Invade?

How do you come up with new ideas for your pop-up events and markets? Can you take us through your creative process?

What do you think sets Invade apart from other event and retail companies in Singapore, and what do you think are the key factors that have contributed to your success?

One of Invade’s flagship events is Artbox, the outdoor concept market that’s been crowned as one of the most popular pop-up markets in Singapore. Can you tell us more about how you first came up with the concept for Artbox, and how this idea has evolved over the years?

There’s nothing more challenging than running a large event, let alone many festivals within the same period. Out of curiosity, how big are your teams and how do you manage them?

Besides organizing events and markets, Invade also owns MOX, a co-making space for creative businesses. Can you share what motivated you to start this project, and what do you hope to achieve with it?

In addition to Slurping Good, what other unique concepts or projects is Invade currently working on, and what can we expect to see from the company in the near future?

With the rise of e-commerce and social media (especially with the rising popularity of TikTok shops), how do you see the future of brick-and-mortar retail?

Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in getting into the retail or event industries?

Finally, if you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

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People of Swish : Matthew Lim

People of Swish : Matthew Lim

Hi Matthew, thanks for agreeing to this interview! To start off, can you give our readers a brief introduction of yourself and what you do at Whisky Cask Club?

Can you share with us the story behind Whisky Cask Club and how your team’s combined experience has shaped the company?

How does investing in whisky casks compare to other alternative investments such as fine wine or art? Are there any unique advantages whisky cask investment has to offer?

As the CCO of Whisky Cask Club, can you share with us your personal journey in the world of whisky and what sparked your passion for this industry?

On a more personal note, what is your all-time favourite whisky, and what makes it so special to you?

How has your appreciation for whisky evolved over the years, and are there any emerging trends or innovations in the industry that you find particularly exciting or intriguing?

Closing off our interview, what advice would you give to help a new investor make informed decisions and maximize their returns?

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The Next Wave Of Innovation For Start-ups

The next wave of innovation for startups

Generative AI’s positive impact on public healthcare training

Embracing digital collectibles for fan engagement

Investing in Sustainability : Challenges, Opportunities

The Takeaway

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From Virtual to Reality : Why Brands, Cities, and Governments Must Have a Presence in the Metaverse

From Virtual to Reality : Why Brands, Cities, and Governments Must Have a Presence in the Metaverse

Weighing in on the Metaverse

Catching up with recent developments in the Middle East

Advice for the metaverse-curious

The Takeaway : How far are we away from mass adoption?

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People of Swish : Dr Loretta Chen

People of Swish : Dr Loretta Chen

To kick off our interview, can you share a little bit about your journey in becoming an acclaimed creative director and professor?

That’s very fascinating! What inspired you to combine these elements of arts, culture, and media into what Smobler is today?

It’s amazing how this space has the potential to continuously reward creators in a fair and sustainable way. With such a diverse background in theatre and brand direction, how do you think your experiences have contributed to your unique perspective and teaching style?

And I bet your years of ups and downs have contributed to your successes in equal measure! Going back to the idea of virtual architecture, can you briefly explain the challenges and opportunities when it comes to designing for a virtual world?

Your personal tagline, "People, Purpose, Possibilities," truly reflects your passion for educating and accelerating the next generation of leaders. How do you envision the role of education and mentorship in shaping the future of the metaverse?

The metaverse is an ever-evolving landscape with countless possibilities. In your opinion, what are some key trends or developments we should watch for in the coming years?

This is such an amazing conversation that I would love to take offline. However, I have just one question to end off this session – what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers looking to leave an impact?

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People of Swish : Sheryl Ho

People of Swish: Sheryl Ho

Hi Sheryl, why don't you introduce yourself to our readers?

Your group is known for finding the best bargains in town. What's the secret sauce to your group's success?

We are all fans of good deals. Can you share the most exciting or craziest discount you've seen lately that our readers will love?

If you could have an unlimited shopping spree at any store, which one would you choose?

Let's talk shopping hacks. Do you have any insider tips or tricks for maximizing savings when shopping online or in-store?

We're eager to join! Is there a secret handshake or code word to get into your exclusive group, or is it open to all?

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People of Swish : Joezer Ivan

People of Swish : Joezer Ivan

To get the ball rolling, can you give us some insight into what you do as a Front-End Developer for Swish?

We understand that you were essentially a “one-man show” since you joined the team in October 2021. How did you manage this feat of rebuilding the Swish web app from scratch?

What were some of the most significant challenges you’ve tackled in Swish’s development, and how did you overcome these challenges?

What does achieving "excellence" at work mean in your perspective?

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People of Swish : Steve Settle

People of Swish : Steve Settle

Thanks for joining us in this interview. Can you tell us more about yourself?

How did CFO Centre start?

What’s the difference between a CFO and a Senior Accountant?

When would a company use someone from the CFO Centre rather than hiring their own CFO?

How do you think technology will shape the future of the financial services industry moving forward?

How has your experience in SPECTRUM been so far?