Chris Chan (EMBA, CPA)

🚀 Cross-Border Innovation Unleashed! Gobi Partners, a leading Southeast Asian VC firm, has joined forces with Japan-based Cross Capital to redefine the startup landscape. This strategic partnership is set to: 🔗 Facilitate cross-border innovation 🌏 Enhance the flow of Japanese investments into SEA startups 💡 Empower startups with access to unparalleled networks and resources Cross Capital, founded by VC veterans with 40 years of expertise, connects Japanese corporations to ~1,800 startups via its flagship Fund of Funds (FoF). By championing open innovation, this collaboration opens doors for startups to scale, localize, and thrive across borders. This aligns with Gobi's vision under the Crouching Panda, Hidden Tapir framework, fostering seamless synergy between Northeast Asia and ASEAN. With a proven track record of successful exits to Japanese firms—like Hermo (acquired by iStyle) and Workmate (acquired by Persol)—this partnership is poised to drive unparalleled growth in the region's tech ecosystem. 💬 What does this mean for SEA's trillion-dollar startup boom? Let’s discuss! https://loom.ly/m2Iz-U0 #VentureCapital #CrossBorderInnovation #ASEANStartups #JapanInvestments #e27News

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[INTEGRATING PHILANTHROPY: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WEALTH MANAGEMENT] #PhilanthropyWorkshop Li Foundation chanced upon a sharing session with Mr. Anthony Gao, Head of Philanthropy Services at Pictet Wealth Management Asia during one of his trips to Singapore. Currently based in Hong Kong, Mr. Gao is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in prestigious organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where Lionel met Mr. Gao for the first time in Seattle. Mr. Gao shared with us how #AsianPhilanthropy is evolving. In Asia, there exists a longstanding tradition of charitable giving and this is deeply rooted in the region's diverse cultures, political systems, and religious beliefs, making philanthropy in Asia uniquely distinctive. A few key trends observed includes philanthropists becoming more transparent and strategic in their giving. Strategic philanthropy acknowledges that despite its growth, philanthropy falls short in addressing global challenges. This approach, favoured by younger, next-generation philanthropists, emphasizes high- impact strategies and innovative social investment tools. With that, it leads to the other trend of greater collaboration between philanthropists which is crucial for maximizing impact and addressing complex global challenges effectively. From this conversation, #LIF’s approach in philanthropy is reinforced as we continue to seek greater collaboration with like-minded philanthropists in what we do. Mr. Gao is also a core member of #ImpactSG, a Community of Changemakers. ImpactSG was conceived in 2022 in response to Forward SG, and was launched as a ground-up initiative in 2023 to involve and activate the expanding community of Family Offices and High Net Worth Individuals to contribute both financially and non-financially to Singapore and the surrounding region. ImpactSG is part of the Asia Centre for Changemakers, a non-profit that is launched by Temasek Trust and the Wealth Management Institute.

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【𝗚𝗔𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗛𝗞 & 𝗖𝗼 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮】 GAM Investments (“GAM”, SWX: GAM), an independent investment manager headquartered in Zurich and Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited (“SHK & Co”, SEHK: 86), a leading Hong Kong-based alternative investment firm, are pleased to announce a new strategic alliance.   This alliance aims to drive growth and enhance client coverage and capabilities across Greater China (Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan and Macau). Effective from 1 August 2024, the alliance includes significant new investment in an expanded distribution platform and new strategic alliance serving investors across the region.    This collaboration leverages GAM’s near 40-year commitment to the region, Swiss heritage and active investing approach with SHK & Co’s deep understanding of the Asian market, strong local presence, and extensive expertise and network. Together, both companies share a vision and entrepreneurial mindset to drive new business growth, private wealth solutions and active investing opportunities for a broad range of clients. As part of this strategic alliance, Sun Hung Kai Capital Partners, the licensed subsidiary of SHK & Co will drive the distribution and servicing of GAM’s funds across Greater China.   𝗘𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗭𝘂𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗲𝗵𝗹, 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗔𝗠, commented: "We are delighted to partner with SHK & Co, a market leading firm established in 1969 known for its local market presence, alternative investing expertise and wealth management solutions. This alliance reinforces our commitment to the region and enhances our ability to serve our clients with distinctive and award-winning investment solutions."    𝗧𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀, 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗛𝗞 & 𝗖𝗼, expressed: "We are excited to team up with GAM, a renowned global asset manager with a long-standing history of excellence. This strategic alliance combines our complementary strengths and resources, significantly improving our client service and investment solution capabilities. Together, we are well-positioned to provide exceptional offerings that cater to the evolving needs of our clients in the region. Also, we look forward to deepening and exploring more business collaborations with GAM in the years to come, particularly in alternative investment solutions." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gtK2RdNE #StrategicAlliance #GreaterChinaGrowth #InvestmentSolutions

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【𝗚𝗔𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗛𝗞 & 𝗖𝗼 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮】 GAM Investments (“GAM”, SWX: GAM), an independent investment manager headquartered in Zurich and Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited (“SHK & Co”, SEHK: 86), a leading Hong Kong-based alternative investment firm, are pleased to announce a new strategic alliance.   This alliance aims to drive growth and enhance client coverage and capabilities across Greater China (Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan and Macau). Effective from 1 August 2024, the alliance includes significant new investment in an expanded distribution platform and new strategic alliance serving investors across the region.    This collaboration leverages GAM’s near 40-year commitment to the region, Swiss heritage and active investing approach with SHK & Co’s deep understanding of the Asian market, strong local presence, and extensive expertise and network. Together, both companies share a vision and entrepreneurial mindset to drive new business growth, private wealth solutions and active investing opportunities for a broad range of clients. As part of this strategic alliance, Sun Hung Kai Capital Partners, the licensed subsidiary of SHK & Co will drive the distribution and servicing of GAM’s funds across Greater China.   𝗘𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗭𝘂𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗲𝗵𝗹, 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗔𝗠, commented: "We are delighted to partner with SHK & Co, a market leading firm established in 1969 known for its local market presence, alternative investing expertise and wealth management solutions. This alliance reinforces our commitment to the region and enhances our ability to serve our clients with distinctive and award-winning investment solutions."    𝗧𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀, 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗛𝗞 & 𝗖𝗼, expressed: "We are excited to team up with GAM, a renowned global asset manager with a long-standing history of excellence. This strategic alliance combines our complementary strengths and resources, significantly improving our client service and investment solution capabilities. Together, we are well-positioned to provide exceptional offerings that cater to the evolving needs of our clients in the region. Also, we look forward to deepening and exploring more business collaborations with GAM in the years to come, particularly in alternative investment solutions." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gtK2RdNE #StrategicAlliance #GreaterChinaGrowth #InvestmentSolutions

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Our #StartupHighlight presents Aura Labs from #Hongkong Founded in 2017, Aura Labs Limited is a pioneering #Proptech startup headquartered at the HKSTP - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. The company has introduced SeerOS, an advanced building operating system that integrates seamlessly with property management frameworks to provide comprehensive digital solutions for facility management and operations. SeerOS utilizes #InternetofThings (IoT) technology to create a #digitaltwin of properties, enabling precise control over HVAC, lighting, and other systems to optimize energy use and improve operational efficiency. By harnessing the power of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and a robust sensory network, SeerOS helps property owners and operators to enhance the functionality of their buildings, leading to significant cost savings and better tenant experiences. The system supports over 1,500 device types, demonstrating its versatility and wide application range across sectors like retail, commercial workspaces, and education. Aura Labs has established itself as a profitable entity without external funding, relying on its innovative technology and a business model that combines project-based fees with a subscription service. This strategy has propelled the startup to the forefront of the Proptech sector, providing a scalable solution that addresses the growing demand for integrated and efficient property management systems. For inquiries or further information about Aura Labs Limited and SeerOS, please reach out to Lester Chan, CEO. Explore more about their innovative solutions at https://lnkd.in/ev47-EvQ. #Proptech #IoT #BuildingManagement #SmartBuildings #EnergyEfficiency #StartupHighlight with Founders Lair, where we regularly feature innovative and promising startups. To get featured, apply to one of our specialized programs, for example, the K-STARTUP GRAND CHALLENGE 2024 a prize pool totaling $400,000 USD, and with additional top awards up to $150,000 for standout performers. Learn more: https://flair.ly/r/739480

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Happy share from SME ReachOut 📢🌐 “ESG One” Website is Launched!   ONE more platform for ESG is now ON! Starting from today, welcome to visit our "ESG One" website to access more ESG resources, accelerating your enterprise excel in ESG🌳   Visit now: https://esg-one.hkpc.org   🔍Green Map: #GreenMap allows you to easily search ESG partners from various industries and develop green collaboration   🔍FREE ESG Self-assessment: Obtain your ESG One #Scorecard by completing the FREE online ESG Self-assessment and review your performance in environment, society and corporate governance   🔍Green Member Registration: Be a Green Member of “ESG One” by simply filling in the registration form   "ESG One" website will continuously update more activities and new, don’t forget to visit us 🌍   Act now. Be a Green Member of “ESG One”👇 https://lnkd.in/giZPbKdM   #HKPC #ESGOne #ESG #Sustainability 

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What has changed for medical investment in China during this “Capital Winter”? I was in Korea last week but didn’t miss out on the Gaorong Capital高榕资本’s Annual Healthcare CEO Conference & Demo Day in Shanghai. It’s a close-door event hosted by Gao Rong, a leading VC in China, attended by representatives from their healthcare portfolio companies, LPs, and other investment partners. It was a great opportunity to share my thoughts on why Chinese healthcare innovators need a mindset shift to achieve their Go Global aspirations. It was also a valuable learning experience for me. Here are a few takeaways from the event: 1️⃣ New Opportunities in the “Capital Winter”: While people are talking about the "capital winter" in China, funding is still available there, and it's still more substantial compared to many other parts of the world. However, new IPO regulations have made exits significantly harder, leading investors to become more cautious and selective. They are increasingly exploring alternative opportunities, such as overseas deals and acquisitions of corporate assets. 2️⃣ Survival of the Fittest: Biotech companies that once saw big investments in China are now facing tough times for the subsequent rounds due to IPO challenges. Only those with strong resilience and adaptation are likely to survive, while others may disappear. This may not be a bad thing, as it's a natural process to eliminate excess and encourage more rational competition. 3️⃣ Increased Focus on Commercial Viability: With IPOs becoming difficult, investors are paying more attention to the commercial growth of their companies. They’re helping with business development, fundraising, and even global expansion. No one knows how long this "winter" will last, but investors are finding creative ways to support their portfolio companies and each other.  🌍 It’s all about adapting and staying strong! To all the Chinese healthcare investors and innovators out there – 加油! #Healthcare #Investment #Biotech #BusinessGrowth #China

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💰 Discover the best funding strategies for early-stage businesses. From bootstrapping to venture capital, we've got you covered! 🚀 Discover more: https://buff.ly/3RxXx0o #HongKongStartup #StartupFunding #FundingStrategies #EarlyStageStartup #HongKongBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Investment #Funding #BusinessGrowth

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The local #startup scene in #thailand is pickin' up steam! Extremely pleased to share that The Thailand Board of Investment North America has launched a fund to support Thai startups in targeted industries to expand their business. The recently launched fund to match the subsidy provided by the venture capital fund is at up to THB50M per company or roughly US$1.4M. the BOI would be providing financial support of 20 million to 50 million baht to match the amount that the startup has received from the venture capital fund. The fund is expected to help them in business expansion and compete at the international level, as well as in becoming a unicorn, or a privately owned startup valued at over US$1 billion. To be eligible, the startup must be set up under Thai laws, with at least 51% shares held by Thai nationals, and the founder(s) must hold at least 60% of shares. The startup must also have received at least 15 million baht from the venture capital fund that is listed with the National Innovation Agency. Targeted industries for eligible startups include #digital, #electronics, #modernautomobile, #agriculture, #food, #medicine, #biotechnology, and #robotics. #governmentincentives #incentives #startupecosystem #growth #business #thailandnews

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SVCA is delighted to welcome Antares Ventures Pte. Ltd. (Antares Ventures.) and Integra Venture Partners Pte. Ltd. (Integra Partners) as the latest members of SVCA.   Antares Ventures Pte. Ltd. Antares Ventures, a Singapore-based VC, strategically invests in global deep-tech ventures, focusing on critical challenges in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. We emphasize sustainability themes like Energy Transition, Industrial Decarbonization, Sustainable Agriculture, and Infrastructure. Leveraging our corporate LPs, advisor network, and market intelligence, we help deep-tech startups expand across Asia.   Integra Venture Partners Pte. Ltd. Integra Partners is a Singapore-based venture capital firm with $150 million in assets under management, investing across five main themes that leverage technology and financial services: SME enablement, financial inclusion, healthcare, agri-food, and the environment and climate. #SVCA #newmembers #SVCAcommunity #venturecapital #privateequity #welcome

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Thailand Moves Forward with Carbon Tax Proposal Thailand is taking a major step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental consciousness. The Excise Department has proposed a new carbon tax framework to the Ministry of Finance for approval. Key points of the carbon tax proposal: 🔸 Tax rate of 200 baht (approx. $5.50 USD) per ton of carbon emissions 🔸 Will apply to fuels like diesel, based on carbon dioxide emissions per liter 🔸 Similar to carbon tax rates in Singapore 🔸 Aims to establish carbon pricing mechanism in Thailand 🔸 Initial rate set to minimize impact on consumers If approved by the Cabinet, Thailand could implement the carbon tax immediately, embedding it into existing excise taxes on fuels. This would make businesses and consumers more aware of their carbon footprint. The government is striving to balance environmental goals with economic impact, especially on the general public. As more details emerge, it will be important for both businesses and individuals to assess how the carbon tax will affect them. This is a significant step forward in Thailand's efforts to combat climate change and could serve as a model for other countries in the region. By putting a price on carbon, it incentivizes emissions reduction and the transition to cleaner energy. #carbontax #thailand #environment #climate https://lnkd.in/grpUSJNn

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[NWS Issued Positive Profit Alert for FY2024] #NWS has issued a Positive Profit Alert, anticipating profit attributable to Shareholders for FY2024 would record an amount in the range of HK$2 billion to HK$2.2 billion, representing an increase of no less than 33% as compared to the restated profit attributable to the Shareholders for FY2023. The restated profit for FY2023 would be an amount in the range of approximately HK$1.4 billion to HK$1.5 billion, being adjusted from the profit attributable to Shareholders for FY2023 of HK$2 billion as previously stated in the 2023 annual report of the Company due to the adoption of HKFRS17. This growth, attributed to factors like enhanced operating profits in the Insurance segment and a remarkable turnaround in the Facilities Management segment, showcases the Group's resilience. Despite challenges like RMB depreciation, the Roads and Logistics segments have demonstrated steady growth too. The Profit for FY2024 and the Restated Profit for FY2023 are both subject to adjustment and finalization upon completion of audit conducted by the independent auditor of NWS. #ProfitAlert #BusinessGrowth

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Temasek Holdings is set to invest up to $30 billion in the U.S. market over the next five years, marking a strategic pivot towards the Americas. This move increases the region's share to 22% of Temasek's portfolio, surpassing investments in China. The focus is on AI, healthcare, financial services, and infrastructure, highlighting the U.S.'s role in technological advancements. Amid geopolitical tensions, Temasek's cautious yet aggressive strategy aims to capitalize on growth opportunities and stable returns. Learn more about this significant investment strategy at https://lnkd.in/g6fsEMny #InvestmentStrategy #Innovation #AI #Healthcare

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Thank you to both Hong Kong Economic Journal and Singtao for the hour-long interview. It was a pleasure to talk about Hong Kong’s dynamic investment landscape and the Greater Bay Area (#GBA). Thank you Hong Kong Trade Development Council for the arrangement. #BIPAsia Are we telling good stories about Hong Kong? Absolutely. We #gobi feel a strong responsibility to showcase the city’s opportunities within the GBA to the world. Here are selected points we discussed during the chat: 🌏 Capital Market Dynamics: The landscape shifts as US-Sino offshore funds fade out, making way for emerging players. This transition is reshaping the capital flow into GBA, creating new opportunities for local and regional investors. 🌏 Valuing Fundamentals: Investors are now placing greater emphasis on startups' fundamentals, focusing on their industry positioning and commercial viability. Over the past three years, valuation recalibration has made investments more attractive and realistic. 🌏 DeepTech Opportunities: Deep tech is becoming a focal point for investors, with many identifying promising opportunities through spin-offs from academic and scientific institutions. This approach not only shortens R&D cycles but also aligns with global trends in innovation. 🌏 Innovative Exit Strategies: In today’s market, we need to be creative with exit strategies. Small-cap listings can serve as stepping stones, enabling companies to raise funds at lower costs while collaborating with larger groups or listed companies to scale further. 🌏 Maintaining Momentum: Despite market challenges, we have remained disciplined in supporting startups and fostering innovation. This year alone, Gobi Partners has invested in approximately 10 new projects in GBA, including re-ups of existing portfolios and more than one transaction per month. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to thrive as an investment hub. With government policies encouraging innovation, universities setting up venture initiatives, and a growing pool of investable projects, the ecosystem is more vibrant than ever. Over 90% of Gobi’s 100 investments in the GBA are highly related to Hong Kong, either through founders or university research—a testament to the city’s potential. Moreover, new capital is flowing into Hong Kong as Mainland Chinese funds and corporate strategic investors establish local branches. This trend complements Hong Kong’s growing role as a key city for raising USD-denominated funds amidst geopolitical shifts like U.S. restrictions on investments in China’s semiconductor and AI sectors. Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem is evolving rapidly. From profound tech innovations to creative exit pathways, we are building a robust foundation for long-term growth. Let’s keep telling these good stories—because there’s so much more to share! The original article link is in the comment box. 📮 Christopher Lai Gobi Partners GBA Gobi Partners Thomas G. Tsao Chibo Tang Catherine Shu Hazel Wong #VC #venturecapital

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