Damien Cheong

63% of CEOs in Asia Pacific believe their companies will not be economically viable within 10 years without reinvention, according to a PwC survey. I believe the situation is worse than reported. https://lnkd.in/gAPbk5YA Business leaders are largely unprepared for the transformation. Post-pandemic, we have observed a deterioration of leadership skills in large organisations: Conceptual thinking is weak. Though it is essential to develop new business models. Attention span and empathetic skills have atrophied. Screen time and hybrid work are primary culprits. Written communication and logic are in decline. Gen AI will worsen this. Not mentioned in the report: the worsening of the externalities of business activity – and the reality that these are now fully in the public view: 29m tonnes of plastic is expected to enter the ocean each year by 2040. On average each of us ingest 5g of plastic in our food each week. https://lnkd.in/gBZwAway 67% of consumers in Europe believe ultra-processed foods contribute to obesity, diabetes and other lifestyles related illnesses. https://lnkd.in/g4kemyCZ And there are many more, beyond carbon emissions... Business leaders need to own the problems, own the solutions, and take action to reinvent their businesses. GIFT’s flagship Global Leaders Programme is part of the solution. Our proprietary curriculum and experiential methodology ignite a mindset shift - the essence of business transformation - proven to be sustained over the long term for many of the nearly 3,000 managers who have participated. “Agility to unlearn and relearn… helped us turn knowledge into passion which creates belief and action.” “The most global, co-creative and real-life programme I have ever experienced.” “Illustrated how diverse teams can plan, interact, and push boundaries to develop innovative approaches towards creating a common outcome.”   Join us in September for the next GLP, in Hong Kong and Phnom Penh. https://lnkd.in/dFgHgUix We are offering a first-time trial discount for registrations in June. Write to us for more details.

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How Can e-Commerce Solution Providers Stay Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Industry? In the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, companies like Jet Commerce face the challenge of staying ahead in competitive markets, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and driving sustained growth. At excellence.asia, we help organizations like Jet Commerce unlock their full potential by facilitating transformative workshops using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP). This innovative methodology empowers teams to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and tackle complex challenges through hands-on problem-solving and strategic visualization. By guiding teams through the process of building and visualizing ideas with LEGO® bricks, we demonstrate how LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) can be applied in various areas of e-commerce. From aligning strategies and fostering creativity to enhancing customer experiences, optimizing omnichannel solutions, and tackling logistical challenges, LSP offers endless possibilities for innovation and impactful problem-solving in the digital marketplace. 🔎 Developing Clear and Aligned Strategies E-commerce organizations often struggle to align cross-functional teams, from marketing and operations to logistics and IT. Through LSP, we help teams visualize workflows, identify bottlenecks, and co-create solutions that bring clarity and alignment to their objectives. This ensures everyone works toward shared goals and improved outcomes. 🔎Creating Customer-Centric Solutions Putting the customer at the heart of every decision is key to e-commerce success. Our LSP sessions guide teams in building models that represent customer journeys, personas, and pain points. This hands-on process helps teams better understand customer needs and design innovative solutions that enhance satisfaction and loyalty. 🔎Innovating Omnichannel Strategies Delivering seamless omnichannel experiences is essential for e-commerce growth. Using LSP, we enable teams to map customer interactions across platforms, from online marketplaces and mobile apps to physical stores. These workshops inspire creative solutions that integrate technology, logistics, and customer engagement for cohesive, memorable experiences. 🔎Anticipating Market Trends and Challenges The e-commerce industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and shifting consumer behaviors reshaping the landscape. In LSP workshops, we help teams simulate potential scenarios, from emerging competitor strategies to supply chain disruptions. This proactive approach equips organizations to adapt to change and maintain a competitive edge. 😊 Ready to unlock the full potential of your e-commerce strategies? Contact excellence.asia today to start your journey! #ECommerceInnovation #LEGOSERIOUSPLAY #ExcellenceAsia #JetCommerce #CustomerFocus #OmnichannelSolutions #CreativeThinking #ProblemSolving #TeamAlignment #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfCommerce #InclusiveWorkshops #StrategicGrowth

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A recent Singapore Management University study reveals some shocking truths about what we consider "essential" in our lives. While it's no surprise that household appliances and digital connectivity top the list, the inclusion of air-conditioning and dining out at restaurants is a stark reminder of our comfort-driven lifestyle. But let's dive deeper into the REAL issues: 🔸 Educational Inequality: Lower-income households see private tuition and enrichment classes as non-essential. This isn't just a preference; it's a ticking time bomb for educational disparity. Higher-income families can afford to give their kids an edge, while others fall behind. Is this the Singapore we want? 🔸 Misguided Beliefs About Poverty: A staggering 80% believe poverty is due to personal actions and circumstances. This narrative is dangerous and oversimplified, ignoring systemic issues like wage stagnation, high living costs, and limited social mobility. We must challenge this misconception! 🔸 Self-Reliance vs. Societal Support: The idea that individuals should be responsible for leisure and social activities, while pragmatic, misses the bigger picture. Community and government roles are crucial in ensuring a balanced and inclusive quality of life. 🔸 Reallocating Government Spending: Redirecting funds from arts and culture to essential items might seem practical, but it's short-sighted. Arts and culture are vital for our societal well-being and social cohesion. Are we willing to sacrifice our cultural identity for short-term gains? It's time for a serious discussion on our priorities and values. We need to address educational inequality, challenge misconceptions about poverty, and rethink our societal support structures. Singapore, let's not just aim for comfort - let's aim for a fair and inclusive society! Agree? Disagree? Let's debate! #Singapore #EssentialNeeds #Poverty

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Singapore’s labor market saw growth in Q2 2024, but here’s the catch - *all of it came from non-residents*. While our economy continues to benefit from foreign workers filling crucial gaps, resident employment dipped. Minister Tan See Leng emphasized the importance of staying open to global talent, but this raises a big question: are we striking the right balance between foreign labor and nurturing local talent? Foreign talent undeniably plays a vital role in our economy, filling roles that residents may shy away from and driving growth in key sectors. However, relying too heavily on non-residents for both lower-skilled jobs and high-paying roles in foreign-owned companies risks creating a growing divide. This could limit upward mobility for locals, especially as we face an aging population and a shrinking local workforce. On the other hand, we cannot ignore the fact that foreign investment and talent create opportunities for local firms and workers, especially in outward-facing industries like finance, professional services, and tech. The key challenge moving forward is ensuring that Singaporeans benefit from these opportunities, not just as bystanders but as active participants. To truly thrive, we need a strategy that does more than just "complement" local workers. We need policies that equip Singaporeans with the skills and resilience to compete globally, while still welcoming foreign talent that enhances, rather than replaces, our workforce. This isn't an “us versus them” debate - it’s about fostering an inclusive economy that empowers both locals and non-residents. If we can get this right, Singapore can remain a dynamic, globally competitive hub for talent and opportunity. What’s your take on this delicate balance? How can we ensure the prosperity of all who contribute to Singapore's economy? #LocalTalent #LabourMarket #Jobs

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If you’re passionate about driving #sustainability initiatives, this report is a must-read. Supported by Ant International, this report by Tech For Good Institute explores how digital platforms in Southeast Asia are uniquely positioned to accelerate sustainability. 🌏 💡Packed with real-world case studies contributed by digital leaders, non-profits and think tanks in the region, the report offers insights illustrating the following key takeaways: 1️⃣ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: Digital platforms are reshaping how we work, connect, and transact 2️⃣ 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: Platforms can harness their scale, accessibility, efficiency, and agility to drive social and environmental impact 3️⃣ 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: Digital platforms can shape #consumerbehavior and encourage eco-friendly choices e.g. through raising awareness, incentivizing actions 4️⃣ 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: A partnership among governments, digital platforms, and the impact sector is essential to drive the twin transition of sustainability and #digitalization. 👉 Report & Case studies can be found here: https://lnkd.in/g5TTf3kG Contributors: #AntInternational, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, Expedia Group, Carousell Group , Grab , B Lab Singapore, Razer Inc., National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), Lazada, Singapore Institute of International Affairs, Digital Platforms Industry Association

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🔥 The Straits Times wants you to believe that tech layoffs are just part of a temporary downturn - *WRONG!* We need to face the cold, hard facts: AI and automation are killing jobs faster than we can "upskill". Companies are not just trimming fat; they’re cutting out entire roles permanently. The old advice to "learn the latest tech trends" won't cut it anymore. Many traditional tech roles are becoming obsolete, and it’s only going to get worse. Sure, there are some in-demand AI-related jobs, but how many of you are truly prepared to make that leap? It's time to stop being passive. If you're waiting for the market to rebound, you're in for a rude awakening. The future isn't about finding the next job - it's about building your own future where AI works for you, not against you. 👉 Don't be a victim of the AI revolution. Be the disruptor, or get disrupted. #TechLayoffs #AI #Automation #FutureOfWork

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BREAKING NEWS: SNEF President Resigns Amid Governance Lapse! 🚨 Dr. Robert Yap, a stalwart of Singapore's business community and president of the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) for the past decade, has abruptly resigned following a "governance procedural lapse" discovered during a routine internal review. But here's the burning question: What are they hiding? 🤔 SNEF's statement is a masterclass in vagueness, leaving us all wondering: - What exactly was the governance lapse? - How deep does this rabbit hole go? - What are the real implications for SNEF's 3,300 member companies and their 800,000 employees? The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has been informed and is waiting for the review's outcome. But are they just as much in the dark as we are? And what about the financial implications? SNEF claims there are none thus far, but how confident can we be without transparency? This is not just about one man's resignation. It's about the integrity of our institutions and the trust we place in them. Should we be demanding more accountability and transparency from SNEF and similar organizations? 💬 What do you think is really going on here? Should there be a more rigorous public disclosure? How will this affect the future of SNEF and the businesses it represents? #LeadershipCrisis #Governance #Transparency #SNEF #BusinessIntegrity #Accountability

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This latest survey reveals a staggering truth: Singapore's hiring sentiment has plummeted for the third straight quarter! With only 44% of employers planning to hire in Q3, we’re seeing a 4% drop in the net employment outlook. While global hiring holds steady at +22%, Singapore lags behind at +20%. 🔥 ** Booming: ** Transport, logistics, and automotive sectors are on fire with a +47% hiring outlook! Thanks to green initiatives and the EV revolution, these sectors are thriving. ❄️ ** Busting: ** Communications services are in deep trouble with a -33% outlook. The rapid adoption of AI and machine learning is reshaping roles, but at what cost? Where do you see your industry heading? Are we prepared for the seismic shifts in the job market? 🤔 #JobMarket #SingaporeEconomy #HiringTrends #FutureOfWork #AI #GreenInitiatives

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Interesting piece. With the heated competition for talent, this is an effective way for companies to market themselves to future employees and to enhance their employee value proposition. #wearesuss #suss

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Build confidence both inside and out has been my personal transformation and is now my profession. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my insights on City Plus FM. A big thanks to Fish and Xing Xi for hosting such a light and easy conversation. And thanks to Kanyin for arranging this. After the session, petite DJ Xing Yi, who is 5'2", asked for some practical tips on how to enhance her presence. It takes intentional effort. Start by embracing your natural charisma, then clarify your intentions, get scientific diagnosis, and finally, practice consistently with the right skills. We wrapped up with this thought: "Don't let a sloppy appearance diminish your substance." （别让你邋遢的外表辜负了你优秀的内在） I am hosting a Jumpstart to Strategic Image: Elevate Your Style with Colours workshop on 7 Sep. A fully practical workshop. Drop me a message if you are really interested to transform your image. You'll be so glad that you join!😘 #transformation #ExecutivePresence

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In a world where the tech industry is predominantly male-dominated, female entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia are slowly but surely making their mark. https://lnkd.in/eRMvAgmS #equityfunding #privatecapital #femaleentrepreneurs

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A recent study https://lnkd.in/gybzy3fP on Singapore's ACET Post-Diploma program shows promising results for younger professionals, with up to 10.8% wage increases and higher employability. But here's the catch - the average participant is just 32 years old, already holds higher qualifications, and is currently employed. 🧑‍🎓💼 So, can we say the same for our mid-career professionals aged 40 and above? Not so fast. *Age Matters:* The benefits seen in younger individuals may not translate to those in their 40s, who face unique challenges like age discrimination and higher family responsibilities. *Educational Background:* Nearly half of the participants already had degrees. Mid-career diploma-holders without these credentials might not see the same results. *Employment Status:* With 89% already employed, these participants used the program to enhance an already secure career. For older workers in less stable roles or are out-of-work, the impact might be different. This isn't to say upskilling isn't valuable - it absolutely is. But we must recognize that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work. It's time to push for tailored programs that address the specific needs of mid-career professionals. Let's ensure that lifelong learning truly benefits everyone, not just the young and highly qualified. What do you think? Is it time for more inclusive and age-appropriate upskilling initiatives? #Upskilling #Reskilling #CareerDevelopment

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🚨 FirstCom Academy suspension: Is the entire SkillsFuture ecosystem at risk? FirstCom Academy’s suspension isn’t just a blow to its own reputation - it hurts the entire training provider community, especially those who are playing by the rules. Legitimate providers who are dedicated to delivering high-quality education now risk being tarnished by association with marketing misconduct that they had no part in. This raises a critical question: Will this one misstep create a ripple effect that harms the entire SkillsFuture initiative? 🤔 While SkillsFuture SG's actions are necessary to maintain the integrity of the system, they should also recognize that legitimate training providers - who operate with integrity - will bear the brunt of this situation. Stricter oversight and regulations might be the answer, but we cannot allow honest providers to become collateral damage in the fight against unethical marketing. It’s time to strike a balance: regulate effectively, but also protect the businesses that are doing things right. The last thing we want is to make it harder for people to access legitimate, high-quality training because of a few bad actors. What do you think? Is there a way to hold bad actors accountable without punishing the good ones? 💬 #SkillsFuture #TrainingProviders #LifelongLearning #SkillsDevelopment #Regulation

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https://lnkd.in/gy33VDXJ Thailand's startup landscape offers valuable lessons for Malaysia's emerging ecosystem. With a strategic focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, Thailand has seen remarkable growth, driven by various factors. Government Initiatives: The Thai government's commitment to fostering innovation-driven industries mirrors Malaysia's aspirations as outlined in the KL20 blueprint. Like Malaysia's KL20 Action Paper, Thailand's "Thailand 4.0" policy underscores the importance of government support in creating an enabling environment for startups. Diverse Startup Culture: Thailand's startup ecosystem is diverse, with ventures spanning fintech, e-commerce, and health tech. Incubators and accelerators play a crucial role in nurturing these startups, providing mentorship and resources for growth. Similarly, Malaysia's KL20 promises transformative reforms to jumpstart the ecosystem, aiming to attract international venture capital firms and unicorns to establish their presence in the country. Success Stories: Notable successes like Grab and Agoda demonstrate Thailand's potential for innovation and scale. These homegrown unicorns inspire entrepreneurs and attract investor interest, contributing to the ecosystem's vibrancy. Malaysia, through initiatives like KL20, aims to replicate such success stories by creating an environment conducive to startup growth and expansion. Challenges and Opportunities: While Thailand faces challenges like regulatory hurdles and talent retention, these also present opportunities. Collaborations and global expansion can address these challenges, paving the way for sustainable growth. Similarly, Malaysia's KL20 aims to address key challenges by streamlining regulations, attracting investment, and fostering cross-industry collaboration. Moving Forward: By leveraging insights from Thailand's startup journey and aligning them with the goals outlined in the KL20 blueprint, Malaysia can accelerate its startup ecosystem's growth and foster a thriving entrepreneurial community. With a focus on government support, diverse startup culture, and collaboration, Malaysia can position itself as a competitive player in the global startup arena. #Startup, #Innovation, #Entrepreneurship, #Fintech, #Ecommerce, #SuccessStories, #Unicorns, #InvestorInterest, #ChallengesAndOpportunities, #GlobalExpansion.

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As medical professionals in Thailand, you understand the power of investment - in advanced equipment, cutting-edge research, and the best resources to deliver high-quality care... Yet, when it comes to investing in yourselves, some hesitations arise. 🤔 The two biggest concerns I hear are time 🕒 and money 💰. It's true, effective English language training takes both. But consider this: wouldn't you rather spend less time searching for the right resources and more time focusing on clear communication with colleagues and patients? 👩🏻‍⚕️👨🏻‍⚕️ Here's the trade-off: By investing financially in a structured course, you gain: 🤓 Expertise - Tailored coaching for medical English ⌛ Efficiency - Curated materials that save you research time 🧭 Direction - Feedback and guidance to maximize your efforts. Think beyond the immediate cost. Consider the ROI (return on investment): 🚀 Better job opportunities - Stand out for international roles. 💪 Increased confidence - Communicate effectively and build trust. ❤️ Improved patient care - Bridge language barriers for better understanding. Investing in yourself is self-belief in action. You're putting "skin in the game," making success more likely. It's like having a personal trainer for your English language journey. 🏋️‍♀️ In the gym there are so many different machines, routines, and techniques. A personal trainer creates a personalized plan, guides you on proper form, pushes you to reach your goals, and keeps you motivated. That's what a qualified English coach can do for your language learning journey. I’ll equip you with the right tools 🛠️, show you the most effective techniques, and ensure you're progressing steadily towards fluency. Join me for a live chat with my colleague, Adriana McNeil Business English Communication Coach, a medical English expert in Europe! 📅 💬 We'll discuss common objections and why they may be blocking you from reaching your full potential. Stay tuned for details! #medicalenglish #investinyourself #careergoals #healthcarecommunication #englishcoach P.S. These days, information is easy to find, but structured guidance and expert coaching accelerate your progress and make all the difference. 🚀

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Is Singapore truly ready for the future? Let's talk! Singapore has been touted as a beacon of progress, consistently ranking high in global indices for resilience, digital competitiveness, and smart city initiatives. But are these accolades masking deeper issues? 🤔 Despite impressive rankings, the reality for many Singaporeans tells a different story: 1. Cost of Living Crisis: Singapore may top the charts, but for whom? Expatriates and high-income earners might thrive, but the average citizen continues to grapple with skyrocketing costs. Housing, healthcare, and education subsidies only go so far. 2. Economic Disparities: The article mentions financial insecurity in passing, but let's face it: the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. Economic growth should benefit all, not just the privileged few. 3. Tech-Driven Anxiety: While we celebrate our digital prowess, we must address the mental health strains and societal pressures that come with it. Over half of Singaporeans feel that technology is evolving too quickly and not necessarily for their benefit. Are we ready for this digital deluge? 4. Government-Citizen Dynamics: It's time to move beyond a government-centric approach. True progress requires both top-down initiatives and grassroots participation. But let's not forget, the government still has a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for all. As we celebrate our 59th National Day 🇸🇬, let's critically evaluate our journey and question the status quo. Is Singapore genuinely on track to becoming a future-ready society, or are we merely glossing over the cracks? What are your thoughts on Singapore's future readiness? 👇 #Singapore #FutureReady #InclusiveGrowth

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Windfall but is this what we want? If this article got their facts checked out and indeed, it is accurate..... Firstly, congratulations to the happy couple who made that windfall. You folks have successfully demonstrated the Singaporean playbook on how to make money off your HDB flat. Secondly, congratulations to all your neighbours. Cos now, this sale has set the benchmark price for even higher prices in the estate. Thirdly, congratulations on playing a small part in ensuring our children will eventually pay through their noses, ears and belly buttons for a re-sale flat. TBF, you folks did nothing wrong. Willing buyer-willing seller. You are entirely entitled to profit from this. This is not jealous talking. This is not about you or anything personal. Rather, I pin this squarely on policy. To the policy makers reading this (if any)......you folks are a clever bunch. Probably more clever than many of us. Is this what we really want? https://lnkd.in/gurd7NfT

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