Maaike Steinebach

🌏 Proud to wave the proverbial Southeast Asia banner at last week's IPEM Paris 2024 alongside my fellow panelists Rishika Chandan and Paul Choo as well as our moderator, Eric Marchand. Southeast Asia is at a crucial juncture of growth and opportunity. Starting with the basics: Southeast Asia will add ~140m new consumers by 2030. This population is large (today over 660m), young, rapidly urbanising and entering the middle class en mass. Besides this remarkable consumption story – Southeast Asia’s economic resilience and stability is also notable with GDP and FDI flows remaining robust over the past 5 years. Notable is that in 2023, SEA-6 attracted over USD 200bn in FDI, surpassing China for the first time in a decade. This shift is driven by the region’s strategic advantages and market potential, making ASEAN an increasingly crucial hub for manufacturing and offering new investment prospects as global supply chains evolve. Further, the venture capital and private equity landscape in ASEAN is maturing rapidly. Assets under management have reached $69 billion, signaling a growing and competitive investment ecosystem. This growth presents numerous opportunities across various sectors, particularly technology and innovation. However, ASEAN faces challenges, including economic disparities among member countries, inconsistent regulatory environments, inadequate infrastructure, and governance and sustainability issues. Addressing these challenges is essential for unlocking the region's full growth potential. As ASEAN continues to grow, its potential as a leading hub for venture capital and growth funding in Asia-Pacific is clear. By engaging with the region’s dynamic ecosystems, investors can play a significant role in shaping its future and tapping into its extensive opportunities. At TNB AURA, we are dedicated to exploring these opportunities and believe that Southeast Asia’s dynamic landscape offers unmatched potential for innovation and growth. 🙏 Credit to the Collyer Capital team for the succinct summary deck posted below (with permission of course).

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WHO has just released a comprehensive handbook on Digital Transformation for Primary Health Care by optimizing Person-centered points of service system** In Cambodia, the Ministry of Health is currently developing strategy related digital health while the primary health care booster implementation framework (PHC-BIF) is available and has been implementing and enforcing. ** Person-centred point of service system (PCPOSS) are digital systems that facilitate the provision and delivery of health services to individuals (i.e. persons, clients, patients, health service users) at the point of service or point of care. This includes software capabilities and embedded health interoperability standards that enable health workers to access, record and update individuals’ health information. PCPOSS also includes software capabilities and embedded health interoperability standards that enable screening, managing, treating, and/or communicating with, individuals. PCPOSS encompass various services and application types, including community-based information systems, decision support systems, electronic medical (or health) record systems and personal health records. 1. Access the handbook via https://lnkd.in/gY4b9-Fd 2. Access PHC-BIF via https://lnkd.in/gTfxFQfs

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Family Offices is one of the fastest-growing segments within AVPN’s network. As one of the registered intermediaries of the Philanthropy Tax Incentive Scheme in Singapore, we’re excited to empower family offices to maximise their philanthropic impact while leveraging tax benefits. Singapore’s position as a leading #philanthropy hub strengthens AVPN and our members’ ability to mobilise impact capital across the Asia-Pacific region. This creates a powerful ecosystem where financial resources meet social and environmental needs. Through strategic collaborations like this, we can unlock a wave of positive change in Asia. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) #familyoffices #socialinvestment #socialimpact

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Companies such as 60 Decibels, which provide marketing services to microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the form of research, are in a tricky position as they seek to defend loans made with the aim of poverty reduction in developing countries. The “research,” which consists of short telephone surveys carried out with customers selected by the MFIs themselves, has to serve the interests of the microfinance industry which pays for it. The output also has to retain some kind of credibility. The balancing act involves a strategic retreat from positions that are judged too difficult to defend. #Cambodia has forced its way into this category. Full story in The Diplomat https://lnkd.in/eYikfpmq #microfinance #Cambodia

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#TaiwanNews #TuesdayEdition April 23, 2024 Today's news and events in #Taiwan include a variety of topics from public health to upcoming industry events: - Public Health Concerns: A significant portion of Taiwanese adults over the age of 40 are reportedly unaware of having conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar, which can have serious health implications. - Environmental Initiatives: Environmental groups in Taiwan are urging the government to implement carbon fee proposals quickly to ensure that climate policies are in place before the next administration takes office. - Plastic Use Reduction: Taiwan has successfully halved its annual consumption of plastic shopping bags since the introduction of regulations aimed at reducing plastic use. - Industry Events: Several notable events are scheduled in Taiwan, including the Fire & Safety 2024 and Smart Manufacturing & Monitech 2024 at the Nangang Exhibition Center, and the Touch Taiwan 2024, which focuses on semiconductor and smart production technologies. These updates highlight Taiwan's ongoing efforts in public health awareness, environmental protection, and industry developments.

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VIETNAM's "MISSING PIECES" IN GREEN/ SUSTAINABLE FINANCE ECOSYSTEM: Question: As we talked about having an ‘ecosystem’ in the country for sustainable financing, do you see any ‘missing pieces’ on top of the stakeholders list ? In addition, as this forum kicks off more collaborative efforts in the future, how do you see yourself working with the various groups of stakeholders like those present in this room (for instance, potential collaboration opportunities, mutual projects, etc.)? Answer: Potential Missing Stakeholders: • More direct involvement from bond market regulators and policy makers is needed to create facilitating guidelines and frameworks; • Institutional investors like pension funds, insurance firms should play a bigger role as key demand drivers; • Independent ESG rating/data providers beyond credit rating agencies to enhance transparency; • There's a lack of academic and think-tank research houses providing empirical research evidences about the "greenium". Collaboration Opportunities: • Work closely with stock exchanges and regulatory authorities to develop robust taxonomies, listing rules and disclosure requirements for green/social/sustainability bonds; • Engage with issuers across corporates, banks and government to help structure and certify their labelled bond programs in line with global principles; • Partner with institutional investors and asset managers to build internal ESG integration capacities and sustainable investment strategies; • Collaborate with ESG rating/data providers like us at FiinGroup and FiinRatings to develop localized analytics tools evaluating use of proceeds, impact reporting and alignment with bond principles; • Participate in industry associations and working groups focusing on standardization and harmonization of labelled bond market practices; • Conduct joint research with think-tanks on market sizing, barriers to growth and policy interventions needed for market development; and • Deliver capacity building trainings alongside development agencies to upskill underwriters, lawyers and other transaction parties on labelled bonds. My knowledge sharing at the Climate Finance Workshop organised by Global Climate Partnership Fund with AUM US$4.6bn and their fund manager: responsAbility Investments AG on 13-14 May 2024 in HCMC! #impactinvestments #greenbonds #GSSBonds #sustainablefinance #greenbondratings #greenbondverification #greenexternalreview #ESGratings

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Japan 🇯🇵 has a new #PrimeMinister #ISHIBAShigeru San, along with its list of #cabinet members. This marks a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with new policies and potential reforms on the horizon. The newly appointed cabinet will likely focus on economic recovery, foreign relations, and innovation as they tackle domestic and international challenges. List of cabinet https://lnkd.in/gdrtzbjA #Japan #NewPrimeMinister #CabinetUpdate #JapanPolitics #Leadership #Government #GlobalNews

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Congratulations to Vietnam for setting a new standard for impact in ASEAN! According to IIX’s Orange Index, Vietnam has emerged as the regional leader for sustainable businesses, earning an impressive score of 50—well above the ASEAN average. The 2024 Vietnam Orange Index Report, unveiled at the Vietnam Impact Investment Forum, celebrates Vietnam’s remarkable momentum and positions the country as a true beacon of impact-driven growth. The Orange Index offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating impact across three pillars: Gender, Economic Growth, and Climate. Each pillar digs deep, measuring key areas like Equality, Inclusion, Community Well-being, and Environmental Risk Mitigation, allowing for a balanced and comparative view of impact across countries. This Index underscores Vietnam’s tremendous strides in building an inclusive, resilient impact investment ecosystem that supports sustainable MSMEs, pushing beyond the limits of traditional development models. We’re so proud to have contributed to putting Vietnam on the map for its groundbreaking work in sustainability, outpacing many global benchmarks. To learn more about how the Orange Index offers a dynamic tool for cross-country comparisons, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gW3gsS9r #OrangeMovement #OrangeforGenderEquality #sustainablebusiness #MSME #impactinvesting https://lnkd.in/gcggtFSs

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SORRY WE'RE FULLY REGISTERED Leadership Resilience in Uncertain Times -1 DAY TO GO Powered by: Asia CEO COMMUNITY x GLOBAL CEO COMMUNITY x WeLab Bank Our Hong Kong event for this Friday is now fully registered. Thank you so much for all the support. For those members who are not able to attend this event, we are happy make the connection for you after the event. Please kindly find the guest list and event info below. Event Info 📅 Event Date: 24th May 2024 ⏰ Time: 12pm to 3pm 📍 Venue: k11 Atelier kings road, 728 kings road quarry bay Hong Kong 🛎️ Rsvp: https://lnkd.in/g4Je-JrS Event Moderator Tracy Ho - Personal Branding & Image Consultant, Executive Presence Coach at Frame & Fame Personal Branding Panel Speakers 1. Cecil Wong - Chairman and Executive Director at Trio Industrial Electronics Group Ltd. 1710.HK 2. Wilson C. Kwok MA(Hons), CA, FCPA (Practising), CTA, CFP, CFT - Chairman at LKKC CPA Limited | Managing Director at Fidelis Real Estate Financial Advisory Limited | Vice Chairman at IFTA (Institute of Financial Technologists of Asia) 3. Mike Grundy - Chief Executive Officer at Amazon Papyrus Chemicals Ltd 4. Millie P. - Alternate Chief Executive cum Chief Compliance Officer of WeLab Bank Attending Members 1. Lui Tong - Director, China and Hong Kong at EximPe | Chairman at PRD Angels . . 31. Kannes Wong, MBA, CEP® - Head of Strategy and Sustainability at Zurich Insurance 32. Margie Poon Creating Certified Coach Leaders - CEO at Paradigm21 Executive Leadership Coaching Academy, Paradigm21 Group 33. Horace Ma - CFO at S.Culture 34. Rianna Chugani, (ICF ACC) - CEO at Intention Coaching Limited 35. Wendy Cheong - Co-founder at Global Suxxess Ltd 36. Chandan Sethi - Director at DigitalJovi 37. Allan T. - President/CEO at 88 Owls, Inc. 38. Polly Chan - Director at Forward Vision Corporate Services Limited 39. Phillip Baldwin - Director - Asia at Independent Audit Limited 40. Eu Jin Ho - Head of Technology at Citibank Hong Kong 41. Sandra So - Director, Business Development at Orbis 42. Justin Chow - Partner at Justin Chow & de Bedin Solicitors LLP 43. Michelle Wu - CHO at The Extra Club 44. Dennis Sit - Barrister-at-Law at City Chambers 45. Nico R. Schuster (舒竹安) - Managig Director/CEO at TecPal Ltd. 46. Jean-Baptiste (JB) Déal - Principal Consultant & CEO at Avantagents 47. Peter Ho - Managing Director Greater Asia Squadron 48. David Streatfield - Managing Director at VDX 49. John Keane - Owner and Head Coach at Systems Coaching Academy at Systems Coaching Academy 50. Kelvin Chan - Chief Executive Officer at 環球醫聯控股集團和環球醫聯產業平台 (e-health.link) 51. Eddie Hui - CEO at IT emaos and more.. Join Our Membership https://lnkd.in/fW74hTC #ASIA #BUSINESS #BUSINESSMAN #Indonesia #Australia #Vietnam #BUSINESSWOMAN #CEO #CXO #STARTUP #FINTECH #entrepreneur #china #hongkong #Malaysia #singapore

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Navigating the Challenges of Digital Transformation in Cambodia Cambodia's journey towards digitalization, as outlined in a thought-provoking Khmer Times article, presents a mix of opportunities and significant challenges. The push for a digital economy brings with it the need for robust cybersecurity measures, comprehensive digital literacy programs, and infrastructure that can support widespread digital access. As we advance, a key hurdle remains: ensuring that the digital divide does not widen but narrows, allowing equitable access to digital resources across all segments of society. This is crucial in ensuring that digital benefits are enjoyed universally, from urban centers to rural communities. MACRO Solutions is at the forefront of addressing these challenges. With our expertise in digital strategy and implementation, we help businesses and government entities navigate the complexities of digital transformation. Whether it’s enhancing cybersecurity, improving digital literacy, or developing scalable digital infrastructures, our team is equipped to lead and support these initiatives. Our goal is not just to participate in digitalization but to lead it in a way that fosters sustainable and inclusive growth. By partnering with stakeholders across sectors, we aim to build a digital ecosystem that is secure, robust, and accessible to all Cambodians. For a deeper understanding of the challenges and how Macro Solutions is making a difference, I encourage you to read the full article- https://lnkd.in/ggB7PsVA Let's connect and discuss how we can turn these digital challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation in Cambodia. Mathew Joseph Shuvdeep Bhattacharya G Mohan Raj Francois du Toit #DigitalTransformation #Cybersecurity #DigitalLiteracy #SustainableGrowth #MacroSolutionskh #Cambodia #DigitalEconomy #Innovation

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The UNDP article highlights Thailand's efforts to combat climate change by adopting sustainable practices in agriculture, energy, and urban planning. Through partnerships with organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Thailand is prioritizing low-carbon initiatives, including climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy investments, to reduce emissions and build climate resilience. By supporting small farmers and integrating digital technologies, these programs are aimed at boosting productivity and sustainability, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent. These steps emphasize the need for innovative financing and private sector investment to accelerate climate-friendly projects. With a growing AgTech ecosystem, Thailand is positioned to leverage venture capital to drive advancements in climate-smart solutions, form precision agriculture to sustainable energy for rural areas. #ClimateAction #AgTechThailand #SustainableInvesting #VentureCapital #GreenEconomy #UNDP #DigitalAgriculture

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Thai household debt rose to 93.1% by the end of 2023 and despite calls from numerous parties including Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin himself, the Bank of Thailand kept interest rates steady at a decade-high of 2.5%. As both people and companies struggle to deal with increasing debt, foreign capital outflows, higher-than-forecasted inflation and lower-than-forecasted growth, the country needs to consider the future. Come listen to our panel of economics experts to learn more about the subject, and what it means for the average Thai, as well as the companies that make up the economy. Panel discussion, Wednesday, 3 July, 7pm at the FCCT Bangkok. Panelists:  - Surapol Opasatien, chief executive officer, National Credit Bureau. - Santi Chaisrisawatsuk, Faculty of Economic Development, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). - Thitima Chucherd, director, economics and financial market research, SCB EIC. Moderator: Nick Bernhardt, FCCT treasurer. Members who wish to book in advance should email [email protected] or call the FCCT office on 02-652-0580. Non-members can use this: https://lnkd.in/eAR7PuRx

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Blended finance is a powerful financial tool that is emerging at the intersection of philanthropy and investment, multiplying the impact of each dollar contributed. Yong Sheng Hon and Jie Qi Tay examine how blended finance works, its relevance in the modern philanthropy space, and why it is an optimal strategy for scaling impact while maximizing financial returns. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gBiXqk2W #BlendedFinance #APAC #Philanthropy

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Thailand: Disrupt Health Impact Fund launches, planning to back 15 deep-tech firms across 3-5 years, with investments from $500K to $2M per firm https://lnkd.in/gUFTdTd4 #thailand #medtech #venturecapital #startupthailand #asiatechnews #healthtech #techstartups

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🚀 Key Insights from the NagaCorp Report by POLITICAL & ECONOMIC RISK CONSULTANCY LIMITED, Authored by Robert Broadfoot 🌍 The latest report, commissioned by NagaCorp and conducted by the Political & Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) under the guidance of Robert Broadfoot, reveals both opportunities and challenges for Cambodia in 2024. With political stability in place, economic risks and development gaps are key focus areas. Let’s explore the main takeaways! 📊 🔢 5 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Political Stability is Strong 🏛️ Cambodia’s smooth leadership transition under Prime Minister Hun Manet has reassured investors, ensuring policy continuity and solidifying government stability. 2️⃣ Economic Growth Faces Headwinds 📉 External factors such as lower demand from key markets like the U.S. and Europe, along with slower global recovery, are impacting key sectors like real estate and manufacturing. 3️⃣ Infrastructure Still Needs Work 🛠️ High utility costs ⚡ and underdeveloped services like waste management are key issues that could slow down Cambodia’s long-term growth prospects. 4️⃣ Tourism is Making a Comeback 🌐✈️ Tourism from non-traditional markets like Russia and Eastern Europe is on the rise, boosting Cambodia's tourism recovery post-pandemic. 5️⃣ Skills Gap Poses a Challenge 🧑‍💼 The shortage of highly skilled labor is a significant hurdle as the country strives to move from a labor-intensive model to a more skill-driven economy. 🌟 What do you think will be the most critical factor for Cambodia's growth in 2024? Let me know in the comments! 💬

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I first connected with Weh Yeoh maybe ten years ago, when he was fundraising for OIC Cambodia, the non-profit he had founded to provide speech therapy services in Cambodia, where he lived at the time, on StartSomeGood. I learned that OIC were the first organisation in Cambodia working to address the 600,000 of Cambodians who needed speech therapy. In fact, at the time there wasn’t a single qualified speech therapist in the country. Since then Weh not only successfully grew OIC, he not only helped change government policy in Cambodia, he did something that seems even harder: as an expat founder he handed over OIC to local Cambodian leadership and left. Since coming back to Australia he has founded the successful social enterprise Umbo to provide speech therapy to those who need it but cannot access it in regional Australia, and supported the ongoing growth of OIC through Australian-based fundraising campaigns like "A Day Without Speech." Now he has published a book with the provocative title “𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.” This brave and inspiring book explores many of the worst blind spots and habits of the non-profit sector, especially in the developing world: founder syndrome, white saviour complex and the power imbalance of funders, fund seekers and beneficiaries. Most of all, it's about how charities (and, I would say, social enterprises as well) can be drawn into focusing on their short-term growth and survival rather than achieving real impact in the longer-term. A "redundant charity" is one that works with the end in mind, genuinely working towards making themselves obsolete by solving the problem or handing over power to the community. Weh calls for charities to solve real problems and to empower, rather than make dependent, the community they serve. Good intentions are not enough, we must be accountable for outcomes and impacts, rather than obsessed with inputs (fundraising numbers) and outputs (the percentage that goes to mission-related expenses, or number of people reached). It’s a wonderful thought-provoking read. I don’t think I agree with everything he writes and it’s a hard standard to stick to, but it’s refreshing to hear from a social change sector veteran like Weh calling out the bad habits too often ignored or taken for granted in the social change sector. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐈’𝐦 𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲. You're invited to join us and get the chance to ask your own questions. Register via the link in the first comment below. Free for StartSomeGood members or $10 for others. I'd love to see you there! #socialenterprise #socialchange #socialentrepreneurship #startinggood #socentau #charity #charities #doinggood #purpose #impact

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Digital economy plays a critical role in the course of achieving high-quality development for Hong Kong. I’m excited to share the recommendations put forth by the Digital Economy Development Committee led by our Financial Secretary (https://lnkd.in/gvvfSDvD), which focus on five major pillars centred around strengthening the overall digital policy and our digital infrastructure, facilitating local and cross-boundary data flow, expediting digital transformation, and developing a sustainable talent strategy. The establishment of the Digital Policy Office is a very positive step towards formulating and enforcing policies that drives Hong Kong’s digital economy and smart city development. I'm also thrilled to see the implementation of the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, which will help local SMEs in the F&B & retail industry to accelerate digital transformation and enhance their competitiveness in today’s challenging times. I believe these recommendations will bring new impetus to the economy and prime us for a sustainable growth in the future.  #HKSARG #DEDC #FinancialSecretary #digitaleconomy

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This year we’re very happy to sponsor Financial Promoter’s Young Financial Promoter Award. To celebrate all the candidates, over the next few days we’ll be posting brief interviews with all the candidates. First up is Natalie Cheung, who handles PR and comms for trading and investing platform, eToro. Congratulations to all the nominees! 🔹What do you find most rewarding about working in this field? "Being able to help more people learn about investing and growing wealth. Financial health is a crucial part of everybody's overall wellbeing, but finance for the most part is still a black box and financial institutions traditionally have not done a great job of allowing the general public to understand how money works. As marketers and communicators we are given the challenge (and opportunity) to explain these topics in accessible and creative ways that make them feel 'real'. More importantly, we can motivate people to take action towards better financial health, whether it's opening their first investment account, signing up for a course, or telling a friend about what they learnt." 🔹What would you like to see more of in the world of financial services marketing & comms? "I'd like to see more diverse voices in this field. Part of the communication challenge we're facing is that many people think that financial knowledge and access to financial services are reserved for people who look or sound a certain way, or come from a certain background. That's why not only do companies need more diverse spokespeople, they also need to change the solemn and even elitist way in which they talk about finance. In the future I'd like to see more firms showing that financial services are for everyone and part of the everyday." #FinProms24 #Awards #YoungFinancialPromoter #Communications #PR #Finance

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Imagine a world transformed by your actions - what does sustainability mean? Sustainability is FUTURE. We walk with our clients in the past, now and future. https://lnkd.in/gZZemu_H #SustainabilityPowerUpFund #HKD80Billion

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