Sunita Venkataraman

Mediacorp Interview with Mr. Ramesh Krish Kumar, Senior Manager, Temasek LaunchPad (Temasek Polytechnic) Fibres, flakes, food, foams: we unknowingly consume and inhale microscopic plastic particles daily. What happens to these tiny invaders once they enter our bodies is alarming, sparking growing concern among scientists and medical experts worldwide. Ramesh shared that Southeast Asia faces one of the highest rates of microplastic ingestion globally, with each of us potentially consuming 5-15 grams weekly—equivalent to eating 1 to 3 credit cards! These tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimetres, are everywhere: from our food and drinks to the air we breathe. Beyond seafood and bottled water, everyday items like beer, instant rice, highly processed foods, and pre-packaged meals contain microplastics. Even heating food in plastic or using disposable utensils can release them into your meals. What's more alarming is that microplastics are found in the many organisms we eat, from plankton to fish, making their way into the human food chain. While researchers have detected them in human tissues, including blood and placenta, the total health impacts remain unknown. Could they be linked to oxidative stress or inflammation? The answer is still unfolding. But there's hope. You can limit your exposure by making simple lifestyle changes—like using glass or stainless steel containers, filtering water in certain countries, cooking food at home, and reducing processed and plastic-packaged foods. At the same time, Temasek Polytechnic is leading the charge in addressing the microplastic crisis through impactful initiatives, from beach clean-ups to reducing single-use plastics on campus. In addition, TP is making everyday changes by installing water dispensers in meeting rooms and auditorium foyers to minimize plastic bottle use. Join the movement to protect your health and the planet as TP continues to drive sustainability forward!

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Some of my friends sometimes ask me: "how is your government" . "How is the change you wanted." I was one of the few who stood tall and bold during Bainmarama's reign and fought for change. Besides Bainimarama swearing at me in parliament and special branch taking me to Toorak for questioning, they never exerted violence on me. If you ask me today, I still want this government to succeed and complete its term but not at the expense of our country and people. I don't have any political allegiance, my loyalty lies to my country and it's people. There seems to be never ending crisis with the coalition government and it is affecting its performance. These days the government is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Instead of giving confidence they are creating a sense of instability. The problem with this coalition government didn't start lately, it started the day it formed the government. We had all expected the government to bring in new talents and well qualified and experienced younger generation to take charge of the governance of the country. There were many who had left the country during Khaiyum's time but wanted to return and help the country. But what Rabuka did was instead of moving the country forward, he took it back to 1987 era. Surprisingly even before Rabuka could enter the Office of the Prime Minister, his political luggage walked into the prime minister's office and started issuing instructions. PAP supporters started walking the corridors of the government without any legal authority. Government never brought in new talents or blood, it brought in old order. Also instead of getting new talents into his office, he got people of 1990's to run his office. It was a complete disaster. They had no idea of current governance style and were completely lost so they took the country back to their days. They got rid of any challenge to modern thinking, current leadership demands and management standards. As a result, the Prime Minister's office was defunct. They didn't respond or acknowledge communications. I had several times asked for the Prime Minister to resign and step aside. He knows the problems in his governmenr and his inconsistent leadership yet he continues to make the mockery of our country and its people. He is being ignorant of dire straight our country is in. His style of leadership is trickling down to the entire government structure and hierarchy. Some of our head of statutory organizations and diplomatic missions are clueless. There is nothing about meritocracy and competency. it's all political payback. While I wish to see government complete its terms, there is no way we can allow the government to continue on the current trend. It's about the future and well being of my country and its people. Fiji and its interest is non negotiable! It's all about leadership and my good friend Rabuka has failed.

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Taking a pause and reflecting on our lives can be incredibly powerful. i am sure this break has given many of us the opportunity to slow down and validate our intentions. It's not about questioning our purpose or doubting ourselves, but rather about reaffirming our confidence and direction. Many of us lead hectic lives, filled with struggles and mental pressure. But point is when you know you need to hit pause, let it happen for as long as it needs to because there is a reason. Our minds are capacble of guiding us. They let us know what they need ; we just need to listen. Found this quote apt with this post "He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed." ALBERT EINSTEIN This vacation I've realized that some of my deeply ingrained childhood beliefs may not be entirely accurate. While these beliefs have shaped me into the person I am today, I recognize the need to challenge and refine them to continue growing and evolving. Let's embrace the power of pause and reflection to live more intentional, authentic lives more often i am not saying to take more breaks ,instead lets pause more often, reflections find its own way.

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I am excited to see Temasek's commitment to invest up to $10 billion in India over the next three years. I think this move not only reflects a strong vote of confidence in our nation's favorable business environment but also its ability to attract global capital amidst geopolitical shifts. Well, rest aside, I am particularly thrilled about the focus on financial services and healthcare. Because these sectors are critical to our development at #Magicminds, and significant investments like these will surely drive innovation and improvement. At Magicminds, we have always believed in India's potential and have continuously worked towards creating innovative digital solutions to support this growth. What I can see is that Temasek's strategic decision aligns perfectly with our mission to leverage technology for transformation. With India's stock markets at record highs and a surge in IPOs, it is pretty clear that the nation is on an upward trajectory. Companies partnering with global investors like Temasek will further elevate our nation’s digital and healthcare landscapes, unlocking numerous opportunities for economic and technological growth. This news is a positive step towards realizing India's immense potential. If you are interested to learn more about this news, here is the link for you— https://lnkd.in/g4k2vZwF #IndiaGrowth #Investment #Innovation #Healthcare #FinancialServices #Magicminds

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Chairman - Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Neil Parekh, Chairman - SME Centre@SICCI - Maneesh Tripathi and I attended the ESG Digital First Focus Group discussion on 13 June 2024. The Enterprise SG Digital First Initiative represents a strategic push towards digital transformation among Singaporean enterprises. This initiative encourages businesses to prioritise digitalisation and leverage technology to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and resilience in a rapidly evolving global economy. Objectives of the Initiative 1. Promoting Digital Adoption: The initiative seeks to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies and solutions among enterprises of all sizes. By embracing digital tools such as cloud computing, data analytics, and automation, businesses can streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve decision-making capabilities. 2. Enhancing Digital Skills: Enterprise SG Digital First emphasises equipping the workforce with digital skills. Training programs and workshops are provided to upskill employees and ensure they are proficient in using new technologies effectively and efficiently. 3. Facilitating Business Transformation: By going digital-first, enterprises can transform their business models, expand market reach, and innovate faster. This initiative supports companies in reimagining their products, services, and customer experiences to stay ahead in a competitive marketplace. 4. Supporting SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical to Singapore's economy. The initiative includes tailored support and resources to help SMEs adopt digital solutions, overcome barriers to digitalisation, and scale their businesses sustainably. Key Components of the Initiative 1. Digital Roadmaps and Advisory: Enterprise SG provides guidance and advisory services to assist businesses in developing digital transformation roadmaps. These roadmaps outline step-by-step strategies for integrating digital technologies into core business functions. 2. Grants and Funding Support: Financial assistance in the form of grants and funding schemes is available to help offset the costs of digital adoption. These grants may cover expenses related to technology investments, consultancy services, and training initiatives. 3. Collaboration and Ecosystem Development: The initiative fosters collaboration between enterprises, technology providers, and government agencies. By building a vibrant digital ecosystem, businesses can access expertise, innovation opportunities, and partnerships that facilitate their digital journey. 4. Recognition and Awards: Enterprise SG Digital First recognises exemplary digital transformation efforts through awards and accolades. This encourages businesses to showcase their achievements and inspire others to embark on digital transformation journeys. Cindy Khoo Joanne Tan Andrew Cheah Hwee Yong Chew Kate Lim Enterprise Singapore

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[ S'pore Budget 2024: A Strategic Blueprint for Business Growth & Resilience - summary by Kelvin Loh ] As we navigate an ever-evolving economic landscape, Singapore Budget 2024 (BUD '24) emerges as a pivotal framework designed to address immediate business concerns while setting a robust foundation for future growth. This year's budget underscores the government’s commitment to sustaining businesses, fostering innovation, & ensuring long-term economic resilience. Addressing Immediate Business Challenges The economic uncertainties brought about by global disruptions have placed significant strain on businesses. Recognizing these challenges, BUD '24 introduces several measures to alleviate immediate pressures: 1.   Cost Management: * Tax Reliefs: Introduction of targeted tax reliefs aimed at reducing the financial burden on businesses, particularly SMEs. * Operational Grants: Enhanced grants to support businesses in managing rising operational costs, ensuring they remain competitive and sustainable. 2.   Workforce Support: * Wage Subsidies: Continued support through wage subsidies to help businesses retain talent and maintain workforce stability. * Training Grants: Increased funding for workforce upskilling programs, enabling businesses to adapt to new industry demands & technologies. Fostering Innovation & Long-Term Growth Beyond immediate relief, BUD '24 places a strong emphasis on innovation and future-readiness, aligning with Singapore’s vision of becoming a global hub for technology and enterprise. 1.   Investment in Technology: * R&D Funding: Significant investments in research and development to spur innovation across various sectors, encouraging businesses to adopt cutting-edge technologies. * Digital Transformation: Support for digitalization efforts, including grants for adopting digital solutions and enhancing cybersecurity measures. 2.   Support for Startups and SMEs: * Startup Ecosystem: Initiatives to strengthen the startup ecosystem, including access to funding, mentorship programs, and international collaboration opportunities. * SME Growth: Tailored programs to support SME growth, focusing on scaling operations, entering new markets, & enhancing productivity. Conclusion BUD '24 is a comprehensive roadmap that addresses the immediate needs of businesses while strategically positioning them for future growth. As we look ahead, it is imperative for businesses to leverage these opportunities, adapt to new realities, & contribute to Singapore’s journey towards sustained economic prosperity.  #FinancialExpert #TaxPlanning #BusinessSuccess #SuccessStrategies #NetworkingTips #AskKelvin #EmpowerEntrepreneurs #BusinessMentor https://lnkd.in/gfvjm59k

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We are putting the spotlight on our best CEOs. What does it take to build and nurture a brand to success? Let's go behind the scenes with Keynote Speaker, Ho Kwon Ping, the Executive Chairman of Banyan Group and Moderator, Manisha Seewal, Group President of Redhill. My thanks to Hong Koon Chua and for making this panel possible. The IPRS PRISM Summit 2024 will a time for learning, asking questions and uncovering your own ideas and inspirations. See you at the Summit! Banyan Group World Scientific Publishing IPRS (Institute of Public Relations of Singapore) #publicrelations #communications #iprsprismsummit24

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Best summary on this year's budget. Well worth a read #budget2024 #nzbudget2024

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Wrapping up my last evening in Singapore, I'm energised by the insightful conversations, brilliant speakers and the warm, innovative community that the INNOCOS Summit brings together. It was a privilege to share strategies for scaling brands in 2024/25 alongside Agata Andryszczak. 📈 Key highlights were: → Build a dashboard that matters: Don't get lost in the numbers—focus on keeping track of the metrics that drive growth from day one. → Avoid cookie-cutter emails: Only 18% of brands are tapping into live, personalised retention strategies, yet those who do see supercharged loyalty and retention metrics. → Tailored, dynamic email content makes ALL the difference: Put loyalty, repeat purchase, and CLV at the core of your retention strategy if you want healthy metrics. → A balanced funnel fuels sustainable growth. Loyalty and customer lifetime value are the foundation for the KPIs required for lasting success. → Plug the leaky bucket first: Before spending on acquisition, make sure retention is rock-solid. Fixing these gaps first lays the groundwork for scalable growth and will look good on your metrics dashboard. We also introduced our Investment Readiness Retreat for Women, a four-day, immersive experience that equips women founders with the strategies, insights, and connections to attract investment and scale sustainably. A huge thank you to Eva Lagarde 🧚🏼‍♂️ for kindly and brilliantly hosting our session and to Iryna Kremin 🇺🇦 for organising a summit that's a one-of-a-kind. A special thanks to David Silbergleit + Ayla Anaya for their workshop—it was fun to see how each group interpreted the unboxing experience. I’m pretty sure our group missed their calling as actors in another life... Sherry Fang, Eva Lagarde 🧚🏼‍♂️ – and, of course, the true star, Andranik Ayvazyan. #ScalingForSuccess #RetentionGrowth #CommunityFirst

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I visited Mumbai in December 1998 on a business school graduation trip. I had not been to India for over a decade. On that trip, everything changed for me. Given the opportunity I saw driven by growing consumer demand, I pivoted my professional career and personal ambitions to go all in India. Many may argue that I was 10-15 years too early. Early investments include brands that are market leaders today: Saffronart, India’s leading auction house; Sula Vineyards, India’s lead wine brand; and Cleartrip, one of India’s first OTAs. As I spend more time in ASEAN, I see many similarities in Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh and Manila. The smartest are coming back from the US and Europe to build business across sectors in their home countries. Consumers are becoming more demanding and asking more from the brands they buy. The incumbents, large and slow, are finding it difficult to launch new brands for this new consumer. We at DSG Consumer Partners are committed to spending the next decade seeding the ASEAN insurgent consumer brands of the future. My partner Sameer Mehta recently spoke to DealStreetAsia’s Ngoc Nguyen about the firm’s plans. We have already partnered with Youvit, SATURDAYS, and Rosé All Day in Indonesia, Colourette and PICKUP COFFEE in the Philippines, and Coolmate and Marathon Education (YC W22) in Vietnam. Our other Singapore-based businesses, including SaladStop Group, Moom Health, Blood, and Kind Kones, are active in these markets. I expect that, like India, these companies and economies will take time to mature. The need of the hour is 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. #insurgentbrands #cpg #startups #consumer #brands #india #southeastasia #sea #brickbybrick #wswod

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Brand Genericide....heard of this? I am delighted to be invited to share my views on this topic in this article by Straits Times. Probably it is a new word to some, but it has caused significant loss of revenue and resources for brands to protect their trademark. This is why savvy brand management is important - where the usage of appropriate strategies is crucial to avoid falling into this pit. If you are a marketing or brand management practitioner, have you considered this issue? Food for thought. #branding #brandmanagement #brandgenericide #brandstrategy #trademark #IPmanagement

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A good read on optimising processes for Digital Marketing services. Long term success of clients comes with sustained partnership, not with quirky hacks. The use of tools like digital maturity matrix by BCG helps in identifying what kind of change management is required. Kudos Sri Hari for being at the forefront of this.

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Join us in Hong Kong for an insightful talk by Sanjeev Sanyal, esteemed member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, on "The Rise of India: The Millennial Perspective." Delve into the dynamic forces shaping India's economic future and the pivotal role of millennials in driving innovation and growth. Discover unique perspectives on how this generation is transforming the nation. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into India's evolving economic landscape. https://lnkd.in/g8h_CFVf

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The 3 Engines of Lazada’s Growth Strategy The Initial Scramble for Southeast Asian Ecommerce Is Over The Next Phase Will Be About Innovation and Improving the Consumer Experience #Lazada's long-term growth strategy is engines 1: Never-Ending Improvements to the Customer Experience 2: Continually Adding Services and Tools that Empower Sellers 3: Large, Long-Term Investments in Technologies that will Transform #ecommerce #alibaba https://lnkd.in/gXpseaZr

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#Singapore and #India are upgrading the Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! A forward-looking agenda for the next phase of bilateral relations, including closer cooperation in areas like sustainability, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and connectivity.

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The Gap Year That Changed My Life (Part 4): Redefining Success I’ve always been a go-getter—a textbook Type A personality. Highly extroverted, driven by ambition & relentless in my pursuits. At 16, I was one of the top girls in Singapore Chinese Girls' School, earning 9 distinctions at O-Levels, which led to Raffles Junior College(now Raffles Institution) then to the National University of Singapore. By 24, I’d completed a Master of Science while participating in the inaugural NUS Overseas Colleges program at Silicon Valley in collaboration with Stanford University. This drive carried into my personal life. I didn’t stop at 1, 2 or even 3 kids—I had 6 while managing a global career, completing my INSEAD EMBA & moving homes to accommodate our growing family. Never for a moment did I believe having a family would stop me from pursuing my dreams. Calling me an overachiever was an understatement. Professionally, I climbed quickly. By my 20s, I was leading APAC strategies in multinational corporations. Before mid 30s, I became a VP, overseeing teams at global clinical development organizations. My job took me across the world, sometimes to 3 or more countries/ continents in a single week. I was living the life, or so I thought. Then reality hit. My health began to fail, repeatedly. I was giving 200% to every project, deal & team, often neglecting my well-being. I missed important milestones in my children’s lives, leaning heavily on my husband & mother to hold the family together while my career pulled me away. It was only when I saw my health deteriorate—& witnessed how many senior leaders sacrificed their health, marriages, kids & some even their integrity—that I knew something had to change. I didn’t want to become the cynical, corporate honcho who only had professional success & nothing else. A six-month mentorship journey with Sanjay Prabhakaran, a healthcare veteran & mentor from Asia Mentors Circle, became pivotal. For the 1st time, I stopped chasing & started reflecting: What is my true purpose? What does success mean to me, beyond societal expectations? Months of deep introspection, difficult conversations & learning from numerous inspiring leaders reframed this period for me. It wasn’t a midlife crisis; I was going through a midlife breakthrough! My 20s were about exploration—believing the world was my oyster. My 30s were about building—creating a family & a career. My 40s became the pinnacle of my global ambitions. But now, I’m in a different phase: one where success is defined on my terms. The biggest lesson? Success is no longer about me. True happiness lies in positively impacting others—supporting, uplifting & building a better future for those around me. This has been my journey to Living My Best Life & now, I’ve been helping others to do so too. Would you like to “Live Your Best Life” with me? #SelfDiscovery #RedefiningSuccess #LivingYourBestLife #MidlifeBreakthrough #PurposeDrivenLife #WomenInLeadership #GrowthMindset

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#GSTC2024SINGAPORE Has GSTC collaborated with Ultraman? ☺️ Actually, this is a transportation card created under the collaboration strategy between the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and GSTC. Through the link below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gJQTPUYY we can calculate the personal carbon emissions for travel to this conference. Once you receive the calculation results, the carbon offset cost will be displayed. The fees paid will be fully allocated to three areas under Singapore Airlines’ program: 1️⃣ Protection of rainforests in Indonesia 2️⃣ Solar energy projects in India 3️⃣ Reducing smoke pollution and health risks in Nepal 🔹 What is the collaboration strategy this time? ✔️ The Singapore Tourism Board found a suitable and user-friendly platform to help GSTC calculate the travel carbon emissions for this conference. ✔️ They provided incentives (participants who pay for carbon offsets can receive an Ultraman transportation card worth SGD 20 at the conference), encouraging more attendees to participate and shift from being consumers to contributors. ✔️ The bonus provided by the tourism board may have already influenced many people to change their originally planned high-carbon travel methods and instead use this free transportation card. 🔹 But what’s even more amazing is... Carbon offset programs have already been implemented in other countries. If you choose to purchase carbon offsets when booking your flight, you can present the proof at the GSTC conference to get this Ultraman transportation card! 😍 - We must do more than just advocate. #TakeRealAction Let tourists learn through action and rewards, not through images, paper materials, or slogans pretending to be sustainable. The gap between knowing and doing is just a small step, but the impact it can bring is enormous.

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Demand for Digital, Care Economy skills slated for growth: SkillsFuture SG As Industry 4.0 transforms the way we operate and work, the demand for digital and care economy skills is set to rise. As Benjamin Mah, Co-Chairman of the Talent Committee at @SGTech, highlighted, “Embracing new digital skills training today is not just an investment; it’s a business commitment in the new digital and care economy.” According to SkillsFuture SG, the following 11 skills are expected to see growth in the digital sector: Programming and Coding Software Testing Embedded Systems Programming System Configuration Management Qualitative Analysis Business Requirements Mapping Information Collection Sales Channel Management Product Development Software Design Market Research In the care sector, these 6 skills are deemed essential: Continuous Improvement Management Practice Supervision Effective Client Communication Staff Continuous Learning Staff Communication and Engagement Ethical and Professional Integrity At World Skill Center, Bhubaneswar, we are continually evolving our courses and learning offerings to better equip our students for technical and vocational education. It’s crucial to stay informed about the trends and the skills that organizations and economies identify as essential for empowering youth to embrace the future. https://lnkd.in/gnzwRWTR #DigitalSkills #SkillDevelopment #TVET #WSC Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE) Odisha Skill Development Authority - OSDA

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Thailand's post-pandemic out of home consumption is up 4.3% This is a good opportunity for FMCG brands to capitalize on changing consumer behavior. By leveraging data-driven insights, omnichannel presence, personalisation, and real-time agility, FMCG companies can stay ahead of the curve. AI is a game-changer, enabling brands to optimize inventory, personalize marketing, and predict demand with unprecedented accuracy. New entrants like Rare Beverage Company Limited and 6ty Water have a unique advantage. By embracing a digital-first approach, they can quickly build brand awareness, cater to convenience, and engage directly with consumers. Read More:

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