TFC Business Show

Thinking about automating your SME but worried about costs, employee pushback, and choosing the right tech? We dive into the real challenges and opportunities of business automation with seasoned experts:- Jeremy Au, Host, BRAVE Southeast Asia Podcast- Oliver Tian, Vice Chair, International Alliance of Robotic Associations & Vice-President, Global Robot Clusters—a 30-year AI veteran working with global robotics organisations- Jingjing Zhong, CEO, Superbench.ai, automating operations for home services companiesKey points covered:- Why automation isn't just about cost-cutting- How to evaluate if you're actually ready for AI- Simple frameworks for choosing the right tech solutions- Real stories of automation success (and failures!)- Practical ways to handle employee resistancePlus: Hear the surprising story of how Jingjing discovered her sales team was being mistaken for AI bots - but not for the reason you'd think!Tune in for actionable insights on transforming your business operations without breaking the bank.00:00 - Introduction02:06 - Why do you even need to care about AI or automation as an SME owner?03:36 - How should SME owners be thinking about cost structures and operations?09:00 - What is the upside of technology? What does it mean for me in number and cents?13:25 - Employee pushback: How to overcome inertia or roadblocks to adoption?18:24 - Competition is a big thing, How should SME think about this?24:05 - Buzzwords, technologies & grants; How do you pick a good vendor or advisor to help you make a good decision?33:48 - What are the success stories to expect from deploying technology and AI?---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

We are dive deep into the fascinating world of licensing and franchising with two industry veterans. - Dickson Low - President of Franchise and Licensing Association of Singapore (FLAsia) and Founder of iconic brand Manhattan Fish Market (MFM)- Danny Lee - CEO of Global Supply Chain Gong Cha, managing one of the world's leading bubble tea brandsWhether you're a business owner looking to scale, an entrepreneur exploring growth options, or just curious about how your favourite brands expand globally, this episode offers valuable insights into the business models that shape many of the brands we interact with daily.Highlights:- Business model insights into the key differences between licensing and franchising that most people don't realise- Behind-the-scenes insights into how global F&B brands like Gong Cha maintain consistency across countries- Creative ways businesses can leverage licensing to grow their brand- Common mistakes to avoid when entering the licensing and franchising spaceTune in to discover why licensing and franchising are more than just slapping a brand name on a product—and why getting it right requires both science and art.06:20 Question 111:33 Question 218:18 Question 321:21 Question 425:11 Question 529:49 Question 633:22 Question 736:36 Question 8---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Ever wondered what it takes to own and operate beloved food franchises like Marrybrown and A&W? Join our dive deep into the world of franchise opportunities with two industry heavyweights:• Kairul Azman - International Director Marrybrown, overseeing expansion across 16 countries• Andrew Khoo - CEO of The MUI Group, managing popular brands including A&W Malaysia and Benjamin BarkerKey discussion points:- The real costs and investment needed to own a franchise- How beloved brands stay relevant in today's competitive market- Innovation strategies in the fast-food industry- The truth about franchise operations and managementWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the business behind your favorite food chains, this episode offers valuable insights into the franchise world."An investor or franchisee shouldn't go in there thinking it's a hands-off investment. Go in there, fully understand the business, get your hands dirty." - Industry insight from this eye-opening discussion.Tune in to learn more about the opportunities and challenges in the franchise business landscape!---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Join us for a power-packed discussion with four industry veterans who know the ins and outs of business financing:- Dennis Poh (Legacy Consulting LLP) - Corporate services and fundraising strategist- Eldred Wee (Edenity M&A) - SME acquisition specialist- Waltson Tan (28 Falcon Law) - Legal expertise in business financing- Jeremy Au (BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech) - Tech ecosystem insiderOur expert panel dives into:- The overlooked questions you MUST ask before seeking funding- Why your best source of capital might be hiding in plain sight- Strategic approaches to grants, debt, and equity—and when to use each- The smart way to build banking relationships (before you need them)- Real talk on funding pitfalls and how to avoid themThis isn't your typical funding advice—our experts share candid insights from years of helping businesses navigate the capital landscape in Singapore and beyond. Whether you're running a traditional SME or a high-growth startup, you'll get practical strategies for making smarter financing decisions.Ready to master the funding game? Tune in for game-changing perspectives from those who've seen it all! 🎧00:00 - Intro02:48 - What has been your experience helping founders and owners looking for capital?06:23 - How have you seen people approach that question of sizing that quantum?10:10 - Fundraising as a process, any order or sequence? Gov grants first?15:27 - Debt vs Equity Fundraising20:08 - How much money should I borrow from bank and at what rate?22:52 - What should be the minimum gauge to consider invoice financing?25:34 - What is the horror story and preventing them?31:37 - When should people choose equity?37:01 - Timeline for fundraising39:48 - Panel contact---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Ever wondered how traditional businesses stay relevant in today's digital age? In this episode, we dive into fascinating stories of transformation with two entrepreneurs who've mastered the art of digitalizing "old-school" businesses:Key Guests:• Zames - Founder, CEO of [Repair.sg](http://repair.sg/), a tech-enabled handyman service with 17,000+ customers • Hoe Yeegn Lougn - Sales Director of CityMusic, a 55-year-old musical equipment businessWhat You'll Learn:- How a handyman service became an SEO powerhouse- The surprising shift in consumer behavior post-COVID- Why physical stores still matter in 2024- Creative ways to blend digital innovation with traditional service- The evolution from selling products to providing solutionsCurious how these entrepreneurs are defying industry stereotypes and growing their businesses? Tune in to discover their practical insights and transformation strategies.---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

From Sound of Music to supply chains, this episode takes you behind the scenes of European business expansion with a fascinating twist. Industry insiders reveal:- The hidden connection between Singapore and Austrian markets- Surprising cultural insights that most consultants won't tell you- Real stories of market entry victories (and failures)- The unexpected role of airports in European business strategyPlus: Learn why that "obvious" expansion strategy might be your biggest mistake!Whether you're:- Planning to take your business to Europe- Curious about international market dynamics- Looking for authentic insights beyond the tourist facade...this is the raw, unfiltered conversation you need to hear before making your next move.00:00 - Intro02:17 - What makes the Spanish and Austrian market interesting to Singapore Businesses looking to expand abroad?06:19 - What are some of the policies in place or resources available for business owners with products for the Spanish and Austrian market?16:34 - What are some hurdles/ issues for Singaporean businesses when entering the market?18:10 - Are there any localisation requirements for businesses entering?21:32 - Is there any institutions Singaporeans should reach out to if they are interested to venture into the Spain or Austrian markets?24:29 - What are the typical paths for business owners in expanding? 27:16 - What industries tend to do better in the EU?30:42 - What would you advise Singaporean firms entering Spain or Austria?---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.